Apply for Community Partnerships Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Nov-2026

The Cairns Regional Council Community Partnerships Grant supports eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver arts, cultural, sporting, and community events that strengthen social connection and celebrate local communities. Applicants can seek up to $25,000 excluding GST in financial support, while in-kind assistance valued below $5,000 excluding GST can be requested throughout the year. What Is the Cairns Regional Council Community Partnerships Grant? The Community Partnerships Grant is a funding program offered by Cairns Regional Council to help not-for-profit organisations deliver community-focused events and activities within the Cairns region. The program supports initiatives that create positive social outcomes, encourage community participation, celebrate local culture and traditions, and improve the wellbeing of residents. Activities that support disadvantaged or underrepresented communities Events that strengthen community participation and inclusion The program can provide either direct financial assistance or in-kind support, depending on the type and value of assistance requested. Why the Community Partnerships Grant Matters Community events can provide important opportunities for residents to connect, participate, and celebrate their local identity. The grant is intended to strengthen the capacity of community organisations while supporting activities that deliver measurable benefits to the Cairns community. The program particularly values projects that: Strengthen social cohesion and community connections Applicants should confirm their organisational eligibility with Cairns Regional Council before submitting an application if their legal or operational structure is unclear. What Activities Can Be Funded? The grant supports activities that provide community, cultural, arts, sporting, or social benefits within the Cairns region. Activities outside Cairns Regional Council boundaries Gifts Prize money Alcohol products Tobacco products Applicants should carefully separate eligible event delivery costs from general organisational expenses when preparing their budget. How to Apply for the Community Partnerships Grant Applications must be submitted through the Cairns Regional Council online application portal.

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility

Check that the organisation:

Has an eligible not-for-profit structure Operates within the Cairns Regional Council area Does not have outstanding Council grants or overdue payments Is proposing an eligible community, arts, cultural, or sporting activity

2. Define the Project

Clearly describe:

What the event or activity is Where it will take place Who will participate Why the activity is needed How it will benefit the local community

3. Prepare the Budget

Provide a realistic project budget showing expected costs and the amount of Council assistance requested. The maximum financial grant request is $25,000 excluding GST. For in-kind assistance, requests below $5,000 excluding GST may be submitted throughout the year.

4. Gather Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare the required supporting documentation, which may include: Evidence of not-for-profit status Venue booking confirmation Public liability insurance Financial statements Other documents requested through the application portal

5. Discuss the Proposal With Council

Applicants are encouraged to speak with Council officers before submitting their application. This can help applicants understand the program requirements and ensure that the proposed project is suitable for funding.

6. Submit the Application Online

Complete the application through the Council’s online portal and provide all required information and supporting documents. Incomplete applications may be disadvantaged during assessment. How Are Applications Assessed? Cairns Regional Council considers several factors when assessing applications.

Key assessment considerations include:

Community benefit: The extent to which the activity benefits local residents.

Strategic alignment: How well the proposal aligns with regional and community priorities.

Social outcomes: The contribution to inclusion, connection, wellbeing, and participation.

Applicant capacity: Whether the organisation has the skills and resources to successfully deliver the activity.

Quality of the proposal: The clarity, feasibility, and overall strength of the proposed event or activity.

Successful applicants will enter into a formal funding agreement with Council. What Happens After Funding Is Approved? Successful organisations must use the funding in accordance with the approved funding agreement. Applicants are responsible for delivering the funded activity and meeting Council’s reporting requirements. The grant must be acquitted within two months of the event’s conclusion. Organisations should therefore maintain accurate records of: Project expenditure Event delivery

Participation

Outcomes Supporting financial documentation Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can improve their proposals by clearly connecting the proposed activity to community needs and Council priorities. Demonstrate Local Impact Explain who will benefit and how the activity will improve community participation, connection, inclusion, or wellbeing. Provide a Clear Budget Make sure every requested expense is understandable and directly connected to delivering the event. Show Organisational Capacity Explain the organisation’s experience, partnerships, volunteers, resources, and ability to manage the proposed activity. Address Disadvantage and Inclusion Where relevant, explain how the project will reach people who experience disadvantage or groups whose voices are not always represented. Apply Before the Activity Occurs The funding cannot be used retrospectively for activities that have already taken place. Check All Supporting Documents Missing evidence of not-for-profit status, insurance, venue arrangements, financial information, o