Financial support is available for Australian based not-for-profits and community groups. Typically, if any group were to apply for this type of support, they would be applying for a grant. Receiving grant funding is a legitimate source of income that can help eligible groups to continue to give back to their community. Understanding the details needed and preparing any grant application does take time.

The necessary information required can vary depending on the funding provider’s rules or guidelines. Very often, knowing what it is you need money for is just as important as knowing which is the most appropriate funding body for you to submit your application. You’ll also need to be aware of your obligations if your application is successful.

Our Community Development Officers (CDO’s) can assist community groups or not-for-profits understanding where to begin in their search for suitable funding. Grant funding can be accessed from government departments and there’s also private funding from many different foundations. This document outlines some of the many funding providers.

For help or guidance with funding providers or to understand more about grant applications, email info@tr.qld.gov.au or call 131 872 and ask to speak with one of our Community Development Officers. They can even let you know about our suite of community support grants which are available twice a year.

 

Funding provider: Australia Council for the Arts

Eligibility: Individuals and groups

Funding amount: From $10,000 and above

When applications are accepted: *March and September

Website: www.australiacouncil.gov.au

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Australia Council for the Arts supports community arts and cultural development artists, practitioners, organisations, projects and programs through a range of grants and initiatives. Support is focused on priority areas including:

  • regional Australia
  • disability
  • young people
  • cultural diversity
  • emerging communities
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • remote communities
  • specific critical social and cultural issues requiring focused attention.

 

Funding provider: Gordon Darling Foundation

Eligibility: Public institutions of Australia. Applications are only accepted from organisations that have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

Funding amount: Contact provider

When applications are accepted: This grant is currently not accepting applications due to COVID-19

Website: www.gordondarlingfoundation.org.au

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Foundation's charter is to support the visual arts and to promote, through Public Institutions, access to and enjoyment of all areas of the visual arts, to the broadest possible audience. Each year the Foundation assists Australian Public Institutions to undertake a wide range of visual arts projects in all Australian states and territories and helps to promote Australian arts in the international arena. The Foundation also instigates initiatives where there is a perceived need for action. The Foundation does not normally fund capital works, general or core activities, retrospective funding, or recurrent funding of a project.

 

Funding provider: Brisbane Airport Community Giving

Eligibility: Non-profit organisations that hold an approved deductible gift recipient (DGR) status charity

Funding amount: Up to $30,000 comprising cash and travel component 

When applications are accepted: *November and April

Website: Giving BAC: Brisbane Airport's Community Giving Fund (bne.com.au)  

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Brisbane Airport Community Giving Fund provides cash grants of up to $1000 to community groups, organisations and schools working hard to make our city and Queensland a better place. Twice a year, BAC calls for applications to provide grants for projects that provide health and wellbeing, safety, sport, education and environment programs, or other community benefits and initiatives.

The Giving Fund: If you are a school or community group that provides health and wellbeing, safety, sport, education, environment or other community benefits, you may be eligible to apply for a cash grant of up to $1,000.

Lunch and Learn: Young entrepreneurs and students may apply for an opportunity to sit down with a leader in the aviation industry and learn about what it takes to make it in the industry (Please note: Lunch and Learn does not include a cash grant component).

 

Funding provider: Queensland Arts Showcase Program

Eligibility: Not-for-profits & individuals

Funding amount: Up to $60,000

When applications are accepted: March, May, August, December

Website: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/funding/organisations/arts-showcase

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) provides funding to support individuals, organisations or collectives to deliver vibrant and accessible arts and cultural experiences for Queensland.

The Program invests in:

  • strengthening the Queensland art and cultural sector’s connection with new audiences state-wide, nationally and internationally
  • supporting artistic and non-artistic collaborations to develop innovative and quality arts and cultural experiences
  • strengthening professional development and the creation of employment and training opportunities for Queensland’s small to medium arts and cultural sector.

Funding Provider:  Queensland Government Advance Queensland

Grant:  Various business development grants

Eligibility:  Start-ups, entrepreneurs, small business, supporting industries, investors and universities

Funding Amount:  Various – Up to $2.5 million + mentoring and training services

When applications are accepted:  Varies

Website:  https://advance.qld.gov.au/open-grants

* Please note the date for submitting applications and programme availability may change. All applicants should review opening and closing dates and programme guidelines prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Through the Advance Queensland initiative, the Queensland Government is providing opportunities for start-ups, entrepreneurs and small business and supporting industry, investors, universities and researchers with programs, funding and grants that drive innovation.

