Open Call: Yumaro Community Partners Donation Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The Yumaro Community Partners Donation Grants provide up to AUD 5,000 to support community projects that improve the lives of people with disability across Yumaro’s local service region in Australia. Funding is available for initiatives that improve accessibility, increase participation in sports, arts, education, and community activities.

Program Overview

The Yumaro Community Partners Donation Grants are designed to support community organisations delivering projects that enable people with disability to participate more fully in community life. The program funds practical initiatives that remove barriers, improve accessibility, and create inclusive opportunities for social, educational, recreational, and cultural participation.

The grants are offered periodically, depending on Yumaro’s funding capacity, with approved projects able to run for up to 18 months from the execution of the grant agreement.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Improve accessibility for people with disability.
• Increase community participation.
• Support inclusive sporting opportunities.
• Promote arts and cultural participation.
• Encourage educational and vocational learning.
• Build stronger and more inclusive local communities.
• Remove barriers to participation.
• Enhance quality of life for people with disability.

Priority Funding Areas

Funding supports projects involving:

• Accessibility improvements to community infrastructure
• Inclusive sporting activities
• Music programs
• Dance activities
• Visual arts projects
• Storytelling initiatives
• Creative and cultural participation
• Academic learning opportunities
• Vocational education and training
• Community inclusion projects

Funding Information

• Maximum Grant: AUD 5,000
• Project Duration: Up to 18 months

Funding is provided for eligible project activities that directly benefit people with disability.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Accessibility improvement projects
• Inclusive community activities
• Sporting participation programs
• Arts and creative activities
• Educational initiatives
• Vocational learning opportunities
• Project materials and eligible implementation costs

Ineligible Expenses

Funding cannot be used for:

• Purchase of land
• Wages and salaries
• Major construction works
• Capital expenditure
• Retrospective expenses
• Grant application preparation costs
• Ongoing administrative expenses such as rent and utilities
• Overseas travel

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be registered charities or not-for-profit organisations.
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Maintain an Australian bank account.
• Be permanent residents of Australia.
• Be located within:
  • Eurobodalla Shire, or
  • The southern zone of Shoalhaven City Council (south of Wandandian).
• Use funding only for eligible project activities.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Successful organisations must:

• Maintain appropriate financial records.
• Provide receipts demonstrating expenditure.
• Ensure personnel with more than incidental contact with people with disability hold a valid NDIS Worker Check.
• Hold a Working with Children Check where required.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Organisations listed on the National Redress Scheme’s list of institutions that have not joined or indicated their intention to join the scheme.
• Projects involving ineligible expenditure.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Organisational background
• ABN eligibility
• Proposed use of funding
• Benefits for people with disability
• Progress already made toward project goals
• Value for money
• Amount of funding requested
• Overall community impact

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your organisation:

• Meets all eligibility requirements.
• Operates within the eligible service region.
• Has a valid ABN and Australian bank account.

Step 2: Design Your Project

Develop a project that improves opportunities for people with disability through accessibility, inclusion, education, sport, or creative participation.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather:

• Organisational information
• ABN details
• Project description
• Budget
• Supporting documentation required under the application guidelines

Step 4: Complete the Application

Address:

• Eligibility requirements
• Assessment criteria
• Project objectives
• Expected outcomes
• Funding request

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Applications may be submitted:

• Through Yumaro’s online application form, or
• By email if the online form is unavailable.

Submit the complete application before the published closing date.

Step 6: Project Delivery and Reporting

Successful applicants must:

• Complete activities within 18 months.
• Maintain required compliance checks.
• Keep receipts and expenditure records.
• Report on grant outcomes if requested.

Why This Grant Matters

People with disability often face barriers that limit participation in community life. The Yumaro Community Partners Donation Grants help organisations create more inclusive communities by supporting projects that improve accessibility, increase participation, and promote equal opportunities.

The program contributes to:

• Greater social inclusion
• Improved community accessibility
• Increased participation in sports and recreation
• Expanded educational opportunities
• Enhanced artistic and cultural engagement
• Stronger local community connections

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting regional eligibility requirements.
• Including ineligible expenses such as wages or land purchases.
• Submitting incomplete supporting documents.
• Failing to demonstrate benefits for people with disability.
• Requesting funding above the maximum grant amount.
• Not addressing the assessment criteria.
• Missing the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain how the project benefits people with disability.
• Demonstrate measurable community outcomes.
• Present a realistic budget and implementation plan.
• Highlight partnerships and community support.
• Show progress already made toward the project.
• Ensure all compliance requirements are met.
• Submit complete supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Yumaro Community Partners Donation Grants program?

It is a community grant program that funds projects improving accessibility and participation for people with disability within Yumaro’s local service region.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations may receive up to AUD 5,000.

Who can apply?

Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations with an ABN, Australian bank account, and operations within Eurobodalla Shire or the eligible southern Shoalhaven region.

What projects are eligible?

Projects supporting accessibility improvements, sports participation, arts and cultural activities, educational opportunities, vocational learning, and community inclusion for people with disability.

What expenses cannot be funded?

The grant does not cover wages, land purchases, major construction, capital expenditure, retrospective costs, administrative expenses, grant writing costs, or overseas travel.

How long can funded projects run?

Approved projects may run for up to 18 months from the date the grant agreement is executed.

How are applications submitted?

Applications must be submitted using Yumaro’s online application form or by email if the online system is unavailable.

Conclusion

The Yumaro Community Partners Donation Grants provide valuable funding for community organisations working to improve inclusion and accessibility for people with disability. By supporting projects that enhance participation in sports, arts, education, and community life, the program helps build stronger, more inclusive communities while creating meaningful opportunities for people with disability across Yumaro’s local service region.

For more information, visit Yumaro.