Community Grants 2025-26

The objective of the Community Grants Program is to provide an opportunity for community groups and organisations to seek funds for projects and initiatives which align with Council Plan objectives and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing objectives. These grants aim to support community connections, improve community health and wellbeing and social inclusion opportunities across the Indigo Shire. Council supports community groups with knowledge, skills and motivation to create positive change by funding projects that bring people together to upskill, share resources, and implement community solutions.

GRANT AIMS

• To provide an opportunity for community groups and organisations to seek funds for projects and initiatives which align with Council Plan objectives and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing objectives highlighted below.
• Support community connections, improve community health and wellbeing and social inclusion opportunities across the Shire.
• Projects may include activities and resources which support positive social connection, inclusion, health, community arts, knowledge and skills sharing and cultural and environmental outcomes.

In 2025-2026, there is $50,000 available for a wide range of projects including Arts and Culture projects and Youth Initiatives. 

Successful grants for all categories will range from $200-$4000.

Key dates:

• Applications open 1 July
• Applications close 4 August at 4.00pm: Late applications will not be considered
• Applicants will be notified of assessment outcome in September

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

All applications must demonstrate alignment with:

• At least ONE Council Plan Strategic Objective,

 AND

• At least ONE Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Priority

Council Plan strategic objectives:

☐   Our community members have access to support services to help them achieve and sustain physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

☐   Our community members have access to the services, activities and infrastructure that make it    easy for them to stay connected and get involved in community life.

☐   Our young people are supported and encouraged to contribute to their communities.

☐   Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are valued, respected and their contributions recognised and celebrated.

☐   Our communities are enriched by a thriving and diverse arts and creative sector.

☐   Diversity within our communities is welcomed, valued and respected.

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing priority:

☐   Preventing family violence

☐   Reducing climate change's impact on community health

☐   Improving healthy eating

☐   Championing active living

☐   Tobacco and alcohol harm reduction

☐   Improving mental health

Additional Must Haves:

☐  Groups must demonstrate a significant contribution in the form of cash, voluntary service or in-kind support.

☐   Groups must be incorporated, be auspiced by another group, or become incorporated as a condition of funding. Groups must also have an ABN or be willing to complete an ATO Statement by Supplier Form. 

☐   The applicant must have appropriate public liability insurance.

☐   All funded projects must obtain relevant permits and approvals prior to project commencement.

Other Important Information: 

• Applications will be considered only from locally based non-for-profit groups and organisations or those meeting a demonstrated need within the Shire.
• One application per group.
• Preference will be given to applications for projects where funding is not available from other sources (ie. State or Federal funding).
• Applications will NOT be considered within the following categories:
  • Individuals.
  • Groups already in receipt of significant support from Council.
  • Programs that are considered the major responsibility of State or Federal Government.
  • Applications by commercial or private organisations.
  • Retrospective funding i.e. projects that have already been started or have been completed.
  • Applications received from organisations with outstanding acquittals from previous grant rounds will not be considered.

The assessment of all Community Grant applications is the responsibility of the Indigo Shire Community Grants and Awards Advisory Committee (ISCGAAC).

ISCGAAC will use the following list of criteria to assess applications to Indigo Shire’s 2025-2026 Community Grants Program.

• The project aligns with the Council Plan priorities
• The project aligns with Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 
• The project benefits the local community