Funding provider: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources

Grant: Entrepreneurs' Program

Eligibility: Incubators, small to medium businesses

Funding amount:  $5,000 - $250,000 + expert advice

When applications are accepted: Anytime

Website: Entrepreneurs' Programme

* Please note the date for submitting applications and programme availability may change. All applicants should review opening and closing dates and programme guidelines prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

This program provides access to expert advice, funding and incentives to help your business innovate, compete and grow. The Entrepreneurs' Programme can help to improve your:

  • growth capabilities and networks
  • engage with researchers
  • foster innovation
  • encourage commercialisation of novel products, processes or services. 

Grants and programs under the Entrepreneurs' Programme include:

Business Management -

Incubator Support -

Innovation Connections

How the Entrepreneurs’ Programme works

Funding Provider: Jobactive

Grant: Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire)

Eligibility: Businesses

Funding amount: $1,000 to $10,000

When applications are accepted: Anytime

Website: jobsearch.gov.au/path

* Please note the date for submitting applications and programme availability may change. All applicants should review opening and closing dates and programme guidelines prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisation's website above.

Youth Jobs PaTH helps employers find and recruit the right young person for their business. It is a flexible program that allows an employer the ability to trial a young person (aged 15-24) for a 4 to 12 week on an internship, to make sure both are the right fit for the business. The Government will provide interns with an additional $200 a fortnight on top of their income support payment. Employers will receive a payment of $1,000 to help cover the costs of hosting an intern.

If an employer hires an eligible young person (aged 15-24) they may be eligible to access a youth bonus wage subsidy of up to either $6,500 or $10,000 for a full time, part-time or casual ongoing position of at least 20 hours per week over the six-month wage subsidy agreement.

Funding Provider: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 

Grant: Business and drought assistance 

Eligibility: Primary producers, Agribusiness

Funding amount: Various - up to $50,000

When applications are accepted: Varies

Website: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

* Please note the date for submitting applications and programme availability may change. All applicants should review opening and closing dates and programme guidelines prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Queensland Government and Australian Government offer programs to help farm families, farm businesses and farm communities affected by drought. This website provides broad descriptions of government drought assistance programs available to Queensland producers. 

Funding Provider: Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority

Grant: Emergency Bushfire Response and Drought Support

Eligibility: Primary producers, Agribusiness 

Funding amount: Various - up to $75,000

When applications are accepted: Anytime

Website: Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority

* Please note the date for submitting applications and programme availability may change. All applicants should review opening and closing dates and programme guidelines prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority offer a variety of grants and rebates for primary producers, businesses and industry to help them grow, get back on track, develop or adapt their business.

With over 65 per cent of Queensland drought declared and many of these areas experiencing prolonged drought conditions, primary producers suffering from prolonged drought conditions can rely on QRIDA for support to help them manage, recover and mitigate the impacts of drought. Flexible repayments options are available. QRIDA have a number of options available through their Drought Support program.

Funding provider: Gambling Community Benefit Fund

Eligibility: Not-for-profits

Funding amount: Up to $35,000

When applications are accepted: February, April, June, August, October

Website: www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

This program aims to allocate funding to not-for-profit community groups to enhance their capacity to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities. The following are ineligible for funding:

  • grant writer fees
  • contingency costs
  • auspice fees
  • repayment of debts and loans
  • overseas travel costs
  • project management fees
  • purchase of equipment/service for an individual
  • funding for a staff or member social event
  • gifts.

 

Funding provider: Aurizon Community Giving

Eligibility: Non-profit organisations that hold an approved deductible gift recipient (DGR) status charity

Funding amount: Up to $20,000

When applications are accepted: June and October

Website: www.aurizon.com.au/community/community-giving

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Aurizon Community Giving Fund is focused on the broad areas of:

  • health and wellbeing
  • community safety
  • environment and education.

All applications for an Aurizon Community Giving Fund grant must fit within at least one of these funding categories to be eligible for consideration.

 

Funding provider: Jetstar Flying Start Program

Eligibility: Not-for-profits

Funding amount: Up to $30,000 comprising cash and travel component 

When applications are accepted: *Twice annually

Website: www.jetstar.com/au/en/flyingstart

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Entry is open to not-for-profit community groups and organisations of any size, who are seeking funding to help enhance the lives of people in their local community; and can be classified into one of the following categories.

  • charity
  • educational and health organisations
  • arts group or organisation
  • sporting group or organisation.

The community group or organisation should have a specific project in mind for how the grant will be used to benefit their local community. What the grant includes:

  • $15,000 cash
  • $15,000 worth of travel with Jetstar anywhere on the Jetstar network
  • promotion of their community group or organisation on Jetstar's website and Facebook page
  • national and local level media leverage to be facilitated by Jetstar PR agency partner.

All grants will consist of the same elements, to ensure fairness and transparency. Each grant will be worth $30,000, which comprises of $15,000 cash and $15,000 worth of Jetstar travel.

