Apply Now: Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant (Australia)

The Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant provides funding of $2,000 to $10,000 to support projects that create stronger, healthier, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable communities. The grant supports initiatives that improve community wellbeing, encourage participation, strengthen local connections, address climate challenges, and promote leadership and volunteering.

Overview of the Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant

The Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant supports community-led projects that improve social connection, environmental sustainability, and local participation.

The grant is designed to help organisations and community groups deliver projects that create positive outcomes for residents by:

Building inclusive communities.
Improving health and wellbeing.
Supporting environmental action.
Encouraging community leadership.
Strengthening local identity and connections.

The program recognises the importance of community-driven solutions in creating sustainable and resilient places.

Funding Available

Eligible applicants can apply for funding between:

$2,000 and $10,000

Funding supports projects that align with the grant priorities and demonstrate clear community benefits.

Grant Focus Areas

The Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant supports projects across three key areas:

1. Community Wellbeing and Participation

Projects should help create healthier and more connected communities by:

Encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.
Improving physical wellbeing.
Supporting mental wellbeing.
Increasing participation in community activities.
Creating opportunities for social connection.
Strengthening relationships between community members.

Examples of supported activities may include:

Community events.
Wellbeing programs.
Social inclusion activities.
Community engagement initiatives.

2. Environment and Climate Sustainability

The grant supports projects that improve environmental outcomes, including:

Responding to climate change impacts.
Reducing carbon emissions.
Supporting sustainable practices.
Moving towards a circular economy.
Reducing waste sent to landfill.
Increasing tree canopy and green spaces.

Projects may focus on:

Environmental education.
Sustainability workshops.
Community climate action.
Waste reduction activities.
Local biodiversity improvements.

3. Leadership, Volunteering, and Local Identity

The grant encourages community leadership by supporting projects that:

Develop volunteering opportunities.
Build local leadership skills.
Increase community participation.
Celebrate local culture and identity.
Highlight community contributions.

Who Is Eligible?

The grant is open to a wide range of community-focused applicants, including:

Eligible Organisations

Applicants may include:

Not-for-profit incorporated organisations.
Co-operatives.
Business associations.
Registered charitable organisations.
Schools and learning institutions delivering non-curriculum activities that primarily benefit the wider community.
Unincorporated community groups applying through an auspice organisation.
Creatives and sole traders delivering not-for-profit projects.
Aboriginal corporations.
Torres Strait Islander corporations.
Businesses located in the City of Onkaparinga delivering not-for-profit projects.

Eligible Project Types

Projects should contribute to connected and sustainable communities through activities that:

Improve community wellbeing.
Increase social participation.
Strengthen local relationships.
Support environmental sustainability.
Encourage volunteering and leadership.
Celebrate local culture and community identity.

Examples of possible projects include:

Community wellbeing programs.
Sustainability initiatives.
Environmental improvement activities.
Community education projects.
Cultural activities.
Volunteer-led programs.
Social inclusion projects.

Why It Matters

Strong communities depend on social connection, environmental responsibility, and active participation.

The Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant helps communities by:

Creating opportunities for people to connect.
Supporting healthier lifestyles.
Improving mental and physical wellbeing.
Building climate resilience.
Encouraging sustainable practices.
Supporting local leaders and volunteers.
Strengthening cultural identity.

The grant enables community organisations to address local challenges through practical, community-led solutions.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, organisations should confirm that they:

Meet the eligible applicant requirements.
Deliver a not-for-profit project.
Can demonstrate community benefit.
Align with at least one grant priority area.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Applicants should clearly explain:

The project purpose.
Community need being addressed.
Activities to be delivered.
Expected outcomes.
How the project supports sustainability or inclusion.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information

Applications may require:

Organisation details.
Project description.
Budget information.
Timeline.
Evidence of community benefits.
Partnership details where relevant.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their application according to grant guidelines and provide all required information.

Step 5: Deliver and Report

Successful applicants must complete funded activities and meet any reporting requirements.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects that do not provide community benefit.
Failing to connect the project with grant priorities.
Providing unclear budgets.
Missing required documents.
Applying for activities that are not delivered as not-for-profit projects.

Application Tips

To improve an application:

Clearly explain how the project benefits local communities.
Highlight measurable outcomes.
Show how the project supports sustainability or inclusion.
Demonstrate community involvement.
Provide a realistic and detailed budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant?

It is a funding program that supports projects designed to build inclusive, connected, and environmentally sustainable communities.

2. How much funding can applicants receive?

Applicants can receive between $2,000 and $10,000 for eligible community projects.

3. Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations, charities, schools for community benefit projects, community groups, creatives, sole traders delivering not-for-profit projects, Aboriginal corporations, Torres Strait Islander corporations, and eligible businesses.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Projects that improve wellbeing, community participation, sustainability, climate resilience, volunteering, and local cultural identity may be eligible.

5. Can schools apply?

Yes. Schools and learning institutions can apply for non-curriculum activities that primarily benefit the wider community.

6. Can businesses apply?

Yes. Businesses based in the City of Onkaparinga may apply if they are delivering a not-for-profit project.

7. Does meeting eligibility guarantee funding?

No. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. Applications must also demonstrate alignment with grant priorities and meet assessment requirements.

Conclusion

The Connected and Sustainable Communities Grant supports community-led projects that create healthier, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible communities. By funding initiatives focused on wellbeing, sustainability, leadership, and local connections, the program helps communities build a stronger and more resilient future.