Funding available for community groups
Calling all Sunshine Coast community groups!
Sunshine Coast Council’s next Major Grant round will open on Monday, January 29 for groups seeking funding to undertake projects, programs, events or facility upgrades.
Major Grant applications can be submitted in one of six categories:
- community development
- community facilities
- creative development
- cultural heritage
- economic development
- sports and recreation.
The community grants program, which offers grants of up to $30,000, supports community organisations to deliver one-off projects, events and activities that demonstrate a community purpose and align with strategic priorities.
Applications open January 29 for groups to apply on Council’s website, with submissions closing on March 11.
Grant writing workshops
To help community organisations, Council will host free interactive grant writing workshops during February for all volunteers and community committee members to provide helpful tips for applications.
The workshops will provide an opportunity for participants to meet Council’s Grants Team and learn what makes a successful application, as well as grant eligibility, co-funding requirements, project planning and writing tips.
Workshops will be held between February 7 and 15 at Baringa Community Centre, Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Yandina School of Arts and Maroochydore Millwell Road Community Centre. There will also be an online webinar.
Book a free grant writing workshop or webinar on Council’s website.
How funding makes dreams a reality
Last year, Sunshine Coast Film Festivals Ltd received $10,000 towards their Better World Film and Design Festival.
The festival featured screenings in Caloundra, Maroochydore and Nambour in March 2023, around the theme of local and global environmental issues.
Festival Director Murray Power said the festival was very well received by the community.
“With the world in worse shape than ever and environment care a major concern for our community, especially our younger generation, the festival helped to showcase and focus on place, sustainability and conservation issues,” Mr Power said.
“We are grateful to Sunshine Coast Council and the Community Grants program for helping us to fund the Better World Film and Design Festival and help to increase awareness of environment issues within the region, as well as across the globe.”
Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply now for up to $15,000 towards one-off projects, events and activities that meet community need and provide community benefit.
Grants of up to $30,000 are also available towards infrastructure projects that involve developing, maintaining or improving buildings or land that contribute to providing a safe, accessible and inclusive community facility.
Environment Levy Grants of up to $5000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations for projects that make a positive and ongoing contribution to the region's biodiversity and waterways.
Key dates:
- Round opens: January 29, 2024
- Round closes: March 11, 2024
- Grant writing workshops and webinars: February 7 – 15 – Register here Visit council’s website and search for “grant workshops”.
- Notification anticipated: Late April / Early May 2024.