Apply for Community Events Funding Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Community Events Funding Program provides financial support to not-for-profit community and sporting groups in Ipswich to deliver one-off projects, activities and events that directly benefit local residents. The programme supports Ipswich City Council’s vision of a Safe, Inclusive, Creative and Active City and is aligned with the Council’s Corporate Plan, iFuture, the Community Development Strategy and the 2021–2031 Active Ipswich Strategy. Eligible organisations can request up to $5,000 (ex GST) per application, with an additional $2,500 (ex GST) available for eligible costs associated with hiring bins and portable toilets when required. Applicants must contribute at least 20% toward the project. Purpose of the Community Events Funding Program The programme is designed to empower local not-for-profit community and sporting organisations to deliver activities that strengthen community participation and benefit people living in the Ipswich Local Government Area.

The funding aims to:

- Encourage community engagement and participation. - Support local community and sporting organisations. - Deliver one-off projects, activities and events. - Contribute to a safe and inclusive community. - Encourage creative and active participation. - Support the priorities of Ipswich’s Community Development Strategy. - Advance the goals of the Active Ipswich Strategy. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request up to $5,000 (ex GST) for an eligible project, activity or event. Where required, applicants may also request an additional $2,500 (ex GST) for: - Hiring bins. - Hiring portable toilets. A minimum 20% applicant contribution is mandatory. Applicants should therefore ensure that their project budget clearly identifies the requested Council funding, the required contribution and any additional eligible costs. What Projects Can Be Supported? The programme supports one-off projects, activities and events that provide a direct benefit to residents of the Ipswich Local Government Area. A proposed initiative should demonstrate how it will: - Benefit Ipswich residents. - Encourage community participation. - Support community engagement. - Contribute to the city’s vision. - Address at least one relevant Community Development Strategy pillar or Active Ipswich goal. The programme is intended for community-focused initiatives rather than ongoing organisational operations. Community Development Strategy and Active Ipswich Alignment Applications must align with one or more of the five pillars of the Community Development Strategy and/or the goals of the Active Ipswich Strategy. Applicants should clearly explain which relevant pillar or goal their event or project supports and describe the expected benefit to the Ipswich community. Demonstrating this connection can help show that the proposed activity contributes to broader Council priorities rather than being an isolated organisational activity. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are not-for-profit community organisations that: - Operate within the Ipswich Local Government Area; or - Provide services within the Ipswich Local Government Area. - Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN). - Meet Council requirements relating to financial solvency. - Have appropriate insurance. - Meet relevant compliance requirements. Not-for-profit sporting groups can also apply where they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements and are delivering an eligible community-focused initiative. Who Is Not Eligible? The programme does not support applications from: - For-profit organisations. - Government agencies. - Individuals. - Schools, except parents’ associations where there is a broad community benefit. - Religious organisations applying for their core business. - Medical organisations applying for their core business. Political or religious groups seeking funding to promote their core beliefs are also not eligible for relevant activities. What Activities Are Ineligible? Several types of projects and expenses are excluded from the programme.

Funding cannot be used for:

- Projects conducted outside the Ipswich Local Government Area. - Operational costs. - Recurring costs. - Activities that have already begun. - Activities that have already been completed. - Fundraising-focused projects. - Projects run by political or religious groups to promote core beliefs. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project is a new, one-off initiative rather than part of normal organisational operations or an ongoing activity. Direct Benefit to Ipswich Residents A key requirement is that funded events must provide a direct benefit to residents of the Ipswich Local Government Area.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- Who will participate in the event. - How local residents will benefit. - How the initiative encourages participation. - How the activity contributes to community development. - How the project supports relevant Council strategies. Projects with a clear and measurable local community benefit are better positioned to demonstrate alignment with the programme’s purpose. Applicant Contribution Applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% contribution toward the project. This contribution should be reflected clearly in the project budget. When preparing the financial plan, applicants should distinguish between: - The amount requested from the programme. - The organisation’s required contribution. - Any other project income or contributions. - The additional amount requested for bins or portable toilets, where applicable. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly connecting their event to local community needs and Council priorities.

Key preparation steps include:

- Develop a one-off event or activity Ensure the proposed initiative is a specific project rather than an ongoing or recurring activity. - Confirm the Ipswich connection Demonstrate that the project will take place within the Ipswich Local G