Grants and Funding

Total Funding Available: $150,000 (one funding round)
Applications close: 8 September 2025

The Community Infrastructure Program supports projects that develop, renew, enhance, or improve community facilities that deliver public benefit and quality outcomes for the Cassowary Coast.

Funding Streams

Stream A – Minor Community Infrastructure

• Projects up to $5,000.

• $0 – $2,000: No co-contribution required.

• $2,001 – $5,000: 10% co-contribution required (in-kind and/or financial).

Stream B – Major Community Infrastructure

• Projects $5,001 to $30,000.

• 20% co-contribution required (in-kind and/or financial).

• At least 10% of the co-contribution must be financial.

Who Can Apply

• Applicants must hold a lease, licence, ongoing agreement, or own the building/land.

• All necessary permissions and approvals must be in place (evidence required).

• Applicants must have no outstanding maintenance works or rectification notices.

• Written approval from the land/building owner (if required).

Preference will be given to projects that have secured co-funding from other sources (e.g., State/Federal grants, philanthropic foundations) if the round is over-subscribed.

Minor applications require less detail than major applications.
Successful applicants may apply for other funding streams within the Community Grants and Support Program.

Apply now via Smarty Grants: Community Infrastructure Program Stream 2025 - 2026 - Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Grants of up to $7,500 are available to support projects that enhance community connection, promote sustainability, or support the local economy.

• Total pool: $120,000 annually, delivered in two rounds of $60,000
• No co-contribution required for grants up to $2,000
• Projects over $2,000 require a 10% in-kind or cash contribution

This funding supports community-led projects that align with Council’s 2025–2030 Corporate Plan themes:

• Healthy Communities
• Thriving Economy
• Sustainable Environment

Apply now via the Smarty Grants Portal: Community Programs & Initiatives – Round 1

This fund provides up to $1,200 in assistance for emergent costs associated with community events or spontaneous projects that arise between August 2025 to April 2026.

• Available year-round until funds are fully expended
• Events must be public, family-friendly, inclusive, and located within the region
• Not available for projects already funded through the Community Grants Program in the same financial year

Apply now via the Smarty Grants Portal:  Mayor’s Discretionary Events Fund

Local not-for-profit clubs can apply for $400 to assist with costs such as public liability insurance, affiliation fees, or volunteer development.

• Total program funding: $7,500 for August 2025– April 2026
• Applications accepted until funding is exhausted
• Open to clubs with at least 20 active members
• Clubs can still apply for other funding streams within the Community Grants and Support Program

Apply now: Sports Club and Active Recreation Support Program

This program supports young people under the age of 18 selected to compete in officially recognised competitions in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) or Sport.

Grants are available for individuals and teams to help cover costs such as travel, accommodation, nomination fees, and uniforms.

• Open from August 2025 to April 2026
• Requests outside this timeframe may be accepted by contacting community@ccrc.qld.gov.au
• Applicants must provide confirmation of selection by the relevant governing body
• One grant per applicant per financial year

Apply now via the Smarty Grants Portal: STEAM and Sport Youth Assistance

Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) – Round One 

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), supported by Cassowary Coast Regional Council in partnership with Arts Queensland, is now open for Round One applications from 25 August.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for artists, performers, and community groups to develop arts and cultural projects that celebrate the people, places, and culture of the Cassowary Coast.

Applications close Sunday 28 September. Find out more and apply at cassowarycoast.smartygrants.com.au

Find all the details about eligibility and assessment criteria in The Regional Arts Development Fund Guidelines(PDF, 6MB).

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.