Small Grants Program for Community Groups (Australia)

Deadline: 31-May-2027

The Small Grants Program supports community-led projects, events, and activities that contribute to a liveable, green, and connected Alexandrina. Eligible community groups and other qualifying applicants can apply for up to $1,000, with projects required to take place within the Alexandrina Council region and deliver clear benefits to local residents. What Is the Small Grants Program? The Small Grants Program is designed to help local groups turn community ideas into practical projects, events, and activities. The programme supports initiatives that improve community wellbeing, strengthen local connections, and contribute to the priorities and objectives of Alexandrina Council. Funding is intended for projects that provide a clear benefit to people living in the Alexandrina region rather than activities that primarily benefit an individual organisation. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request up to $1,000 per project. For the 2026–27 program, the total funding pool is $20,000. Because the available funding pool is limited, applicants should clearly explain the community benefit of their proposal and demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute to successful delivery. What Types of Activities Can Be Supported? The programme can support community-led projects, events, and activities that contribute to a more: - Liveable Alexandrina. - Green Alexandrina. - Connected Alexandrina. Projects should demonstrate tangible benefits for local residents and align with relevant Council plans and community priorities. Examples of potentially suitable activities may include community events, local engagement initiatives, environmental activities, or projects that strengthen community participation, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility and assessment requirements. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

- Not-for-profit community groups. - Charities. - Comparable community organisations. - Unincorporated community groups. - Individuals. - Businesses. Regardless of applicant type, the proposed project must occur within the Alexandrina Council region and provide a benefit to the local community. Where Must the Project Take Place? The project must be delivered within the Alexandrina Council region. The programme is intended to support local community outcomes, so projects conducted outside the region are not eligible. Applicants should clearly identify the location of their proposed activity and explain how Alexandrina residents will benefit. What Projects Are Not Eligible?

Funding will not be provided for:

- Projects delivered outside the Alexandrina Council region. - Retrospective payments for activities that have already taken place. - Ongoing operational costs. - General fundraising activities. - Projects that do not meet the programme’s assessment criteria. - Activities that do not provide a clear benefit to Alexandrina residents. Applicants should ensure that the funding request is directly connected to a specific project, event, or activity rather than general organisational expenses. Why This Grant Matters Small community organisations often have strong ideas but need modest amounts of funding to turn those ideas into practical activities. The Small Grants Program provides accessible financial support for local initiatives that can: - Strengthen community participation. - Improve local wellbeing. - Build social connections. - Support environmental outcomes. - Increase community vibrancy. - Create positive experiences for Alexandrina residents. The relatively small grant size makes the programme particularly suitable for focused, community-scale projects with clearly defined outcomes. How to Apply

Step 1: Develop Your Project Idea

Identify a specific project, event, or activity that responds to a local need or opportunity.

Step 2: Confirm the Community Benefit

Explain who will benefit from the project and how it will improve the local community.

Step 3: Check the Location

Make sure the activity will take place within the Alexandrina Council region.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Prepare a clear budget showing how the requested amount of up to $1,000 will be used.

Step 5: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you are an eligible applicant and that the proposed expenditure does not fall under an excluded category.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Provide the required project information and supporting details through the programme’s application process. Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

- Clearly describe the project. - Explain the local need being addressed. - Identify the people who will benefit. - Demonstrate alignment with Council priorities. - Provide a realistic budget. - Explain how the project will create a positive local outcome. - Keep the proposal focused and achievable within the available funding. A strong application should make it easy for assessors to understand what will happen, who will benefit, where it will happen, how much it will cost, and why the project matters to Alexandrina. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

- Requesting funding for general operating expenses. - Applying for retrospective costs. - Proposing activities outside the Council region. - Submitting a general fundraising proposal. - Failing to explain the benefit to Alexandrina residents. - Providing an unclear or unsupported budget. - Proposing a project that does not demonstrate alignment with Council objectives. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can I receive? Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,000 for a project, event, or activity under the Small Grants Program. What is the total funding pool for 2026–27? The total funding pool for the 2026–27 Small Grants Program is $20,000. Who can apply? Eligible applicants include not-for-profit community groups, charities, comparable organisations, unincorporated community groups, individuals, and businesses, provided the project meets the programme requirements. Where must the pr