Dorset Council Community Grants Program – Australia

Deadline: 18-Sep-2024

Dorset Council is offering three grants to community groups under the Community Grants Program.

Grant Streams

• Depending on the type of project and the funds required, community groups can apply for one of three grants from a total pool of $55,000.
  • Small Grants stream 
    • Dorset Small Grants contribute to community life in Dorset. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for financial assistance towards programs, projects or events that improve the wellbeing of people living in Dorset.
    • Funding Available
      • Applications for funding of up to $2,000.00 (excluding GST) are invited
  • Matching Fund Grants stream 
    • Dorset Community Matching Fund Grants provide community groups with Council resources for community-driven projects that enhance and strengthen the Dorset community. All projects are initiated, planned and implemented by community members in partnership with Council.
    • Every award is matched by resources of volunteer labour, donated materials, donated professional services or cash. Community building is core to project success: the process of bringing people together and building relationships is as important as project results.
    • Funding Available
      • Applications for funding of up to $15,000.00 (excluding GST) are invited with a matching dollar value cash or in-kind contribution from the requesting group.
  • Councillors Discretionary Grants stream 
    • Dorset Councillors Discretionary Grants provide community groups with funding for projects that are on Council-owned or managed land.
    • Funding Available
      • Applications for funding of up to $15,000.00 (excluding GST) are invited.

What may be funded?

• Small Grants stream and Matching Fund Grants stream 
  • Projects or events which contribute to the quality of community life in Dorset;
  • Projects which address a clearly demonstrated community need;
  • Purchase of equipment to support a project or activity;
  • Minor capital works (subject to obtaining relevant approvals and permits);
  • Community workshops or seminars for members of voluntary management committees.
• Councillors Discretionary Grants stream 
  • Projects that respond to local community issues;
  • Projects that increase participation in community sport, recreation, physical health and activity;
  • Arts and cultural projects that stimulate the local community’s creativity and cultural development.

What will not be funded?

• Late or incomplete applications;
• Applications that have submitted quotes which are more than 3 months old at the closing date of the relevant grant round they are applying under;
• Duplicate of an existing public or private program;
• Projects/programs not delivered in the Dorset municipality;
• Support programs or services;
• Applications seeking retrospective funding for projects that commence prior to closure of the grant round;
• Established Events.

Eligibility Criteria

• Community based groups and community-based organisations who want to do a project to build stronger connections in the Dorset community;
• Not be applying, during the same grant round, under another grant stream (of the Council’s Community Grants Program) for the same project;
• Be an organisation that operates or delivers services in the Dorset municipal area.

For more information, visit Dorset Council.