Submit Applications for Small Project Grant (Australia)

The Hume City Council Small Project Grant provides up to AUD 10,000 to support innovative, community-led projects that strengthen participation, social inclusion, volunteer engagement, and community wellbeing across Hume, Australia. The grant supports short-term projects delivered within 6–12 months and is available twice each year to eligible not-for-profit organisations.

About the Small Project Grant

The Hume City Council Small Project Grant supports new and creative community initiatives that address local needs and generate positive social outcomes for Hume residents.

The programme is designed for short-term, outcome-focused projects with a clear beginning and end. It encourages locally driven solutions that strengthen community participation, build skills, improve access to services, and foster stronger, more connected communities.

Unlike operational funding, the grant does not support ongoing organisational running costs.

Focus Areas

The grant supports projects related to:

• Community participation
• Community-building initiatives
• Volunteer engagement
• Skills development
• Leadership development
• Collaborative community projects
• Research into community issues
• Awareness and education campaigns
• Access to services and information
• Volunteer training
• Social cohesion initiatives
• Anti-racism projects
• Projects addressing anti-social behaviour
• Gambling harm awareness and prevention
• Locally led community solutions

Funding Information

• Maximum grant amount: AUD 10,000
• Funding rounds: Open twice annually
• Project duration:
  • Minimum: 6 months
  • Maximum: 12 months

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

• Piloting a new programme or service
• Community research projects
• Awareness-raising campaigns
• Community education initiatives
• Volunteer recruitment and training
• Leadership development activities
• Collaborative projects between organisations
• Projects improving access to services and information
• Social cohesion and inclusion initiatives
• Anti-racism activities
• Projects addressing anti-social behaviour
• Gambling harm prevention and awareness activities

Eligible Expenses

Funding can be used for:

• Facilitator or trainer fees
• Support worker costs
• Volunteer training expenses
• Participant access support
• Project promotion and communications
• Materials and resources required for delivery
• One-off project implementation costs

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that most of the project budget is directed toward direct community benefit and programme delivery activities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit community groups
• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate proven project management capacity
• Deliver the project within Hume, or show clear benefits for Hume residents
• Have no outstanding debts with Hume City Council
• Have successfully acquitted any previous Hume City Council funding

Applicant Contribution Requirement

Applicants must provide a contribution equal to at least 50% of the requested grant amount.

Contributions may include:

• Cash contributions
• In-kind contributions
• A combination of both

Example:

• Grant request: AUD 10,000
• Required contribution: Minimum AUD 5,000

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Address an identified community need
• Deliver measurable outcomes
• Be innovative and community-led
• Have a defined start and end date
• Align with Hume City Council priorities, strategies, and policies
• Demonstrate community benefit and participation

Required Supporting Documentation

Applicants may be required to provide:

• Quotes for equipment purchases
• Additional quotes for significant project expenses
• Project budget documentation
• Evidence of organisational contributions

Providing multiple quotes may strengthen an application by demonstrating value for money.

Ineligible Activities

Funding cannot be used for:

• Ongoing organisational operating costs
• Council-owned activities
• Council-managed programmes
• Projects already funded by Hume City Council
• Events or activities operated by Hume City Council

How to Apply

Step 1: Discuss Your Project with Council

Applicants must consult with an appropriate Council Officer before submitting an application.

Relevant Council teams may include:

• Youth Services
  • For youth-focused projects
• Sustainability Team
  • For environmental initiatives
• Other Council departments
  • Depending on project focus

Step 2: Develop Your Project Plan

Prepare:

• Project description
• Budget
• Timeline
• Community impact information
• Evidence of organisational contribution
• Supporting quotes where required

Step 3: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application during an open funding round.

Step 4: Assessment Process

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with Council priorities
• Community need
• Innovation and creativity
• Organisational capacity
• Project feasibility
• Expected community outcomes
• Value for money

Tips for Applicants

• Speak with a Council Officer early in the planning process.
• Clearly identify the community need being addressed.
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and benefits.
• Show strong community involvement and participation.
• Provide realistic budgets and supporting quotes.
• Highlight collaboration with other community groups where relevant.
• Ensure the project is new and not already funded by Council.

Why This Grant Matters

The Small Project Grant enables community organisations to test new ideas, respond to emerging issues, and strengthen local participation. By supporting innovative, short-term projects, the programme helps build stronger, more connected, and inclusive communities while encouraging local leadership and community-driven solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much funding can an organisation receive?

• Maximum funding available:
  • AUD 10,000 per project

Who can apply?

• Eligible applicants include:
  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
  • Incorporated community groups
• Applicants must:
  • Have project management capacity
  • Benefit Hume residents
  • Meet Council compliance requirements

What types of projects are eligible?

• Community-building initiatives
• Volunteer development programmes
• Research projects
• Awareness campaigns
• Anti-racism initiatives
• Gambling harm prevention projects
• Social cohesion activities
• Collaborative community programmes

Can funding be used for ongoing operating costs?

• No.
• The grant only supports:
  • Short-term projects
  • One-off project activities
  • Outcome-focused initiatives

Is a contribution from the applicant required?

• Yes.
• Applicants must contribute at least 50% of the requested funding amount through:
  • Cash contributions
  • In-kind support
  • A combination of both

Do applicants need to speak with Council before applying?

• Yes.
• Consultation with a relevant Council Officer is mandatory before submitting an application.

What expenses can be funded?

• Facilitator fees
• Volunteer training
• Support worker costs
• Promotional activities
• Participant access support
• Project materials and resources
• Other direct project delivery costs

Conclusion

The Hume City Council Small Project Grant offers up to AUD 10,000 to support innovative, community-led projects that create positive social outcomes and strengthen participation across Hume. The programme is designed for short-term initiatives that address local needs, build community connections, develop skills, and deliver measurable benefits for residents through practical and impactful community action.