 

Funding provider: The Walter and Eliza Hall Trust

Eligibility: Not-for-profits

Funding amount: *Contact provider 

When applications are accepted: *Ongoing 

Website: www.wehalltrust.org.au

* Please note date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Walter and Eliza Hall Trust provides help to those who are financially disadvantaged and/or those who suffer a physical impairment. The aim is to make a meaningful and, where possible, ongoing difference to the well-being and quality of life of those Australians who find themselves in desperate circumstances.

Applications for assistance can only be accepted through social workers or other responsible persons holding official positions within organisations such as Area Health Services, welfare organisations, hospitals, or recognised church welfare departments. Applications can only be accepted by organisations holding DGR/ITEC status. All applications should be directed to The Secretary, and be made on behalf of identified clients whose particular need for assistance must be specified. Financial assistance can be made available for almost any purpose considered necessary for the applicant’s health and wellbeing, but the Trust is positioned as a provider of last resort assistance.

 

Funding provider: Damien Greer Lawyers

Eligibility: Not-for-profits

Funding amount: $2,500 

When applications are accepted: *Ongoing 

Website: damiengreer.com.au/community-grant/

The Damien Greer Lawyers Community Grant program recognises and celebrates organisations that strive to make a positive impact within their local community.

The Community Grant program aims to support organisations that work within their local community and encourage the following values:

  • helping the community in times of need
  • building community togetherness and a sense of belonging
  • promoting positive health and wellbeing
  • supporting community services and groups
  • nurturing the local environment.

Your organisation is eligible to apply if you meet at least one of the below criteria:

  • promote sustainable environmentally friendly practices within the community
  • support health and wellbeing initiatives
  • provide services in the local community
  • facilitate community awareness and education programs
  • support at-risk and/or in need individuals in the local community.

 

Funding provider: Queensland Government

Eligibility: Not-for-profits, Drought declared

Funding amount: *Contact provider

When applications are accepted: *29th March 2022 

Website: Community Drought Support grants | Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy (chde.qld.gov.au)

 

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Grants will be awarded twice a year.Judges will gather within six weeks after the closing date for quarterly grant applications and select a community group or organisation to be the grant recipient.

The Community Drought Support program aims to strengthen the resilience of drought-affected Queenslanders by building on existing community support mechanisms to increase access and participation in the community.

Across Queensland, organisations will share in up to $5 million of funding, with successful recipients of the one-off grants utilising the funding to provide:

  • flexible financial hardship funding that alleviates cost of living pressures and hardship for individuals, households and communities and
  • community events or activities, in drought-affected local government areas, that increase community participation and improve access to support and social connectedness.

 

Funding provider: New Hope Group

Eligibility: Not-for-profit community groups and organisations located within the Toowoomba region and closest to the New Acland Mine

Funding amount: 5,000$15,000

When applications are accepted: *Currently postponed

Website:  www.aclandproject.com.au

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

This program supports advancement in:

  • education, training, capacity building and youth support
  • community safety, health and welfare
  • sport and recreation
  • arts, entertainment and culture
  • environment and sustainability
  • history and cultural heritage.

Assistance under this program may be provided through financial or in-kind support. The New Acland Community Investment Fund is part of the New Hope Group’s ongoing commitment to community investment and development. It aims to assist not-for-profit community groups and organisations with grants to support their community-based initiatives and projects, which develop long term outcomes for the communities around the New Acland Coal Mine.

 

Funding provider: Bendigo Bank

Eligibility: Not-for-profit organisations

Funding amount: Contact provider

When applications are accepted: *Ongoing

Website: www.bendigobank.com.au/foundation

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Contact Yarraman & District Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank to learn more about available funding and applications details.

 

Funding provider: Progressive Community Crows Nest

Eligibility: Not-for-profit organisations

Funding amount: Contact provider

When applications are accepted: *Ongoing

Contact number: www.heritage.com.au/about/locations/crows-nest-community-branch

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Distributes profits of the Community Bank to community projects in the Crows Nest and Highfields areas. Contact Crows Nest or Highfields Heritage Community Branch to learn more. If your Community Group is from the Crows Nest area and would like to apply for a Community Grant, please contact your local branch.

 

Funding provider: Ventia (previously Easternwell)

Eligibility: Local community groups, clubs and associations

Funding amount: Up to $2,000

When applications are accepted: *Annual (closes in June)

Website: https://m.facebook.com/Ventia

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Ventia's Community Grants (ECG) program was established to provide financial and social assistance to the communities where Easternwell conducts business. ECG aims to support activities or opportunities which provide lasting community benefit in the areas of community, education, health, Indigenous, safety and youth. Projects which will be positively considered for grant funding will:

  • demonstrate long-lasting benefits to the community
  • enhance community operations through programs, infrastructure or equipment
  • enhance the capability of the organisation
  • be located within key areas in close proximity of Easternwell operations.

