Community Grants Program

Overview

Federation Council is committed to a community grants program to provide support, recognising the valuable contribution of community projects and events.

This program supports initiatives that provide social and economic benefits and positively influence the vibrancy, liveability, and connectedness of the Federation Council area. For every $1 invested by the Council through this program, the community generates an additional $4.77 in value.

Funding is available for start-up programs, community-led projects, minor equipment, and events.

The program provides one funding round each financial year.

View the full guidelines here.

Aim

The program aims to support and empower local clubs and not-for-profit community organisations to deliver activities, programs, projects, and events that contribute to the vibrancy of the Federation Council area.

Objectives

The Community Grants Program objectives are:

• Increase the range of, and access to, recreational, social, cultural, and environmental activities, programs, and services.
• Reflect the community’s priorities and vision as outlined in the Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2040 and Operational Plan 2025-2026.
• Provide for the inclusion and participation of all community members, enabling vulnerable individuals and groups to participate.
• Foster community partnerships and encourage cooperation between groups, organisations, and council.
• Promote Federation Council as a vibrant, diverse place to live and visit.
• Encourage community pride and allow communities to promote their towns and villages.
• Enhance the health and wellbeing of the community and support a safer, more resilient community.

Funding Available

The total allocation is $43,000 per annum. Funding allocations are available per application for up to $5,000 each. Programs in future years will be subject to the annual budget allocation.

Key Priority Areas

All applications must align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2040 and current Operational Plan.

Applicants must demonstrate how funds will benefit Federation Council residents and state which priority is being addressed.

Priority areas include:

• Arts And Culture.
• Accessibility and Inclusion.
• Children and Families.
• Community Work and Welfare.
• Events & Tourism.
• Health Promotion.
• Seniors (Ageing Well).
• Sports and Recreation.
• Skill Development and Learning.
• Volunteers.
• Young People.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must demonstrate some level of fundraising and financial contribution, which can include financial or in-kind assistance. It is not Council’s intention to fully fund projects.

Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a not-for-profit community-based organisation, group or club.
• Must be incorporated or auspiced by another incorporated organisation.
• Be located within, or offer a project within, the Federation Council Local Government Area.
• Have public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of $20 million that covers the project, event or program.
• Conduct the project primarily for the benefit of the Federation community.
• Have acquitted previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Council.
• P&C or P&F or local health associations must apply in partnership with another community organisation or demonstrate significant wider community benefit.

Project Eligibility

Eligible projects must:

• Be located within the geographical boundaries of the Federation Council.
• Be open and physically accessible to the general public.
• Have a social, cultural, economic, or environmental benefit to the community.
• Service a significant number of Federation residents.