Apply Now: Community Development Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 16-Oct-2026

The Community Development Grants from the City of Albany provide $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible local not-for-profit organizations and community groups to deliver projects that strengthen wellbeing, resilience, social connection, and community participation. Funding supports initiatives that create inclusive neighbourhoods, strengthen community organizations, and improve health and wellbeing for vulnerable, marginalized, or disadvantaged groups within the City of Albany. The Community Development Grants program supports community-led projects and activities that improve wellbeing and strengthen connections across the City of Albany. The program is designed to help local organizations and residents respond to community needs, bring people together, build stronger community groups, and support people who may experience disadvantage or vulnerability. Funding is available for eligible community-based projects and activities that contribute to the program’s priorities. Applicants must select one funding stream and address at least one of the program’s priorities. The priorities focus on creating connected communities, strengthening local organizations, and supporting vulnerable populations. Projects can support neighbourhoods by creating opportunities for people to participate, connect, and engage with their local community. Activities should contribute to stronger social connections and more inclusive community environments. The programme supports projects that strengthen the capacity and sustainability of community groups. This can include initiatives that help organizations develop their skills, improve their capacity, and become more sustainable in delivering community activities. Projects can focus on improving community health and wellbeing, particularly for marginalised or disadvantaged groups. Applicants should demonstrate how their project responds to an identified community need and benefits the people or groups being supported. Eligible projects can receive between $1,000 and $5,000. The funding is intended for community-based projects and activities that align with the program’s objectives and selected funding stream. Applicants should request an amount that is appropriate for the scale and needs of their proposed project. Funding can support a variety of direct project expenses.

Eligible costs may include:

Project expenses should be clearly linked to the proposed community activity. The Community Development Grants program does not support several types of expenditure or activities.

The grant cannot be used for:

Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget focuses on eligible project-related expenses. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit incorporated community organizations that: The program also allows unincorporated community groups and individuals to apply when they have an eligible incorporated sponsor. Unincorporated groups and individuals can apply if an incorporated sponsor based in Albany agrees to auspice the project. The sponsor provides the formal organizational structure through which the project can be supported and administered. Applicants using an auspice arrangement should establish the relationship with the sponsoring organization before applying. Only one application per organization is permitted per financial year. Organizations should therefore select and present their strongest eligible project rather than submitting multiple applications. Applicants must also have satisfactorily acquitted all previous grants received from the City before applying. A strong application should clearly demonstrate how the proposed project responds to a local community need.

Applicants should explain:

Projects supporting vulnerable or disadvantaged groups should clearly explain the barriers or needs experienced by the intended beneficiaries. Community wellbeing can be strengthened when residents have opportunities to participate in activities, develop relationships, and access supportive community networks. The program therefore focuses on projects that create practical opportunities for people to connect while also strengthening local organizations and responding to community needs. Local residents and community organizations often have direct knowledge of the issues affecting their neighbourhoods. Supporting community-driven initiatives can help groups develop activities that respond to local priorities while creating opportunities for participation, inclusion, and connection. The Community Development Grants program provides financial support for these local initiatives across the City of Albany. The Community Development Grants are a City of Albany funding program supporting local projects that improve community wellbeing, resilience, participation, and social connection. Eligible community projects can receive between $1,000 and $5,000. Not-for-profit incorporated community organizations based in the City of Albany or with a principal interest in the City can apply. Yes. Unincorporated groups can apply if they have an incorporated sponsor based in Albany that is willing to auspice the project. Individuals may apply through an eligible incorporated sponsor based in Albany. Projects can focus on inclusive and connected neighbourhoods, community-group capacity and sustainability, or health and wellbeing support for vulnerable, marginalised, or disadvantaged groups. No. Core organizational operating costs are not eligible for funding. No. Fundraising events are excluded from the program. An organization can submit one application per financial year. No. The program does not fund activities outside the City of Albany municipal boundary. The Community Development Grants provide $1,000 to $5,000 to support local projects that strengthen community wellbeing, resilience, inclusion, and social connection in the City of Albany. Eligible not-for-profit organizations, and unincorporated groups or individuals working through an incorporated Albany-based