Request for Applications: Quick Response Grants 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting not-for-profit organisations to apply for Quick Response Grants to address unforeseen expenses, urgent issues, unexpected opportunities, and the establishment of new community groups or programs. The Quick Response Grants form part of the Bass Coast Shire Council Community Grants Program and provide timely funding for activities and projects that benefit the Bass Coast community. Organisations can apply for up to $2,000 per application without providing a contribution of their own.

About the Quick Response Grants

The Quick Response Grants are designed to provide flexible and timely support when community organisations face unexpected needs or opportunities during the year. The funding can help organisations respond to urgent issues, cover unexpected project requirements, improve existing community programs, or take advantage of opportunities that arise outside normal grant planning cycles. The grants can also provide seeding support for the establishment of new community groups and programs. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request up to $2,000 per application. The total funding pool available across all streams of the Community Grants Program is $294,000 for the financial year.

Key funding details include:

- Maximum Quick Response Grant: $2,000 per application.

- Total Community Grants Program funding pool: $294,000 for the financial year. - One Quick Response Grant per organisation per financial year. - No applicant contribution is required. What Can the Grant Fund? Quick Response Grants can support a range of materials, activities, and expenses that provide a direct benefit to the Bass Coast community.

Eligible costs may include:

- Materials and equipment. - Essential items for new or improved community programs. - Printing and advertising. - Venue hire. - Participation costs. - Seeding grants for new community groups. - Training that provides a direct and lasting benefit to the community. Applicants should ensure that their proposed expenditure meets the program requirements before submitting an application. What Expenses Are Not Eligible? The Quick Response Grants do not cover all types of organisational or project expenditure.

Examples of restricted expenses include:

- Core business expenses. - General maintenance. - Prizes. - Catering. - Projects located outside Bass Coast. Applicants should ensure that grant funding is directed toward eligible activities that provide a clear community benefit. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit legal entities that are based in Bass Coast or are delivering projects in Bass Coast. Unincorporated community groups may also apply when they are auspiced by an eligible not-for-profit organisation. Applicants must also meet the relevant administrative requirements, including having an ABN or providing an ATO Statement by Supplier. Organisations must not have outstanding debts or unacquitted grants with Bass Coast Shire Council. How Often Can an Organisation Apply? An organisation can receive one Quick Response Grant per financial year. The grant is intended to provide one-off support for unforeseen needs, urgent issues, unexpected opportunities, or the establishment of new community initiatives. When Do Applications Open? Quick Response Grant rounds open on the first day of each month, except for June. Applications close on the last Friday of the month, or earlier if the available funds have been exhausted. Because funding is limited, applicants should submit their applications as early as possible within the relevant monthly round. How to Apply Applications are submitted online through SmartyGrants. Applicants should provide the information required to demonstrate that their organisation and proposed activities meet the grant eligibility requirements. Applications are assessed during the following month, and successful applicants are notified by email. How Are Grant Payments Made? Grant payments are made after the successful applicant provides either a Tax Invoice or Payment Form. Organisations should ensure that the required payment documentation is submitted so that grant funds can be released. Grant Acquittal Requirements Successful applicants are required to acquit their grant. Acquittal must be completed within 90 days of receiving the funds or upon completion of the project, as applicable. Applicants should keep appropriate records of expenditure and project completion to meet the Council’s acquittal requirements. Why the Quick Response Grants Matter Community organisations can sometimes face urgent expenses or unexpected opportunities that do not fit within standard annual funding cycles. The Quick Response Grants provide a flexible funding option for Bass Coast not-for-profit organisations to respond to these situations and continue delivering activities that benefit local residents. The program also supports the development of new community groups and programs by providing seeding grants and funding for essential start-up requirements. Key Facts About Bass Coast Quick Response Grants

- Program: Quick Response Grants

- Funder: Bass Coast Shire Council

- Program: Community Grants Program

- Maximum grant: $2,000 per application

- Total funding pool: $294,000 across all Community Grants Program streams for the financial year

- Frequency: One grant per organisation per financial year

- Applicant contribution: Not required

- Eligible applicants: Not-for-profit legal entities and eligible auspiced unincorporated groups

- Geographic focus: Bass Coast

- Application platform: SmartyGrants

- Opening: First day of each month, except June

- Closing: Last Friday of each month or earlier if funds are exhausted

- Assessment: Following month

- Payment: Tax Invoice or Payment Form

- Acquittal: Within 90 days of receiving funds or upon project completion

Frequently Asked Questions About Bass Coast Quick Response Grants What are the Bass Coast Quick Response Grants? They