Apply for Community Events Minor Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Sep-26

The Community Events Minor Grant provides funding of up to $5,000 per year to eligible not-for-profit community organisations and auspiced groups in the Gympie region to deliver public events that strengthen community participation, identity, and connection. The Gympie Regional Council grant can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, with applicants required to contribute at least 20% of the total cost.

About the Community Events Minor Grant

The Community Events Minor Grant is offered by Gympie Regional Council under its Community Grants Program. It supports community-led events that contribute to the social, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of communities across the Gympie region. The grant is intended for events that encourage residents to participate in community life, celebrate important occasions, activate local spaces, and strengthen relationships between community members. The program aligns with the Council’s Corporate Plan 2022–2027 and focuses on projects that demonstrate a clear public benefit and contribute to Council priorities. What Does the Grant Support? The grant supports community events that encourage local participation and create opportunities for people to connect.

Supported activities may include:

- Community celebrations and gatherings - Significant anniversaries and commemorations - Community milestones - Events that activate community spaces and facilities - Activities that strengthen local identity - Events that encourage participation from local and regional communities - Cultural and community-focused celebrations - Public events that contribute to social wellbeing Projects should demonstrate how the event will benefit the wider community rather than primarily benefiting a private group or individual. Grant Amount and Funding Contribution Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 per year. The grant can support projects for up to three years, subject to program requirements and approval. Gympie Regional Council can contribute up to 80% of the total eligible project cost. Applicants must provide at least 20% of the project cost as their contribution. For example, a project costing $6,250 could potentially receive the maximum $5,000 grant, with the applicant contributing at least $1,250. Eligible Event Expenses Grant funding can be used for reasonable costs directly associated with delivering an eligible community event.

Examples of eligible expenses include:

- Event coordinator fees - Venue hire - Entertainment and performance fees - Catering - Decorations - Marketing and promotional costs - Traffic management - Waste management - Other eligible costs directly related to delivering the event Applicants should ensure that proposed expenses are clearly connected to the event and provide value for money. Ineligible Expenses Some costs are not supported through the Community Events Minor Grant.

For example:

- International travel costs for judges - International travel costs for performers - International travel costs for event staff - Expenses that do not directly support the approved event - Costs that do not demonstrate a clear public benefit Applicants should review the Council’s current grant guidelines before preparing their budget. Who Is Eligible? The grant is primarily available to community organisations operating in the Gympie region.

Eligible applicants include:

- Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations - Unincorporated community groups operating under an eligible auspice arrangement An auspice arrangement allows an eligible organisation to take legal and financial responsibility for an otherwise unincorporated community group and its grant. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their proposed event will provide a public benefit and contribute to community participation within the Gympie region. Who Is Not Eligible? The program does not generally support applications from: - Individuals - Businesses - Organisations that do not meet the program’s eligibility requirements - Groups unable to demonstrate an appropriate auspice arrangement where required - Projects that do not provide a clear community benefit Applicants should confirm their organisational eligibility before submitting an application. Event Eligibility Requirements To qualify for funding, proposed events should meet the program’s core requirements.

Events must:

- Be community-led - Be open to the public - Take place within the Gympie region - Encourage local or regional participation - Foster community identity, connection, or participation - Demonstrate a clear public benefit - Align with relevant Gympie Regional Council priorities The strongest applications will clearly explain the community need for the event and the outcomes expected from the funding. Why Does the Community Events Grant Matter? Community events can play an important role in strengthening local networks and creating opportunities for residents to participate in community life. The grant helps community organisations overcome financial barriers associated with organising public events.

Funding can contribute to:

- Stronger community connections - Greater participation in local activities - Celebration of local identity and history - Increased use of community facilities and public spaces - Social and cultural engagement - Community wellbeing - Opportunities for local organisations and volunteers to collaborate By supporting locally led events, the program enables communities to develop activities that respond directly to local interests and needs. How the Funding Works The grant operates on a cost-sharing basis.

- Develop the event concept: Identify the purpose, target audience, location, activities, and expected community benefits.

- Prepare the event budget: Identify all expected income and expenditure and determine the amount requested from Council.

- Confirm the applicant structure: Ensure the organisation is incorporated or establish an appropriate auspice arrangement