Apply Now: Community Events Funding Program 2026/2027 (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The Ipswich City Council Community Events Funding Program provides grants of up to $5,000 excluding GST to eligible local not-for-profit community and sporting organisations for one-off projects, activities, and events that benefit the Ipswich community. Applicants can also request up to $2,500 excluding GST for bins and portable toilets, but must contribute at least 20% toward project costs. What Is the Ipswich Community Events Funding Program? The Community Events Funding Program is an initiative of Ipswich City Council that supports local not-for-profit organisations to deliver one-off community, sporting, and cultural activities. The program is intended to strengthen community wellbeing and contribute to a safe, inclusive, creative, and active Ipswich. Supported projects should provide a clear benefit to people living in the Ipswich Local Government Area (LGA). The program aligns with Council’s broader strategic priorities, including: Community events can create opportunities for residents to connect, participate, celebrate local culture, improve wellbeing, and build stronger community networks. The funding helps local organisations overcome some of the costs associated with delivering one-off events and activities. Projects are particularly encouraged where they contribute to: Funding can support eligible one-off projects, activities, sporting events, and community events that benefit the Ipswich community. Proposed activities should demonstrate a clear connection to at least one of the Council’s community development or active lifestyle priorities. The project should be a specific activity or event rather than an organisation’s general ongoing operations. Community Development Strategy Priorities Applications can align with one or more of the five pillars of the Community Development Strategy.

These are:

Capacity Building and Resilience – strengthening the ability of communities and organisations to respond to challenges. Wellbeing – supporting healthier and more positive community outcomes. Inclusion and Connectedness – encouraging participation, belonging, and social connection. Culture and Diversity – celebrating different cultures and strengthening community understanding. Civic Participation and Leadership – encouraging residents to participate in community life and develop leadership opportunities. Projects can also align with the goals of the Active Ipswich Strategy 2021–2031, particularly activities that encourage physical activity and participation. How Much Funding Is Available?

Eligible Community Events can receive:

Up to $5,000 excluding GST per application. An additional up to $2,500 excluding GST may be requested for the hire of bins and portable toilets, where required. Applicants must provide a minimum 20% contribution toward the project. The applicant contribution demonstrates that the organisation is also investing resources into the proposed event or activity. Who Is Eligible? The program is aimed at not-for-profit community organisations that operate or provide services within the Ipswich Local Government Area.

Eligible applicants must generally:

Be a not-for-profit community organisation. Operate or provide services within Ipswich LGA. Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN). Meet Council’s financial requirements. Have appropriate insurance. Comply with relevant Council regulations and requirements. Demonstrate that the proposed event or activity benefits the Ipswich community. Sporting groups may also be eligible where they meet the program requirements and their proposed activity aligns with the relevant objectives. Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not generally support:

For-profit organisations. Government agencies. Individuals. Schools, except eligible parents’ associations where a clear community benefit is demonstrated. Religious organisations applying for their core business activities. Medical organisations applying for their core business activities. Organisations that do not meet Council’s financial, insurance, or compliance requirements. Applicants should check the official program guidelines for any additional eligibility conditions or exclusions before submitting an application. What Makes a Strong Project? A competitive project should clearly demonstrate how the proposed event will contribute to the Ipswich community.

Strong applications should explain:

What the event or activity is. Who will participate or benefit. Why the activity is needed. How it supports Ipswich community priorities. How the event will improve wellbeing, inclusion, participation, culture, or community connection. How the organisation will manage the event. How the grant will be spent. What contribution the applicant will make. What outcomes will be achieved. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal according to the requirements of Ipswich City Council.

A practical application process is:

Confirm eligibility Check that the organisation meets the not-for-profit, location, ABN, insurance, and compliance requirements. Define the event Clearly identify the one-off project, activity, sporting event, or community event to be delivered. Identify community benefits Explain which Ipswich residents will benefit and how the event will contribute to community wellbeing or participation. Connect the project to Council priorities Demonstrate alignment with the Community Development Strategy or Active Ipswich Strategy. Prepare the budget Clearly identify the amount requested from Council, the required 20% applicant contribution, and any eligible expenditure such as bins or portable toilets. Prepare supporting information Provide evidence of organisational capacity, financial viability, insurance, and any other documentation required by Council. Submit the application Complete the Council’s application process and provide all requested information before the relevant deadline. Budget Planning Tips Applicants should ensure that the proposed budget is re