Open Call: Gambling Community Benefit Fund Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) provides one-off grants of up to $35,000 to eligible not-for-profit community organisations for projects that deliver tangible benefits to communities across Queensland, Australia. The Queensland Government initiative supports a wide range of community projects, including improvements to community facilities, equipment and vehicle purchases, community programs and events, and services or activities that improve the wellbeing of Queensland residents. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organisations that are either legal entities or sponsored by an eligible legal entity. They must be based in Queensland or provide services within the state, be registered through the online grants portal, and maintain financial records that are less than two years old. What Is the Gambling Community Benefit Fund? The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is a Queensland Government initiative that provides financial assistance to not-for-profit community organisations. The fund aims to strengthen Queensland communities by supporting practical projects that improve local facilities, services, programs, and community activities. Since its establishment, the fund has distributed more than $60 million annually, helping community organisations undertake projects that provide tangible benefits to Queensland residents. What Does the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Support? The GCBF supports a broad range of community projects and initiatives. Funding can be used for purposes such as: - Improving community facilities. - Purchasing equipment. - Purchasing vehicles. - Running community programs. - Organising community events. - Providing community services. - Supporting activities that improve resident wellbeing. - Developing initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to Queensland communities. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project provides a clear and practical benefit to the community. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible organisations can apply for a grant of up to $35,000. The funding is provided as a one-off single payment for a specific project or initiative. Applicants should therefore identify a clearly defined project and demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute to its successful delivery. What Types of Community Projects Can Benefit? The fund can support projects addressing practical community needs.

Examples of potential activities include:

- Upgrading or improving community facilities. - Purchasing essential equipment. - Purchasing vehicles required for community activities or services. - Delivering community programs. - Organising community events. - Providing services to local residents. - Supporting activities that enhance community wellbeing. The broad scope of the fund allows different types of not-for-profit community organisations to seek assistance for projects that benefit Queensland communities. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organisations that meet the fund’s organisational and geographic requirements.

An applicant must either:

- Be a legal entity, or - Be sponsored by an eligible legal entity.

The organisation must also:

- Be based in Queensland, or - Provide services within Queensland. - Be registered in the online grants portal. - Have financial records that are less than two years old. What Does Being a Legal Entity Mean? Applicants must have an appropriate legal structure to receive funding. Where an organisation does not qualify independently as an eligible legal entity, it may be able to apply through sponsorship by an eligible legal entity, subject to the program’s requirements. Organisations should ensure their legal and sponsorship arrangements are in place before applying. What Financial Records Are Required? Applicants must have financial records that are less than two years old. Maintaining current financial records helps demonstrate that the organisation has appropriate financial information available for the grant application and funding process. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain organisations and applicants are specifically excluded from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Ineligible applicants include:

- Individuals. - For-profit organisations. - Proprietary companies limited by shares with individual or for-profit shareholders. - Public companies limited by shares with individual or for-profit shareholders. - Trusts that provide private financial benefit. - State schools. - Private schools. - Independent schools. An exception applies to Parents and Citizens Associations and Parents and Friends Associations, which are not excluded on the basis of being associated with schools. Why Apply for the Gambling Community Benefit Fund? The GCBF provides an opportunity for eligible community organisations to secure funding for practical projects that may otherwise be difficult to finance through regular operating budgets.

The grant can help organisations:

- Improve facilities used by the community. - Purchase important equipment. - Obtain vehicles required for community activities. - Deliver community programs. - Organise events. - Provide valuable services. - Strengthen community participation. - Improve the wellbeing of Queensland residents. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their project will benefit the Queensland community.

A strong application should:

- Clearly describe the proposed project. - Explain the community need being addressed. - Identify the Queensland residents or community groups that will benefit. - Explain how the requested funding will be used. - Provide a clear project budget. - Demonstrate the practical and tangible benefits of the project. - Ensure the organisation meets the not-for-profit and legal-entity requirements. - Maintain current financial records. - Complete registration through the online grants portal. Key Facts at a Glance

- Grant: Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF)

- Government: Queens