Request for Proposals: Community Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 23-Oct-2026

The Federation Council Community Grants Program provides up to $5,000 per application to eligible not-for-profit, community-based organisations, groups and clubs for projects that benefit residents of the Federation Council area in New South Wales. Funding supports initiatives across areas such as arts and culture, inclusion, health, sport, youth, seniors, events, learning and community wellbeing. What Is the Federation Council Community Grants Program? The Federation Council Community Grants Program supports local not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects, events and initiatives that strengthen the Federation Council community. The program aims to increase community participation, encourage inclusion and improve access to recreational, social, cultural and environmental activities. Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to residents and align with the Federation Council Community Strategic Plan 2040 and relevant Operational Plan priorities. What Are the Objectives of the Program? The program is intended to strengthen the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the local community.

Key objectives include:

Increasing access to recreational, social, cultural and environmental activities. Encouraging participation and inclusion among community members. Projects can take the form of community activities, events, programs or other initiatives, provided they meet the program requirements. How Much Funding Is Available?

The program provides:

Up to $5,000 per application $40,000 total annual funding allocation The Council does not intend to fully fund projects. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their own contribution through fundraising, financial contributions or in-kind support. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit, community-based organisations, groups or clubs.

Applicants must:

Be incorporated or operate under the auspice of an incorporated organisation. Be located within, or deliver the proposed project in, the Federation Council Local Government Area. Primarily benefit the Federation Council community. Hold public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of $20 million. Have satisfactorily acquitted previous Council grants. Have no outstanding debts to Council. An auspicing arrangement allows an eligible incorporated organisation to formally support a group that does not itself have incorporated status. What Projects Need to Demonstrate? A strong application should show a clear connection between the proposed project and local community needs. Community Benefit Explain who will benefit and how the project will improve participation, wellbeing, inclusion, access or community connection. Alignment With Council Priorities Clearly identify the relevant objectives or priority areas in the Community Strategic Plan 2040 and Operational Plan. Community Participation Show how residents will participate in or benefit from the project. Financial Contribution Applicants should demonstrate that they are contributing to the project through fundraising, cash contributions or in-kind resources.

Partnerships

Projects that involve cooperation between community groups, organisations or Council can demonstrate the collaborative objectives of the program. Why It Matters Small community organisations often have direct knowledge of local needs but limited resources to deliver activities. The Community Grants Program helps local groups turn community ideas into practical projects that can improve participation, wellbeing and social connection. Funding can contribute to a wide range of local priorities, from cultural and recreational activities to initiatives supporting young people, seniors, inclusion, volunteering and community resilience. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation or group meets the program’s not-for-profit and community-based requirements. If the group is not incorporated, identify an eligible incorporated organisation that can provide auspice support.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly explain the local issue, opportunity or need that your project will address. Identify the people or community groups who will benefit.

Step 3: Connect the Project to Council Priorities

Identify the relevant areas of the Community Strategic Plan 2040 and Operational Plan that your project supports. Explain the connection directly rather than simply listing Council priorities.

Step 4: Develop the Project

Provide clear information about:

What activities will be delivered. Who will participate. Where activities will occur. When the project will take place. What outcomes are expected.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Develop a realistic budget showing how the requested funding will be used. Include other financial contributions, fundraising or in-kind support to demonstrate that Council funding is not the sole source of project support.

Step 6: Check Supporting Requirements

Ensure the organisation has the required $20 million public liability insurance and that any previous Council grants have been properly acquitted. Also confirm that there are no outstanding debts to Council.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application according to the current Federation Council grant requirements, including all requested project, budget and supporting information. Tips for a Strong Application

Focus on local impact: Clearly explain how Federation Council residents will benefit.

Use measurable outcomes: State what the project will achieve rather than only describing activities.

Show community need: Explain why the project is important now.

Link to Council plans: Explicitly connect the project to relevant strategic priorities.

Demonstrate co-contribution: Include fundraising, cash or in-kind support.

Keep the budget realistic: Make sure requested funding is proportionate to the project.

Identify beneficiaries: Explain which community groups will participate or benefit.

Highlight partnerships: Show how collaborat