Grants and Funding

Community Grants Are Open 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Community Grants and Support Programs provides support for identified community members and local community organisations that endeavour to make a positive change and contribute to a vibrant community.  

Community Projects & Initiatives

Applications are sought for projects that demonstrate either or a combination of the following outcomes:

Healthy Communities - A healthy active 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 principles are embraced across the community to protect and enhance our unique biodiversity and natural environment with meaningful mitigation and adaptation to address climate change

ROUND OPEN FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 

Minor Community Project or Initiatives

This grant is designed for smaller projects, activities, or community initiatives that need a relatively modest amount of funding—up to $2,000. It is intended to make it easier for community groups, clubs, and organisations to deliver local activities without a complicated application process.

Because the funding amount is lower, applicants do not need to provide a co-contribution, meaning the grant can potentially cover the full cost of the project. The application is generally less detailed, requiring basic information about the project, how the funds will be used, and the expected benefits to the community.

Examples of projects that might suit this category include:

  • Community workshops or events
  • Small equipment purchases
  • Volunteer recognition activities
  • Local awareness campaigns
  • Minor improvements to community facilities


Major Community Project or Initiative Grant

This grant supports larger or more complex projects that require funding between $2,001 and $7,500. These projects are expected to have a broader community impact or involve higher costs.

Applicants must provide a 10% co-contribution, which can be either:

  • Financial (cash contributed by the organisation or another funding source), or
  • In-kind (the value of volunteer labour, donated materials, professional services, venue hire, etc.).

Because more funding is being requested, the application process is more detailed. Applicants are typically required to provide a stronger project plan, a detailed budget, evidence of community benefit, and information about how the project will be delivered and evaluated.

Examples of projects that might suit this category include:

  • Large community events or festivals
  • Significant equipment purchases
  • Community development programs
  • Facility upgrades or improvement projects
  • Multi-stage initiatives involving several community groups


 Apply Here

Community Infrastructure Program Stream

Applications are sought for project that develop, renew, enhance or improve community facilities that deliver public benefit and quality outcomes for the Cassowary Coast Community.

ROUND OPEN FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Minor Infrastructure Grant

The Minor Infrastructure Grant is intended to support smaller infrastructure projects that improve community facilities, assets, or spaces. Organisations can apply for funding between $0 and $5,000 to undertake projects that enhance the functionality, safety, accessibility, or appearance of community infrastructure.

Applicants are required to provide a 10% co-contribution, which can be either:

  • Financial – a direct cash contribution towards the project costs, or
  • In-kind – the value of volunteer labour, donated materials, equipment use, or professional services contributed to the project.

This category is suitable for projects that are relatively straightforward and have a modest budget.

Examples of projects that may fit this grant include:

  • Installing signage
  • Minor building repairs
  • Small landscaping projects
  • Safety improvements
  • Accessibility enhancements
  • Purchase and installation of minor infrastructure items


Major Infrastructure Grant

The Major Infrastructure Grant supports larger-scale infrastructure projects that require more substantial funding, with grants available between $5,001 and $30,000. These projects are typically more complex and deliver significant benefits to the community through improved facilities, services, or public spaces.

Applicants must provide a 20% co-contribution, with at least 10% of the total project cost being a financial contribution. The remaining portion of the co-contribution may be provided as either financial or in-kind support.

For example, on a $20,000 project:

  • The required co-contribution would be $4,000 (20%).
  • At least $2,000 (10%) must be a financial contribution.
  • The remaining $2,000 could be either financial or in-kind.

Examples of projects that may fit this grant include:

  • Facility upgrades and renovations
  • Construction or installation of new community assets
  • Significant accessibility improvements
  • Major equipment or infrastructure installations
  • Improvements to sporting, recreational, or community facilities


Apply Here

Youth Financial Assistance 

This grant supports youth up to 18 years of age for assistance with the following:

  • Sports Assistance
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics),
  • Creative Arts and Culture
  • Community Leadership and Advocacy

ROUND OPEN FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 

Regional Level

Regional level funding is available to individuals and teams selected to represent their area at a regional competition or event. This includes representation at the Peninsula Region, Far North Queensland Region, Cassowary Coast Region, or other recognised Zone or Regional events.

Applicants must provide supporting evidence confirming their selection or participation at the regional level.

Funding available:

  • Individuals: up to $150
  • Teams: up to $300

This level of assistance helps offset costs such as travel, accommodation, registration fees, or other expenses associated with attending a regional event.


State Level Funding

State level funding supports individuals and teams who have been selected to represent Queensland at a state-level competition, championship, or event.

To be eligible, applicants must provide supporting documentation from the relevant State Sporting, Cultural, Academic, or Governing Body confirming their selection or participation.

Funding available:

  • Individuals: up to $200
  • Teams: up to $400

This funding recognises the higher level of achievement required to compete at a state level and assists with the additional costs involved in attending these events.


