Call for Applications: Community Growth Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 27-Sep-2026

The Shire of Northam’s Community Growth Grant provides $2,001 to $10,000 (excluding GST) to incorporated not-for-profit community groups and sporting clubs for projects that strengthen social wellbeing, organisational capacity, community development, and sustainability. Eligible projects can include strategic planning, feasibility studies, building upgrades, training, organisational development, and major community events, with projects required to benefit residents of the Shire of Northam. What Is the Community Growth Grant? The Community Growth Grant is part of the Shire of Northam’s Community Grants Program in Western Australia. It supports local not-for-profit organisations undertaking projects that contribute to the social wellbeing, development, sustainability, and resilience of the Northam community. The grant is intended for projects that create lasting community benefits rather than routine organisational activities. Funding can help community groups and sporting clubs strengthen their operations, improve facilities, develop their organisations, and deliver significant projects or events. Community Growth Grant Funding Eligible applicants can request grants within the following range:

- Minimum grant: $2,001 excluding GST

- Maximum grant: $10,000 excluding GST

- Upfront payment: 90% of the approved funding

- Final payment: 10% following project completion and acquittal

- Project completion period: Within 18 months of receiving the grant

Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget clearly demonstrates how the requested funding will contribute to the project’s outcomes. What Projects Can the Grant Support? The Community Growth Grant supports a range of strategic and community-focused activities.

Eligible projects may include:

- Development or implementation of strategic plans - Feasibility studies - Building upgrades or maintenance - Training and professional development for committee members - Training for club officials - Organisational development initiatives - Capacity-building activities for community groups - Development projects for local sporting clubs - Major community projects - Major events that are accessible to the wider Shire community Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to local residents and contribute to the long-term development or sustainability of the organisation or community. Why Does the Community Growth Grant Matter? Community organisations and sporting clubs often play an important role in creating connected, active, and resilient communities but may have limited resources for strategic development or larger projects. The Community Growth Grant can help local organisations: - Improve organisational capacity - Strengthen governance and planning - Develop sustainable community services - Improve community facilities - Build the skills of volunteers and committee members - Support local sporting development - Deliver major community events - Address identified community needs - Create benefits for residents across the Shire By supporting both organisational development and community projects, the program aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability of local community organisations. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must generally meet the following requirements: - Be an incorporated not-for-profit community group or sporting club. - Operate within the Shire of Northam. - Propose a project that benefits residents of the Shire. - Make the project available to the whole community or an identified target group. Organisations that are not based in the Shire may be able to apply through an auspice arrangement with a local incorporated organisation. An auspice arrangement allows an eligible incorporated organisation to formally support an organisation that does not independently meet the incorporation requirements. Eligible Community Beneficiaries Projects should provide meaningful benefits to people living in the Shire of Northam.

The proposed activity may benefit:

- The wider community - Local community groups - Sporting participants - Volunteers - Specific community or target groups - People who would benefit from improved local facilities or services Applicants should clearly explain who will benefit and how the project will create measurable or lasting value. What Costs and Activities Should Applicants Consider? Applicants should develop a realistic project budget and identify the costs necessary to deliver the proposed activity. Depending on the project, funding may contribute to activities such as: - Strategic planning - Feasibility work - Facility improvements - Organisational development - Professional development - Committee and volunteer training - Community project delivery - Major event-related activities Applicants should check the current grant guidelines carefully to confirm whether individual expenditure items are eligible before including them in the budget. Required Application Documents Applicants are expected to provide supporting documentation with their application.

This may include:

- Completed application form - Detailed project budget - Required quotations - Certificate of incorporation - Public liability insurance documentation, where applicable - Other supporting evidence relevant to the proposed project Quotes and supporting documents should be clear and current so the Shire can assess whether the proposed costs are reasonable. How to Apply Applicants can follow these steps when preparing their Community Growth Grant application: - Confirm eligibility Check that the organisation meets the incorporation, location, not-for-profit, and community-benefit requirements. - Define the project Clearly explain what the organisation wants to achieve and why the project is needed. - Identify community benefits Describe how the project will improve social wellbeing, development, sustainability, participation, or organisational capacity. - Prepare a detailed budget List expected project costs and identify th