Calling all community groups – funding available

Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said Council’s next Major Grants round was now open for groups seeking funding for projects, programs, events and facility upgrades. 

“Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply now for up to $15,000 towards one-off projects, events and activities that demonstrate broad community benefit and align with Council’s strategic priorities,” Cr Bunnag said.

“This is a great opportunity to secure funding to maintain and improve facilities or to purchase essential equipment for sport, cultural and community activities.

“Funding can also be used to activate community spaces and places through community events and activities, or to support community-led projects and initiatives that enhance community wellbeing or grow local economies and creativity.”

Major Grant applications can be submitted in one of six categories: 

• community development
• community facilities
• creative development
• cultural heritage
• economic development
• sports and recreation.

Grants of up to $30,000 are also available towards infrastructure projects that involve developing, maintaining or improving buildings or land that contribute to providing a safe, accessible and inclusive community facility.  

Groups can apply on Council’s website, with submissions closing on August 26.

Apply here

Earlier this year, the Woombye Community and Business Association was successful in receiving a Major Grant for the Woombye Happy Days Festival 2025.

The festival will be held on May 4, 2025 and is a celebration of the "good ol' times" with events and culinary delights reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.

Woombye Community and Business Association President Milo Frawley said the community event had been running since 2023.

“We are very thankful for receiving a Sunshine Coast Council Major Grant to bring an even better event to the community next year,” Mr Frawley said.

“The funding will go towards the hire of equipment including a kids’ petting zoo and face-painter, hire cost for bands and other hire costs."

“I encourage Sunshine Coast community groups to apply for this round of Major Grants to help host their community events.”

Grant writing workshops

To help community organisations, Council is hosting free interactive grant writing workshops in July and August for all volunteers and community committee members to receive helpful tips for applications.

The workshops will provide an opportunity for participants to meet Council’s Grants Team and learn what makes a successful application, as well as grant eligibility, co-funding requirements, project planning and writing tips.

Cr Bunnag encouraged community groups to take up the opportunity to book a spot at one of Council’s free grant writing workshops.

“These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable tips for creating a winning application,” he said.

Workshops will be held between July 30 and August 8 at a number of locations:

• Tuesday, July 30:10.30am-noon, WindanSea Community Clubhouse, 1a Buderim St, Currimundi
• Wednesday, July 31: noon -1pm Teams Online Webinar
• Thursday, August 1: 11.30am-1pm session, North Shore Community Centre, 701 David Low Way, Mudjimba
• Tuesday, August 6: noon-1.30pm, Landsborough School of Arts and Memorial Hall, 485 Old Landsborough Rd, Landsborough
• Thursday, August 8:5.30-7pm, Venue 114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

For more details and to book a free grant writing workshop or webinar, visit Council’s website.

Book here

Environment Levy Grants of up to $5000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations for projects that make a positive and ongoing contribution to the region's biodiversity and waterways.

Key dates:

• Round opened: July 15, 2024
• Round closes: August 26, 2024
• Grant writing workshops and webinars: July 30 and August 8 – Register here Visit Council’s website and search for “grant workshops”.
• Notification anticipated: Mid-October 2024