Funding provider: Ian Potter Foundation

Eligibility: Organisations with both Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status

Funding amount: Contact provider

When applications are accepted: October and March

Website: www.ianpotter.org.au 

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Ian Potter Foundation makes grants available nationally to support charitable organisations working to benefit the community across a wide range of sectors and endeavours. Grants are made through ten program areas that reflect Sir Ian’s interest in the arts, and his visionary approach to issues including the environment, science, medical research, education and community wellbeing, as well as the importance of investing in Australia’s intellectual capital.

Through its grants, the Foundation seeks to encourage excellence and support Australia’s talent; the visionaries, social entrepreneurs, scientists, academics and researchers, artists and teachers, and those who dedicated themselves to bettering our communities for the benefit of all.

 

Funding provider: Gandel Philanthropy (Postponed)

Eligibility: Not-for-profits with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status 

Funding amount: Up to $40,000 

When applications are accepted: Currently postponed

Website: www.gandelphilanthropy.org.au

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Gandel Philanthropy awards grants to community organisations to meet both the immediate as well as long-term needs in a number of clearly defined Areas of Interest. Through its grantmaking activity, Gandel Philanthropy aims to achieve its vision of creating a positive and lasting difference in people’s lives.

Gandel Philanthropy seeks to prioritise support for the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in our society and aims to help build stronger, more resilient, more vibrant and more inclusive communities.

Community Grants (up to $40,000) may be considered for the following:

  • arts and culture
  • education
  • health and medical research 
  • community development
  • social cohesion and inclusion
  • poverty and disadvantage.

Funding provider: Tim Fairfax Family Foundation

Eligibility: Australian charitable organisations and not-for-profits with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status

Funding amount: $20,000 and above

When applications are accepted: Currently postponed

Website: https://www.tfff.org.au/

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation (TFFF) supports initiatives aimed at addressing the particular needs of communities in rural, remote and regional areas within Queensland and the Northern Territory. It believes people in rural, regional and remote communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory should be afforded a level of opportunity equal to their metropolitan counterparts.

TFFF aims to achieve this by building the capacity of communities to improve their vibrancy, connectedness, resilience, and sustainability. TFFF focuses on initiatives that are:

  • community-driven
  • support leadership
  • encourage diversity
  • strengthen the community sector
  • involve collaboration between both private and public sector partners in the community.

Applications to TFFF are by invitation only. For further information regarding the application process see the website enquiry page.

 

Funding provider: Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal

Eligibility: Australian charitable organisations

Funding amount: Contact provider

When applications are accepted: *Ongoing quarterly

Website: www.frrr.org.au

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

The Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR) aims to champion the economic and social strength of Australia’s rural, regional and remote communities. FRRR operates a number of grant programs, and each grant program has individual parameters and areas of focus. In all cases the grant must be used for a charitable purpose that benefits the residents of Australia's rural, regional or remote communities.

The grant programs open at different times throughout the year. Some are annual, while others operate multiple rounds each year. Categories are:

  • Enable
  • Engage
  • Educate
  • Recovery and strengthen
  • Industries and places.

Funding provider: Australian Sports Commission

Eligibility: Individuals 12 to 18 years of age

Funding amount: $500 - $750

When applications are accepted: March, June, September, December

Website: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Local Sporting Champions offers grants to help your people pursue their sporting dreams. Young people find it difficult to meet the ongoing and significant costs associated with participation at sporting competitions, particularly those from regional areas.

The Local Sporting Champions program is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for young people aged 12-18 towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state, national or international sporting championships or a School Sport Australia state or national championships.

 

Funding provider: Queensland Department of Sports & Recreation

Eligibility: Not-for-profit sport or recreation organisations or not-for-profit community organisations

Funding amount: *2,000

When applications are accepted: *March

Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/active-clubs

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

Categories for funding:

  • Training and education
  • Volunteer Recognition
  • Equipment – on field and off field
  • Covid-safe related expenses
  • Participation activities and events
  • Provide flexible participation opportunities
  • Programs

Funding provider: The Sidney Myer Fund

Eligibility: Not-for-profits 

Funding amount: Up to $10,000

When applications are accepted: *Currently postponed

Website: myerfoundation.smartygrants.com.au

* Please note the date for submitting applications may have changed. All applicants should review opening and closing dates prior to commencing any grant application by clicking on the host organisations website above.

To contribute to enabling Australians to achieve the best possible educational outcomes, irrespective of their cultural background, socio-economic status and place of residence.

The current priority areas for the education small grants program are:

  • local community and school-based projects that aim to achieve outcomes for zero - 25 year olds
  • small discreet projects that meet the needs of a community rather than supplementary funding for large projects
  • projects that encourage integration and improve educational outcomes for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Students
  • rural and regional communities.

 

Related documents

PDF Grants & funding providers external to Council (PDF for print)