Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Community Participation Grant provides up to $3,000 in quick-response funding to support local not-for-profit organisations in delivering inclusive community activities. It focuses on strengthening participation, wellbeing, and social connection through events, training, sports, and small-scale community projects. The grant also supports essential costs such as equipment, accessibility services, and short-term staffing.
Overview
The Community Participation Grant is a small-scale, fast-access funding programme designed to help community organisations respond quickly to local needs.
It supports initiatives that build:
- Social inclusion
- Community wellbeing
- Local participation
- Stronger community connections
The grant is intended for time-sensitive projects that fall outside standard annual funding cycles.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to strengthen community cohesion through accessible, inclusive activities.
Core objectives include:
- Increasing community participation in local activities
- Supporting wellbeing and social connection
- Encouraging inclusive engagement for priority groups
- Enabling small-scale community-led initiatives
- Strengthening local organisational capacity
- Supporting quick-response community needs
Priority Focus Areas
The grant supports a wide range of community-driven activities.
1. Community Events
2. Training and Capacity Building
- One-off workshops
- Leadership development sessions
- Skills training for community groups
3. Sports and Recreation Programs
- Community sports activities
- Physical wellbeing initiatives
- Inclusive recreational programs
4. Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Projects
- Mental health and wellbeing initiatives
- Programs for priority or vulnerable groups
- Community connection activities
5. Sustainability and Local Development Projects
- Environmental or sustainability initiatives
- Community improvement projects
- Local development activities
6. Equipment and Infrastructure Support
- Small-scale equipment purchases
- Tools that support long-term community use
- Resources that improve participation and delivery
Funding Details
The programme provides small, fast-turnaround funding for community initiatives.
Grant amount:
- Up to $3,000 per project
Funding type:
- Quick-response community grant
- Small-scale project funding
Eligible Applicants
The grant is designed for local community organisations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit community organisations
- Community groups and clubs
- Incorporated associations
- Unincorporated groups with an auspicing organisation
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific administrative and compliance conditions.
Organisational requirements:
- Must be an incorporated organisation OR
- Be auspiced by an incorporated body
Compliance requirements:
- Must hold valid public liability insurance
- Must have no outstanding debts to Council
- Must have properly acquitted previous Council grants
- Must provide required financial statements and documentation
Legal compliance:
- Activities must comply with:
- Local laws
- State regulations
- Federal laws
Eligible Costs
The grant supports a wide range of community delivery expenses.
Fundable items include:
Program delivery costs
- Temporary staff (e.g., project workers, instructors)
- Workshop facilitators
Operational costs
- Printing and advertising
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Venue hire (within limits)
Participation support costs
- Transport assistance
- Disability support services
- Interpreter and translation services
Community engagement costs
- Volunteer expenses
- Light catering or refreshments
Equipment
- Small-scale equipment
- Items that provide long-term community benefit
Program Approach
The grant is designed for fast, flexible, and community-responsive funding.
Key principles:
- Quick decision-making and funding response
- Focus on small but meaningful impact
- Encourages inclusive participation
- Supports grassroots community initiatives
- Prioritises accessibility and engagement
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to strengthen local communities.
Key outcomes include:
- Increased community participation
- Improved social inclusion
- Stronger community wellbeing
- Greater engagement of priority groups
- Enhanced local organisational capacity
- More connected and resilient communities
Why This Programme Matters
The grant plays an important role in enabling community organisations to respond quickly to emerging needs.
Key benefits:
- Supports grassroots community action
- Improves inclusion and accessibility
- Strengthens local social networks
- Enables rapid response to community needs
- Encourages participation from diverse groups
- Builds healthier and more connected communities
How It Works / Application Process
Step-by-step process:
- Identify a community need or opportunity
- Design a small-scale, time-sensitive project
- Ensure alignment with participation and wellbeing goals
- Confirm organisational eligibility and compliance requirements
- Prepare supporting documentation (financials, insurance, etc.)
- Submit application for quick-response funding
- If approved, implement project and deliver outcomes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Eligibility mistakes:
- Not having incorporation or valid auspicing
- Missing public liability insurance
- Outstanding debts or unacquitted previous grants
Proposal mistakes:
- Large-scale or long-term projects outside scope
- Weak focus on participation or inclusion
- Lack of clear community benefit
Budget mistakes:
- Including ineligible costs
- Overestimating equipment or staffing needs
- Poor justification for expenses
Tips for Strong Applications
- Keep the project small, focused, and realistic
- Clearly define community need and target group
- Emphasise inclusion and participation outcomes
- Show how the project strengthens community wellbeing
- Use simple and well-structured budgets
- Highlight long-term benefit where equipment is requested
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Community Participation Grant?
It is a quick-response funding programme supporting small community projects that improve participation, wellbeing, and inclusion.
How much funding is available?
Up to $3,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit community groups, clubs, and organisations, including those with an auspicing body.
What types of activities are supported?
Community events, sports, training, wellbeing activities, inclusion programs, and small-scale equipment purchases.
Can funding be used for staff?
Yes, temporary staff such as instructors or project workers may be funded.
Is equipment eligible?
Yes, small-scale equipment that provides long-term community benefit is eligible.
What is the main goal of the programme?
To strengthen community participation, wellbeing, and social connection through small, inclusive initiatives.
Conclusion
The Community Participation Grant is a fast-access funding programme designed to support grassroots community organisations in delivering inclusive, small-scale initiatives. By funding events, training, wellbeing activities, and essential equipment, it strengthens local participation, improves social inclusion, and builds more connected and resilient communities.
For more information, visit Merribek City Council.