Request for Proposals: Major Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Sunshine Coast Major Grants Program provides funding to not-for-profit community organisations for projects, activities, and events that deliver significant benefits to communities across the Sunshine Coast region. Eligible applicants can request up to $30,000 for Community Facilities infrastructure projects and up to $15,000 for other eligible activities, subject to program requirements and available funding. What Is the Major Grants Program? The Major Grants Program is administered to support community organisations delivering initiatives that address identified local needs and contribute to the wellbeing and development of the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area (LGA). The program supports projects that align with Sunshine Coast Council’s strategic priorities and provide clear public benefit. Funding can support initiatives across community, cultural, creative, economic, sporting, and infrastructure areas. Why It Matters The program helps local not-for-profit organisations develop projects that may otherwise be difficult to fund through their existing resources.

The grants aim to:

- Address significant community needs. - Improve community facilities and infrastructure. - Strengthen community participation and development. - Support arts and creative activities. - Preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. - Encourage local economic development. - Promote sport and recreation. - Improve community wellbeing across the Sunshine Coast region. Funding Available The maximum grant depends on the type of project.

- Community Facilities: Up to $30,000 for eligible infrastructure projects.

- Other eligible categories: Up to $15,000 per project.

Funding is subject to eligibility, assessment, available Council resources, and the strength of the proposed project. Grant Categories Applicants can seek support across several funding categories. Supports projects that strengthen community participation, inclusion, connection, capacity, and wellbeing. Community Facilities Supports eligible infrastructure projects that improve facilities used by the community. Funding of up to $30,000 may be requested under this category. Creative Development Supports initiatives that encourage creativity, artistic participation, and the development of local creative activity. Cultural Heritage Supports activities that protect, celebrate, interpret, or strengthen the region’s cultural heritage. Economic Development Supports initiatives that contribute to local economic development and create broader community benefits. Sport and Recreation Supports activities and projects that encourage participation in sport, recreation, and healthy community lifestyles. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must generally be not-for-profit community organisations that meet the program’s organisational and geographical requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be a legal entity or be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). - Operate within the Sunshine Coast LGA or demonstrate a clear benefit to Sunshine Coast residents. - Meet Council’s insurance requirements. - Demonstrate financial viability. - Have satisfactorily acquitted previous Council grants, where applicable. - Have the organisational capacity to deliver the proposed project. The project itself must provide a meaningful benefit to the Sunshine Coast community. Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not generally support:

- Government agencies. - Businesses and commercial entities. - Individuals. - Organisations that do not meet the program’s legal or organisational requirements. - Projects that do not provide a clear Sunshine Coast community benefit. Applicants should confirm their specific eligibility before preparing an application. What Projects Can Be Funded?

A successful project should demonstrate:

- A clear and significant community need. - Strong public benefit. - Alignment with relevant Council strategies. - A realistic delivery plan. - Appropriate financial management. - Capacity to achieve the proposed outcomes. Projects may involve community activities, events, creative initiatives, cultural heritage activities, sport and recreation programs, economic development initiatives, or eligible community infrastructure. What Cannot Be Funded? The Major Grants Program does not generally fund: - Ongoing operational costs. - Projects that have already commenced. - Core business activities of educational organisations. - Core business activities of religious organisations. - Core business activities of medical organisations. - Activities conducted solely for commercial profit. - Fundraising activities without broader community benefit. Applicants should ensure that the requested funding directly supports the proposed community project rather than routine organisational operations. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the program’s core assessment requirements.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation meets the legal, geographical, insurance, financial, and previous-grant requirements.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly explain the issue or opportunity the project will address. Use relevant community evidence, local data, consultation findings, or other information to demonstrate why the project is needed.

Step 3: Define the Project

Explain:

- What will be delivered. - Who will benefit. - Where the project will take place. - When activities will occur. - How the project will address the identified need.

Step 4: Select the Correct Grant Category

Choose the category that most closely matches the proposed activity: - Community Development. - Community Facilities. - Creative Development. - Cultural Heritage. - Economic Development. - Sport and Recreation.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Provide a clear project budget showing how grant funds will be spent. Make sure requested funding is within the applicable maximum: - Up to $30,000 for eligible Community Facilities infrastructure pro