RFPs: Individual Development Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Individual Development Grant Program provides financial support to Sunshine Coast residents who are selected to represent their region at eligible national or international competitions, conferences, and events. Grants can help cover travel, accommodation, registration, entry fees, and other eligible participation costs, with individual funding of up to $500 depending on the location and level of the event. What Is the Individual Development Grant Program? The Individual Development Grant Program supports talented individuals from the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area (LGA) who have been selected by recognised national bodies to participate in significant events beyond their local community. The program covers a broad range of fields, including: The objective is to help Sunshine Coast residents represent their region at important events and provide financial assistance that makes participation more accessible. Why the Individual Development Grant Matters Participation in national and international events can create significant costs for individuals, particularly for travel and accommodation. The grant helps reduce these costs while supporting: Development of local talent.

Participation in competitive opportunities

Regional representation. Professional and artistic development. Sporting achievement. Cultural participation. National and international exposure for Sunshine Coast residents. The program recognises that representing the Sunshine Coast at major events can benefit both individual participants and the wider community. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum individual grant is $500. The amount depends on the location and classification of the eligible event.

Funding levels include:

$500: International activity held overseas outside Australasia/Oceania.

$450: International activity within Australasia/Oceania.

$400: International activity held in Australia, excluding Queensland.

$350: International activity within Queensland.

$300: National activity interstate, excluding NSW and ACT.

$250: National activity in NSW and ACT, or within Queensland outside South East Queensland.

$200: National activity within South East Queensland.

For teams or groups attending the same event, the combined funding cannot exceed $2,000. Each eligible team member must submit an individual application. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must satisfy the program’s residency, selection, and event requirements.

Applicants must:

Be a permanent resident of the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area. Have lived in the Sunshine Coast LGA for at least the 12 months immediately before applying. Be selected to represent the region at an eligible national or international event. Have been selected by a recognised national body or relevant selecting organisation. Meet all acquittal requirements for previous Sunshine Coast Council funding. Apply before the eligible activity has commenced. The program can support applicants from different fields, provided their event meets the relevant eligibility requirements. Sporting Event Eligibility For sporting activities, additional requirements apply.

Applicants must:

Participate in an official championship or recognised sporting event

Be selected for an official state or national team where required. Have their selection recognised by a National Sporting Organisation (NSO) endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission. Represent the Sunshine Coast through the recognised selection pathway. This ensures that grants are directed toward officially recognised sporting opportunities rather than ordinary recreational activities. Non-Sporting Event Eligibility Non-sporting applicants may participate in areas such as: Other recognised professional or community events. For these applications, the assessment panel determines whether the organisation or body responsible for selecting participants has appropriate recognition and standing. What Expenses Can the Grant Support? Funding is intended to help individuals participate in eligible activities.

Examples of supported expenses include:

Travel costs. Accommodation. Event entry fees. Registration fees. Other eligible participation-related expenses. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenses directly relate to attending or participating in the approved event. How the Individual Development Grant Works The program uses a location-based funding scale.

Step 1: Confirm Your Sunshine Coast Residency

Check that you have been a permanent resident of the Sunshine Coast LGA for at least 12 months before submitting your application.

Step 2: Confirm Your Selection

You must have been selected to represent the Sunshine Coast at an eligible national or international event. Keep evidence of your selection because the application may need to demonstrate the legitimacy of the event and selecting organisation.

Step 3: Confirm the Event Category

Determine whether your activity is classified as: National. International within Australia. International within Australasia/Oceania. International outside Australasia/Oceania. The classification determines the maximum grant amount.

Step 4: Calculate Your Eligible Grant

Use the program’s location-based funding scale to identify the applicable amount. Remember that team applications are still individual applications, and total funding for participants from the same team attending the same event cannot exceed $2,000.

Step 5: Apply Before the Activity Starts

Applications must be submitted before the activity has commenced. An event or activity that has already started before the application is submitted is not eligible for funding.

Step 6: Complete Any Required Acquittal

If you have previously received Sunshine Coast Council funding, make sure all required acquittal conditions have been completed before applying. How Often Can an Individual Apply?

An individual can receive funding for:

One national event per calendar year, and One international event per calendar year. Applicants should there