Call for Applications: Get Local Community Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2027

The Get Local Community Grants program provides grants of up to $1,500 for small-scale community events and activities that strengthen local connection, wellbeing and resilience. Funding can support community-led celebrations, activation of community spaces, low-cost events and activities, and opportunities for local creatives and artists.

About the Get Local Community Grants Program

The program is designed to help community organisations and groups deliver accessible activities that bring residents together and strengthen community participation.

Priority is given to projects that:

Increase community connection and community wellbeing. Support community-led Christmas, New Year, Australia Day, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events. Activate community spaces and facilities. Provide free or low-cost community events and activities. Support local creatives, performers and artists. The program is particularly suited to small community initiatives that can deliver a clear local benefit without requiring a large budget. Grant Amount Successful applicants can receive up to $1,500. There is no mandatory applicant co-contribution, meaning applicants are not required to contribute matching funds toward the project. What Can the Grant Fund? Grant funding can be used for reasonable costs directly associated with delivering the approved community activity. Equipment that is integral to delivering the project. Applicants should ensure that requested costs are directly connected to the proposed activity and provide value for money. Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to:

Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations. Unincorporated community groups operating through an auspice arrangement with an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation.

Applicants must also hold:

$20 million public liability insurance. Other insurance appropriate to the proposed activity, where required. An auspice arrangement allows an eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisation to take legal and financial responsibility for an otherwise unincorporated community group. Who Is Not Eligible? The following types of applicants are not eligible to apply: Other applicant types specifically excluded under the program guidelines. Applicants should confirm their organisational eligibility before preparing an application. What Projects Are a Good Fit? Projects should have a clear connection to the local community and demonstrate how the activity will improve community participation, connection or wellbeing. Examples of potentially suitable activities include: A local event that activates an underused community space. A low-cost creative workshop involving local artists. A community activity designed to reduce social isolation and encourage participation. Why the Program Matters Small community activities can create meaningful opportunities for people to meet, participate and build stronger local relationships. The Get Local Community Grants program helps remove some of the financial barriers associated with organising these activities. By supporting venue costs, performers, catering, promotion, traffic management and other essential expenses, the grant enables community groups to deliver accessible local events without requiring a significant financial contribution. The program also creates opportunities for local artists and creatives to participate in community activities and contribute to vibrant public spaces. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the community need and the outcomes the activity will deliver. A strong application should clearly explain: What the project is – Describe the event or activity and what will happen. Who will benefit – Identify the community members, groups or residents who will participate. Why it is needed – Explain the local community need or opportunity being addressed. How the project supports the priorities – Link the activity to community connection, wellbeing, local celebrations, community-space activation or support for creatives. What the funding will pay for – Provide a clear and realistic budget for eligible expenses. How the activity will be delivered – Explain the proposed location, timing, organisers and key arrangements. Risk and insurance arrangements – Demonstrate that appropriate insurance and other necessary arrangements are in place. Unincorporated groups should also ensure that their auspice organisation is willing and able to take responsibility for the grant. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can improve the clarity of their proposal by: Clearly identifying the local community benefit. Connecting the project directly to one or more program priorities. Keeping the proposed activity realistic for a $1,500 grant. Providing a simple, balanced budget. Explaining how the event will remain accessible and affordable. Identifying the role of local artists or performers where relevant. Demonstrating that the required insurance is available. Avoiding costs that are unrelated to the proposed activity. Clearly explaining how the activity will strengthen community connection or wellbeing. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying as an ineligible organisation or individual. Failing to provide evidence of required insurance. Proposing activities with little connection to the program priorities. Including expenses that are not directly related to the project. Providing an unclear or unrealistic budget. Failing to identify who will benefit from the activity. Assuming that an unincorporated group can apply without an eligible auspice arrangement. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding is available? The Get Local Community Grants program provides up to $1,500 per grant. Is applicant co-funding required? No. No applicant co-contribution is required under the program. Who can apply? Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and unincorporated community groups with an appropriate auspice arrangement with an