Call for Community Grants Program (Australia)

The City of Unley Community Grants Program September 2026 provides funding of up to AUD 5,000 for community projects that improve wellbeing, participation, sustainability, and quality of life for residents. The programme supports not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and eligible individuals delivering initiatives in recreation, arts and culture, community development, and environmental improvement within the City of Unley.

About the City of Unley Community Grants Program 2026

The City of Unley Community Grants Program supports locally driven projects that address community needs and create positive social, cultural, recreational, and environmental outcomes.

The programme aims to:

Improve community wellbeing and quality of life.
Support inclusive participation.
Strengthen local community connections.
Encourage innovation and collaboration.
Promote environmental sustainability.
Support initiatives aligned with the City of Unley Community Plan 2050 and Community Funding Policy.

The grant round is part of the City of Unley’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-led solutions.

Funding Details

The September 2026 Community Grants Program provides:

Maximum grant amount: Up to AUD 5,000 per project.
Total programme budget: AUD 88,000 for the 2026/27 financial year.
Funding rounds: Offered twice each year.

Funding can support eligible project expenses that directly contribute to community outcomes.

Supported Project Areas

The programme supports projects across four major areas:

Recreation and Physical Activity

Eligible projects may include:

Innovative recreation programmes.
Physical activity initiatives.
Community participation activities.
Projects encouraging healthy lifestyles and active living.

Arts and Culture

Supported activities may include:

Collaborative arts projects.
Cultural activities.
Creative community programmes.
Initiatives that increase access to arts and cultural experiences.

Community Development and Wellbeing

Projects may support:

Programmes for disadvantaged communities.
Activities supporting minority groups.
Community health and safety initiatives.
Learning and skill development opportunities.
Healthy eating programmes.
Equipment that improves community service delivery.

Environmental Sustainability

Eligible environmental initiatives include:

Community gardens.
Environmental education and awareness activities.
Streetscape improvement projects developed with Council.
Projects reducing water consumption.
Energy-saving initiatives.
Pollution reduction activities.
Vegetation improvement projects.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit community groups.
Community organisations.
Eligible individuals applying through an approved auspice organisation.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

Operate within the City of Unley area, or
Deliver activities that benefit City of Unley residents.
Have a current bank account in the organisation’s name.
Provide required supporting documents.

Organisations do not need to be incorporated but must demonstrate appropriate financial management arrangements.

Who Cannot Apply?

The following applicants are not eligible:

City of Unley staff.
Family members of Council staff.
Elected Members of the City of Unley.

Eligible Project Costs

Grant funding may support:

Project activities.
Equipment purchases.
Services required for project delivery.
Community engagement activities.
Educational resources.
Sustainability-related initiatives.

Quotes are required for purchases or services valued at AUD 500 or more, where applicable.

What Funding Does Not Support

The programme does not fund:

Ongoing salaries.
General operational expenses.
Retrospective costs.
Commercial activities.
Renovations or capital works.
Activities that are government responsibilities.
One-off events eligible under the Community Event Sponsorship Program.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Community Project Idea

The proposed project should:

Address a clear local need.
Provide measurable community benefits.
Support inclusion and participation.
Align with Council priorities.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should provide:

Completed application form.
Project description.
Detailed budget.
Required budget template.
Quotes for eligible purchases or services.
Supporting evidence where required.

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications must be submitted according to the City of Unley Community Grants Program requirements.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

Community need.
Direct benefits for residents.
Sustainability of project outcomes.
Innovation and creativity.
Educational value.
Alignment with Council priorities.
Community participation.
Financial need.
Volunteer involvement.
Accessibility for people with disability.
Promotional and evaluation plans.
Ability to secure additional resources.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed through a structured assessment process.

The process includes:

Review by Council Administration.
Assessment by a community representative.
Consideration by Council for final endorsement.

Successful applicants are notified after approval.

Requirements for Successful Applicants

Successful grant recipients must:

Complete a Grant Acceptance Form before receiving funds.
Use funding only for approved project purposes.
Complete a Final Financial Acquittal Report within 12 months after project completion.
Acknowledge the City of Unley’s support in promotional materials.
Obtain required Council approvals before starting the project.

Why This Grant Matters

Community grants help local organisations develop solutions that improve everyday life.

The programme supports:

Stronger community connections.
Better access to recreation and cultural activities.
Support for vulnerable groups.
Environmental improvements.
Local innovation and collaboration.

By funding community-led initiatives, the City of Unley encourages residents and organisations to create lasting positive change.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the community problem being addressed.
Demonstrate how residents will benefit.
Include realistic project budgets.
Show community involvement and partnerships.
Explain how outcomes will continue after funding ends.
Highlight accessibility and inclusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for activities outside the City of Unley area.
Submitting incomplete budgets.
Requesting funding for excluded costs.
Failing to explain community impact.
Providing unclear project timelines.
Ignoring accessibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible projects can receive grants of up to AUD 5,000.

Who can apply for the Community Grants Program?

Not-for-profit community groups, organisations, and eligible individuals applying through an auspice organisation can apply.

Do organisations need to be incorporated?

No. Organisations do not need to be incorporated but must have a current bank account in the organisation’s name.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports recreation, arts and culture, community wellbeing, learning, health, sustainability, environmental awareness, and community improvement projects.

Can individuals apply directly?

Individuals cannot apply independently. They must apply through an eligible not-for-profit community organisation.

Can grant funding be used for salaries?

No. Ongoing salary costs and general operational expenses are not eligible.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must complete acceptance requirements, deliver the approved project, acknowledge Council support, and submit a final financial acquittal report within twelve months.

Conclusion

The City of Unley Community Grants Program September 2026 provides valuable support for community-led projects that improve local wellbeing, participation, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Eligible organisations and community groups can access up to AUD 5,000 to deliver meaningful initiatives that respond to local needs.

Successful applicants must follow grant conditions, complete reporting and acquittal requirements, provide required documentation, use funds only for approved purposes, and acknowledge the City of Unley’s support in promotional materials.