National Level Funding

National and International funding is available to individuals and teams who have been selected to represent Australia, either at events held within Australia or overseas.

Applicants must provide supporting evidence demonstrating that they have been chosen to represent Australia at the relevant event, competition, or activity.

Funding available:

  • Individuals: up to $300
  • Teams: up to $600

This category provides the highest level of assistance, reflecting the significant commitment and costs often associated with national and international representation, including travel, accommodation, registration fees, and other participation expenses.


Apply Here

Emergent Needs Funding

This grant is to provide rapid response-based support for not-for-profit community groups who are faced with genuine unforeseen expenses when planning community events, activities or initiatives.

ROUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS UP TO $1,200

Apply Here

International Women’s Day Grant

The objective of this grant is to provide funding to support International Women’s Day events to be run by local community groups and organisations within the Cassowary Coast Council region that

  • Recognise and value the achievements and community impact local women make in the region
  • Celebrate, promote and increase visibility of the positive contributions women make in our local community.
  • Educate the community about International Women’s Day
  • Encourage reflection and discussion about issues on gender inequality
  • Encourages community participation in International Women’s Day

THIS ROUND OPENS IN OCTOBER 

ANZAC Day and Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorations

The ANZAC Day and Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorations Program provides funding for eligible applicants to support commemorative activities for ANZAC Day and the Battle of the Coral Sea within the Cassowary Coast Local Government Area- Applicants will be invited to submit a submission

THIS ROUND OPENS IN OCTOBER 

Community Grants and Support Funds Available for Financial Year 

Community Projects & Initiatives Funding Stream

The Community Projects & Initiatives Funding Stream supports projects, programs, events, and activities that deliver positive outcomes for the local community. Funding can be used for initiatives that encourage community participation, strengthen social connections, build local capacity, or address identified community needs.

A total of $60,000 is available per funding round, with two rounds offered each year:

  • Round 1: July
  • Round 2: February

This stream provides community organisations with regular opportunities throughout the year to seek support for new or ongoing projects and initiatives.

 

Community Infrastructure Program Stream

The Community Infrastructure Funding Stream helps community organisations develop, improve, or upgrade facilities and infrastructure that benefit local residents. Funding may support projects such as building improvements, facility upgrades, accessibility enhancements, equipment installations, or other infrastructure works that increase community use and value.

A total budget of $225,000 is allocated annually.

Funding rounds include:

  • Round 1: July each year
  • Round 2: Available only if funding remains after Round 1 (if Round 1 is undersubscribed)

Given the larger funding allocation, this stream is designed to support significant infrastructure projects that provide long-term benefits to the community.

 

Emergent Needs Funding

The Emergent Needs Funding Stream is intended to provide timely assistance for unexpected opportunities or unforeseen circumstances that arise outside the standard grant round process. This may include urgent community needs, exceptional opportunities, or situations where waiting for the next funding round would not be practical.

A total of $15,000 is available each year.

Applications open in July and remain available until all funds have been allocated.

As funding is limited, organisations are encouraged to apply as early as possible when an eligible need arises.

 

Youth Financial Assistance

The Youth Assistance Funding Stream supports young people who are representing their community, region, state, or country in sporting, cultural, academic, or leadership activities. The funding is designed to help offset participation costs such as travel, accommodation, and registration fees.

A total of $10,000 is allocated annually.

Applications open in July and remain open until the available funds have been exhausted.

This stream ensures that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating in valuable development and representative opportunities.

 

ANZAC Day and Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorations

This funding stream provides support for activities and events that recognise and commemorate ANZAC Day and the Battle of the Coral Sea. Funding may assist with ceremonies, memorial services, educational activities, community commemorations, and projects that preserve and promote understanding of these important historical events.

A total of $16,000 is allocated annually.

Applications open in October each year.

The program helps local communities honour the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force personnel and maintain important commemorative traditions.

 

International Woman's Day

The International Women's Day Funding Stream supports activities, events, and initiatives that celebrate the achievements, contributions, and leadership of women while promoting gender equality and community awareness.

A total of $6,000 is available annually.

Applications open in October each year.

Funding may be used for community events, workshops, educational activities, networking opportunities, and programs that align with the objectives of International Women's Day and support positive outcomes for women and girls in the community.

 

Resources:

Community Grants and Support Program guidelines Community-Grants-Guidelines-26_27.pdf(PDF, 2MB)

Queensland Government Grant writing tips: QLD Govt Grant writing tips

Helpful Links: 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Grants can be viewed in the SmartyGrants portal.

Grants are also available nationwide. To view these grants, visit the SmartySearch portal.

Need help to start your application?

If you have any questions, contact us on 1300 763 903 or email community@ccrc.qld.gov.au

Information Privacy and Right to Information

Applicants must consent to the information contained within this application being disclosed to or by Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the purpose of assessing, administering, monitoring and evaluation. Council may contact other funding agencies to verify grants requested from other funding agencies in support of projects. For transparency, all payments will be viewable on this website via the Funding Recipients List.