The Community Grants Program provides financial support to local groups delivering projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion, cultural diversity, arts engagement, and environmental outcomes. It offers one-off grants across multiple categories including community development, events, equipment, and environmental initiatives. Funding is designed to support community benefit projects delivered by not-for-profit organisations and eligible groups.

Community Grants Program Overview

The Community Grants Program is a local funding initiative that supports community-led projects, events, and services.

It aims to strengthen social wellbeing, inclusion, cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

The program provides one-off financial support to eligible organisations delivering public benefit activities.

Purpose of the Program

The Community Grants Program focuses on improving community life through:

Enhancing community wellbeing and participation
Supporting inclusion and social cohesion
Promoting cultural diversity and engagement
Encouraging arts and cultural activities
Improving environmental outcomes at the local level

Funding Categories

The program is divided into four main funding categories:

Community Development

Maximum funding: $8,000
Supports programs that strengthen community wellbeing, inclusion, and participation

Equipment

Maximum funding: $3,000
Supports purchase of equipment that benefits community activities

Community Events

Maximum funding: $2,500
Supports public events that bring communities together

Community Environmental

Maximum funding: $2,500
Supports environmental improvement and sustainability initiatives

Additional note:

Up to $1,200 may be available per application (for 1 or 2 units depending on program structure)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Incorporated community group or organisation
Sporting group or not-for-profit organisation
School or kindergarten (or must be supported by an incorporated body)

Key requirement:

The organisation must demonstrate community benefit and not operate for private profit

Ineligibility Criteria

The program does NOT fund the following:

Repeat applications for projects already funded previously
Ongoing salaries or wage payments
Capital works or building development projects
Maintenance or repair of buildings and facilities
Operational costs such as electricity, gas, or running expenses
Government responsibility programs (e.g. curriculum-based school activities)
Items for private use (e.g. personal uniforms or shoes)
Retrospective funding (projects already started or completed)
Projects already funded through other Council mechanisms
Birthday or anniversary celebrations limited to internal members only
Political, religious, or exclusionary events
Events requiring entry fees or membership conditions
Travel reimbursements
Sponsorships or prize money
Gift vouchers or donations to third parties

Types of Eligible Activities

The program supports a wide range of community-focused initiatives such as:

Community development projects
Local public events and festivals
Environmental clean-up or sustainability projects
Equipment purchases for community use
Inclusive cultural and arts activities

How Funding is Used

Funding is provided as one-off grants to:

Improve access to community services
Encourage participation in local events
Strengthen social inclusion
Support environmental awareness and action
Build stronger, more connected communities

How the Community Grants Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify your project
Choose a community-focused activity that aligns with grant objectives.

Step 2: Select category
Decide whether your project fits under:

Community Development
Equipment
Community Events
Community Environmental

Step 3: Prepare application
Include project description, objectives, budget, and expected community outcomes.

Step 4: Confirm eligibility
Ensure your organisation is incorporated or properly auspiced.

Step 5: Submit application
Apply before the deadline with all required documents.

Step 6: Assessment process
Applications are evaluated based on:

Community benefit
Alignment with funding goals
Feasibility and impact
Budget clarity

Why the Community Grants Program Matters

This funding program strengthens communities by:

Supporting local initiatives that improve quality of life
Encouraging inclusive participation in community activities
Promoting environmental sustainability
Strengthening social connection and belonging
Enabling local groups to deliver meaningful public benefit projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for capital works or building upgrades
Including salaries or ongoing operational costs
Submitting retrospective (already completed) projects
Planning private or member-only events
Requesting funding for political or religious activities
Applying for items meant for personal use

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly show community benefit and public access
Choose the correct funding category
Provide a detailed and realistic budget
Ensure the project is not already underway
Highlight inclusion, diversity, or environmental impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Community Grants Program?

Incorporated community groups, not-for-profits, sporting organisations, schools, or kindergartens (with appropriate auspicing if required).

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Depending on category:

Up to $8,000 for Community Development
Up to $3,000 for Equipment
Up to $2,500 for Events and Environmental projects

3. Can individuals apply?

No, only organisations or groups are eligible.

4. Can funding be used for salaries?

No, ongoing wages or salary payments are not eligible.

5. Are capital works projects funded?

No, building upgrades or construction projects are not supported.

6. Can we apply for an event with entry fees?

No, events requiring entry fees or restricted access are not eligible.

7. Can we apply for something already completed?

No, retrospective funding is not allowed.

Conclusion

The Community Grants Program provides essential financial support for local initiatives that improve wellbeing, inclusion, culture, environment, and community participation. By funding grassroots projects across multiple categories, it enables organisations to deliver meaningful public benefit activities.

It plays a key role in strengthening connected, inclusive, and sustainable communities through accessible local funding support.