Call for Micro Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

The Bundaberg Regional Council Micro Grants Program provides grants of up to $2,000 to eligible local not-for-profit community groups and associations for projects and events that address identified community needs in the Bundaberg region. Funding supports initiatives that demonstrate clear community benefit, value for money, and alignment with the Council’s Community Development Strategy, Sport and Recreation Strategy, and Vibrant Communities Strategy. Bundaberg Regional Council Micro Grants – Overview The Micro Grants Program supports community-led projects and events within the Bundaberg Regional Council area of Queensland, Australia. The program is designed to help local community groups and associations deliver small-scale initiatives that respond to community needs and contribute to Council’s strategic priorities. Funding decisions consider whether a proposed project: - Provides a clear benefit to the community. - Represents value for money. - Addresses an identified local need. - Aligns with relevant Council strategies. - Can be delivered within the required timeframe. Key Grant Details

- Funder: Bundaberg Regional Council

- Program: Micro Grants Program

- Location: Bundaberg Regional Council area, Queensland, Australia

- Maximum grant: $2,000 per application

- Eligible applicants: Local not-for-profit community groups and organisations

- Application platform: SmartyGrants

- Application rounds: 12 rounds per financial year

- Assessment: Applications are assessed at the beginning of the month following the application round

- Outcome notification: Within 10 working days after the round closes

What Does the Micro Grants Program Support? The program supports projects and events that respond to community needs and align with Council’s strategic priorities. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity contributes to one or more relevant Council strategies, including: - Community Development Strategy - Sport and Recreation Strategy - Vibrant Communities Strategy Projects should have a clear purpose and provide tangible benefits to people in the Bundaberg region. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must meet the program’s organisational and local community requirements.

Applicants must be:

- A Bundaberg Regional Council-based not-for-profit group or organisation. - An organisation whose majority of members reside in the Bundaberg area. - Able to provide proof of not-for-profit status. - Able to provide a current Public Liability Certificate. - Compliant with any previous Council grant requirements. Organisations must have satisfactorily acquitted previous Council grants before receiving further funding. Auspicing Arrangements Eligible organisations may auspice one other application per round, provided they meet all relevant eligibility requirements. Peak bodies based outside the Bundaberg Local Government Area may also auspice local branches that are directly affiliated with them. An auspicing organisation takes responsibility for meeting the applicable grant requirements and supporting the eligible local applicant. How Much Funding Is Available?

The maximum grant is:

$2,000 per application. However, applicants should also consider Council’s broader financial assistance rules. An applicant may receive only one allotment of Council financial assistance per financial year from any of the following programs: - Fee Waiver - Sponsorship - Community Grants Program The exception is the Special Events Grant. Applicants should therefore consider any other Council assistance they have received or plan to request during the same financial year. Application Rounds and Timelines The Micro Grants Program operates through 12 rounds each financial year.

The standard round cycle is:

- Round opens: First day of the month.

- Application deadline: Last Friday of the month.

- Assessment: Beginning of the following month.

- Outcome notification: Within 10 working days after the round closes.

- Project start restriction: Projects or events cannot commence within 10 working days after the grant round closes.

Applicants should plan their project timeline carefully and allow sufficient time between submitting the application and starting the proposed activity. How to Apply

Step 1: Identify a Community Need

Define the local issue or community need that the project or event will address. Explain why the activity is needed and who will benefit.

Step 2: Connect the Project to Council Priorities

Show how the proposed activity aligns with the: - Community Development Strategy - Sport and Recreation Strategy - Vibrant Communities Strategy A clear connection to Council’s strategic priorities can help demonstrate the project’s relevance.

Step 3: Confirm Organisational Eligibility

Before applying, ensure the organisation:

- Is based in the Bundaberg Regional Council area. - Meets the not-for-profit requirements. - Has the required proof of status. - Holds a current Public Liability Certificate. - Has satisfactorily acquitted previous Council funding, where applicable.

Step 4: Prepare the Project Plan

Clearly describe:

- Project or event objectives - Community need - Target participants - Activities - Location - Expected community benefits - Project timeline - Total project cost - Amount requested from Council

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Provide a realistic budget that demonstrates value for money. Clearly explain how the requested $2,000 or lower amount will contribute to the project.

Step 6: Submit Online

Applications are submitted online through SmartyGrants during the applicable monthly round.

Step 7: Wait for the Outcome Before Starting

Do not schedule the project or event to commence within the prohibited period following the round closure. Allow the required 10 working days after the round closes before commencing the activity. Why the Micro Grants Matter Small grants can help local organisations turn community ideas into practical activities without requiring large-scale funding. T