Call for Proposals: Small Grant Individuals Program (Australia)

Deadline: 31-May-27

The Alexandrina Council Small Grants Program supports individuals aged under 25 and people living with a disability in the Alexandrina Council area to pursue personal development opportunities in arts, culture, music, dance, sport, recreation, and community leadership. Grants of up to $400 are available for eligible South Australian, interstate, and international activities during the 2026-27 program period. What Is the Alexandrina Council Small Grants Program? The Alexandrina Council Small Grants Program is designed to help eligible local residents access opportunities that build their skills, experience, confidence, and personal development. The program supports participation in activities that can strengthen individual achievement while encouraging recipients to share their skills, experience, and knowledge with the wider Alexandrina community. Access to competitions, workshops, conferences, leadership programs, and other development opportunities can help young people and people living with disability build valuable skills and networks.

The program aims to:

Encourage participation in arts and cultural activities. Provide access to learning and development opportunities. Help participants gain experience at regional, national, and international levels. Encourage successful applicants to contribute their knowledge and skills to the Alexandrina community. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for individuals who meet the program’s age, disability, and residency requirements.

Eligible applicants must generally be:

Under 25 years of age, or Living with a disability, and Based within the Alexandrina Council area. Applicants should also demonstrate that the proposed activity contributes to their personal, artistic, sporting, recreational, or leadership development. Activity-Specific Requirements Different requirements apply depending on the type of activity. Sport and Recreation Applicants Applicants seeking support for sport or recreation must have been selected to participate or compete in the relevant activity.

This may include selection for:

Sporting competitions. Regional events. State-level activities. National competitions. International competitions. Applicants should provide evidence of their selection where required. Arts, Culture, Music, Dance and Leadership Applicants Applicants in areas other than sport and recreation should demonstrate: A strong commitment to their chosen field. The relevance of the proposed opportunity to their development. A clear intention to contribute their skills and knowledge to the Alexandrina community. What Activities Can Be Supported? Funding can contribute toward a broad range of personal development opportunities. The total program allocation for 2026-27 is $20,000. Applicants should ensure that their request corresponds to the location and eligibility requirements of the proposed activity. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application around the activity they want to undertake and explain how it will support their personal development.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you:

Meet the age or disability eligibility requirements. Live within the Alexandrina Council area. Are applying as an individual. Are participating in an eligible field or activity.

Step 2: Identify Your Development Opportunity

Clearly describe the event, workshop, competition, conference, leadership program, or other opportunity you plan to attend.

Include details such as:

Name of the activity. Location. Dates. Your role or participation. Why you have been selected or invited, where applicable.

Step 3: Explain the Benefit

Describe how participating will help you develop. For example, the opportunity may help you: Improve your skills. Gain professional or competitive experience. Build confidence. Develop leadership abilities. Expand your networks. Gain exposure to new techniques or ideas.

Step 4: Explain the Community Contribution

For non-sporting activities, applicants should clearly explain how they intend to use their experience or knowledge to benefit the Alexandrina community. This could involve sharing knowledge, mentoring others, contributing to local activities, or becoming more involved in community initiatives.

Step 5: Provide Supporting Information

Where applicable, include evidence such as: Selection confirmation. Event information. Competition details. Workshop or conference information. Leadership program details. Relevant costs for transport or accommodation. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their application by: Clearly explaining their personal development goal. Showing why the proposed opportunity is important. Providing evidence of selection for sporting activities. Demonstrating commitment to their chosen field. Explaining how the experience will benefit the local community. Providing accurate event and travel information. Ensuring the requested amount matches the activity location. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without meeting the age, disability, or location requirements. Failing to demonstrate commitment to the proposed field. Applying for a sporting activity without evidence of selection. Providing insufficient information about the event or program. Failing to explain the personal development benefits. Not explaining the intended community contribution where required. Requesting an amount that does not correspond to the activity’s location. Key Details at a Glance

Program: Alexandrina Council Small Grants Program

Funding period: 2026-27

Eligible applicants: Individuals under 25 or living with a disability

Geographic eligibility: Alexandrina Council area

South Australia grant: $200

Interstate grant: $300

Overseas grant: $400

Total program allocation: $20,000

Supported areas: Arts, culture, music, dance, sport, recreation, and community leadership

Eligible activities: Events, workshops, competitions, leadership programs, conferences, transport, and accommodation a