Community Programs & Initiatives Round 1 2025 - 2026

NOTE: Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

NOTE: Please save your work as you go

Before completing this application form, please read the program community-grants-guideline (cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au) community-grants-guideline (cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au).

This section of the application form is designed to help you, and us, understand if you are eligible for this grant. It is crucial that you complete these questions before any others to ensure you do not waste your time applying for an unsuitable grant.

Depending on the grant you have selected you may be asked to provide the following information:

• Proof of public liability insurance
• Letters of support, leases, permits
• Auspicing information
• Quotes for services or items
• Project details such as venues, budgets and outcomes
• contacts for auspice organisations

If you have any questions in regards to these eligibility criteria, please contact community@ccrc.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 1300 763 903 and ask to speak with our Community Services team.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Community Grants and Support Program provides support for identified community members and local community organisations that endeavour to make positive change and contribute to a vibrant community. Applicants are subject to eligibility criteria and must complete the relevant application through Council’s Smarty Grants portal with all supporting documentation for the application to be considered.

Council provides Community Grants and Support to respond to community priorities and need; to create a more sustainable and resilient community by delivering social (including health and wellbeing), cultural, environmental and economic outcomes through the funding streams.

Projects and initiatives selected will align with Council’s purpose: Cassowary Coast Regional Council meets the needs of current and future generations through an integration of environmental stewardship, social advancement and economic prosperity.

Objectives of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Community Grants and Support Program:

Create opportunities for diverse projects, activities and events to meet identified community priorities that align with Council’s vision and strategic objectives in accordance with Council’s 2025 - 2030 Integrated Corporate and Operational Plan.

• Build community skills, capacity and resilience.
• Develop and maintain community infrastructure.
• Strengthen our community through social inclusion and collaboration.
• Form collaborative partnerships to prioritise physical and mental wellbeing of residents.
• Prioritise the natural environment.

In accordance with Council’s Community Grants and Support Policy, the local government principles prescribed in the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) apply to Council’s Community Grants and Support Program.

s4(2) The local government principles are—

(a) transparent and effective processes, and decision-making in the public interest; and

(b) sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services; and,

(c) democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement; and

(d) good governance of, and by, local government; and

(e) ethical and legal behaviour of councillors, local government employees and councillor advisors

Program funding for the 2025 - 2026 financial year is $120,000 with 2 funding rounds with
an allocation of $60,000 per round. Panel assessors may deem a project to be either successful, partially successful (with approved funding stipulated) or unsuccessful

Minor Community Project or Initiative:

• Amount: Up to $2,000
• Co-Contribution: Not required
• Submission: Less Detailed

Major Community Project or Initiative:

• Amount: $2,001 - $7,500
• Co-Contribution: 10% in kind / financial contribution required
• Submission: More Detailed

Community Grant Program - Community Programs & Initiatives

Councils Aspirations

Healthy Communities: 

• A healthy, active and inclusive community with a strong sense of identity, belonging and pride.

Thriving Economy

• A strong diverse and progressive economy, with vibrant town centres, thriving tourism destinations and good training and job opportunities for everyone.

Sustainable Environments

Sustainability and ecological principals are embraced across the community to protect and enhance our unique biodiversity and natural environment with meaningful mitigation and adaptation to address climate change.

Program Stream Criteria: 

The objective of this program is to identify, assess and administer funds for activities that will deliver some or all of the below outcomes:

• Directly support at least one the following Council Aspirations

i) Healthy Communities

ii) Thriving Economy

iii) Sustainable Environments

• Provide inclusive and diverse events or activities for the region and engage marginalised or other priority groups.
• Create strong, resilient communities and social networks.
• Support the implementation of sustainable practices for the community.
• Promote livability and vibrancy of the Cassowary Coast as a community through social, environmental, and / or economic activities.
• Build community expertise, capacity, skills and knowledge (including increased volunteerism and volunteer capacity and capability).
• Raise awareness of the Cassowary Coast Region as a destination

Examples: Community Grants & Support Guidelines

If you do contact us throughout the application process, please quote the application number below:

By proceeding with the application I confirm that I have read the Program Guidelines Community Grants & Support Program Guidelines and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Corporate Plan corporate-and-operational-plan-2025-2030  and that my organisation is eligible to apply.