Apply for Pilbara Ports Community Grants (Australia)

The Pilbara Ports Community Grants Program provides funding of up to $25,000 for eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that improve community wellbeing, safety, inclusion, education, sustainability, and liveability across the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Overview of the Pilbara Ports Community Grants Program

Pilbara Ports is inviting applications from not-for-profit organisations for its Community Grants Program, which supports projects that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to communities across the Pilbara.

The programme aims to strengthen community connections, improve regional liveability, and support initiatives that align with Pilbara Ports’ values of:

Safety.
Excellence.
Teamwork.
Integrity.
Care.

The grants encourage projects that create positive social, cultural, environmental, and economic outcomes for local communities.

Purpose of the Community Grants Program

The programme aims to:

Support community-led initiatives.
Improve wellbeing and resilience.
Encourage participation and inclusion.
Strengthen community partnerships.
Support vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Promote sustainable community development.
Build trust between Pilbara Ports and local communities.

Priority Areas

Funding supports projects that address community needs in areas including:

Community safety.
Community resilience.
Health and wellbeing.
Education.
Leadership development.
Workforce readiness.
Innovation.
Community participation.
Volunteering.
Cultural heritage.
First Nations initiatives.
Environmental sustainability.
Inclusion and accessibility.
Support for vulnerable communities.

Types of Projects Supported

Eligible projects may include:

Community infrastructure improvements.
Equipment purchases.
First Nations engagement initiatives.
Youth development activities.
Community events.
Training and development programmes.
Community health initiatives.
Education programmes.
Volunteer initiatives.
Sustainability projects.
Cultural activities.
Consumable items supporting community programmes.

Funding Details

The programme provides grants of up to:

$25,000 per application

Funding limits apply depending on the project category.

Infrastructure and Equipment

Funding available:

Up to $25,000

Supports projects involving community infrastructure and equipment that create ongoing benefits.

First Nations Engagement Projects

Funding available:

Up to $10,000

Supports initiatives that strengthen First Nations participation, cultural connection, and community engagement.

Youth Development Projects

Funding available:

Up to $10,000

Supports programmes that build skills, leadership, participation, and opportunities for young people.

Events, Training and Development, Community Projects, and Health Initiatives

Funding available:

Up to $5,000

Supports activities that improve community participation, skills, wellbeing, and connection.

Consumable Items

Funding available:

Up to $2,000

Supports essential consumable materials required for community activities.

Larger Funding Opportunities

Requests above $25,000 may be considered through the Community Partnership Program where projects demonstrate:

Long-term community impact.
Strong alignment with Pilbara Ports priorities.
Value for money.
Legacy benefits for communities.

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

Not-for-profit organisations.
Community organisations.
Charitable organisations.
Organisations delivering community benefit projects.

Applicants must demonstrate that their projects directly benefit communities where Pilbara Ports operates.

Eligible Locations

Projects should benefit communities including:

Onslow.
Karratha and surrounding districts.
Port Hedland.
Other Pilbara communities connected to Pilbara Ports operations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be an eligible not-for-profit organisation.
Deliver projects benefiting local communities.
Align with Pilbara Ports values and community investment priorities.
Ensure projects have not already started.
Meet previous funding obligations where applicable.

Projects must not commence within eight weeks of the relevant funding round closing date.

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

Funding will not support projects that:

Promote gambling.
Promote alcohol, tobacco, or substance abuse.
Support slavery or exploitation.
Promote political agendas.
Promote religious agendas.
Primarily benefit private businesses.
Primarily benefit individuals.
Fail to demonstrate community benefit.

Application Requirements

Applicants may need to provide:

Proof of not-for-profit status.
Insurance documentation.
Project details.
Budget information.
Supporting documents.
Evidence of community benefit.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed by the Pilbara Ports Community Grants Advisory Group.

Applications are evaluated based on:

Community Need

Reviewers consider:

Importance of the identified community issue.
Evidence demonstrating local need.
Benefits for community members.

Community Outcomes

Assessment considers:

Expected project outcomes.
Number of people benefiting.
Long-term impact.

Value for Money

Applications should demonstrate:

Responsible use of funding.
Realistic budgets.
Strong project planning.

Alignment with Pilbara Ports Priorities

Projects should demonstrate alignment with:

Pilbara Ports values.
Community investment objectives.
Regional development goals.

Successful Applicant Requirements

Successful organisations must:

Deliver the approved project.
Use funding only for approved purposes.
Provide financial acquittal reports.
Submit required documentation.
Acknowledge Pilbara Ports’ support in promotional materials.

Failure to meet reporting or acknowledgement requirements may affect eligibility for future funding.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Clearly explaining the community need.
Providing measurable project outcomes.
Demonstrating local community support.
Showing long-term benefits.
Providing a realistic budget.
Explaining how the project supports inclusion and accessibility.
Highlighting partnerships and collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can apply for up to $25,000 per application.

Who can apply for the Pilbara Ports Community Grants Program?

Not-for-profit organisations delivering community benefit projects in Pilbara Ports operating areas can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports projects related to community wellbeing, safety, education, youth development, First Nations engagement, sustainability, infrastructure, and inclusion.

Can organisations request more than $25,000?

Yes. Larger requests may be considered through the Community Partnership Program if they demonstrate significant long-term impact.

Can funding support community events?

Yes. Community events may be supported, with funding generally capped at $5,000.

Are businesses eligible to apply?

Projects primarily benefiting private businesses or individuals are not eligible. The programme is designed for community-focused initiatives.

Conclusion

The Pilbara Ports Community Grants Program provides valuable support for not-for-profit organisations working to strengthen communities across the Pilbara. By funding projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability, education, cultural connection, and community resilience, the programme helps create lasting positive outcomes for residents throughout the region.