Open Call for Community Facilities Development Fund (Australia)

The Community Facilities Development Fund provides up to $10,000 to support community groups in improving, upgrading, and future-proofing public spaces through facility development projects. The fund supports projects that improve accessibility, safety, environmental sustainability, community participation, wellbeing, and local cultural identity.

Overview of the Community Facilities Development Fund

The Community Facilities Development Fund provides financial support to eligible community groups and organisations to improve public facilities and shared community spaces.

The fund focuses on projects that make community places more:

Inclusive and accessible.
Safe and welcoming.
Environmentally sustainable.
Active and connected.
Resilient to future challenges.

The program supports facility development works that strengthen community infrastructure and improve the experience of residents using public spaces.

Funding Amount

Eligible applicants can receive:

Up to $10,000 in funding

The grant supports facility improvement projects that create long-term benefits for communities and public spaces.

Fund Priorities

The Community Facilities Development Fund focuses on four key priority areas:

1. Liveability

Projects should improve the quality, accessibility, and usability of community spaces by:

Increasing inclusivity of public places.
Improving the quality of facilities.
Creating safer and more accessible travel opportunities.
Encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.
Supporting physical and mental wellbeing.

2. Community Participation

The fund supports projects that:

Increase community involvement.
Encourage participation in local activities.
Strengthen connections between residents.
Create welcoming spaces for diverse communities.

3. Environment and Sustainability

The fund encourages environmentally responsible improvements, including:

Reducing carbon emissions.
Improving climate change resilience.
Supporting circular economy practices.
Reducing waste sent to landfill.
Improving energy and water efficiency.
Enhancing biodiversity.

4. Leadership and Culture

The program supports initiatives that:

Encourage volunteering and community leadership.
Increase local participation.
Celebrate community identity.
Improve visibility of local cultures and contributions.

Who Is Eligible?

The Community Facilities Development Fund is open to eligible community organisations that manage or have access to public facilities.

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

Be a community-owned sporting facility, or
Have a formal partnership arrangement with the council.

Examples of council partnerships include:

Lease agreements.
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
Other formal facility management arrangements.

Eligible Organisations

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit incorporated organisations.
Community associations.
Co-operatives.
Registered charitable organisations.
Unincorporated community groups applying through an auspice organisation.
Aboriginal corporations.
Torres Strait Islander corporations.

Eligible Projects and Activities

Funding can support facility development works that improve community spaces.

Eligible improvements include:

Accessibility and Safety Improvements

Examples include:

Accessibility upgrades.
Public safety improvements.
Fencing improvements.
Lighting projects.
Bathroom upgrades.
Club changeroom improvements.

Community Facility Improvements

Eligible projects may include:

Shade structures.
Storage sheds.
Skylights.
Sporting surface upgrades.
Public murals.
Street furniture.
Landscaping on public land.

Environmental Sustainability Projects

Funding can support:

Natural shade solutions.
Green walls.
Nature play spaces.
Approved vegetation planting.
Rainwater tanks.
Solar panels.
Heat pumps.
Energy timers.
Insulation improvements.

Waste and Resource Management

Projects may also improve:

Waste management facilities.
Recycling infrastructure.
Resource efficiency within community spaces.

How the Fund Supports Communities

The Community Facilities Development Fund helps community organisations create stronger and more sustainable public spaces.

The funding can help communities:

Upgrade ageing facilities.
Improve accessibility for people of all abilities.
Create safer recreation environments.
Reduce environmental impacts.
Encourage volunteering and community leadership.
Protect local culture and identity.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation:

Meets the eligible organisation requirements.
Has a council partnership arrangement where required.
Owns or manages an eligible community facility.

Step 2: Identify the Facility Improvement Project

Develop a project idea that addresses one or more priorities:

Community wellbeing.
Accessibility.
Sustainability.
Environmental improvement.
Local culture.
Community participation.

Step 3: Prepare Project Information

Applicants should provide:

Description of the proposed works.
Explanation of community benefits.
Project costs and budget.
Timeline for completion.
Details of partnerships or facility arrangements.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit the completed funding application with all required supporting information.

Step 5: Deliver the Project

Successful applicants must complete approved facility improvement works according to funding requirements.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without a formal council partnership where required.
Proposing projects unrelated to facility improvement.
Failing to explain community benefits.
Not considering accessibility or sustainability outcomes.
Submitting incomplete project budgets.

Application Tips

To strengthen an application:

Clearly explain how the project benefits local residents.
Highlight improvements to accessibility and inclusion.
Demonstrate environmental benefits.
Include realistic cost estimates.
Show community involvement and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Community Facilities Development Fund?

The fund provides financial support to community groups for improving and future-proofing public spaces through facility development works.

2. How much funding is available?

Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 for approved community facility improvement projects.

3. Who can apply for the fund?

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations, charities, community groups with auspices, sporting facilities, Aboriginal corporations, and Torres Strait Islander corporations.

4. Does an organisation need a council partnership?

Yes. Applicants must either be a community-owned sporting facility or have a formal partnership arrangement with the council.

5. What types of projects can receive funding?

Funding can support projects such as accessibility upgrades, lighting, landscaping, sustainability improvements, shade structures, solar panels, water efficiency projects, and community facility upgrades.

6. Can funding support environmental improvements?

Yes. Projects that improve energy efficiency, biodiversity, climate resilience, and waste reduction are eligible.

7. Can unincorporated community groups apply?

Yes. Unincorporated community groups can apply through an eligible auspice organisation.

Conclusion

The Community Facilities Development Fund provides essential support for community organisations to upgrade public spaces, improve facilities, and create more inclusive and sustainable environments. By investing in accessibility, sustainability, wellbeing, and community connection, the fund helps build stronger and more resilient communities for the future.