Grants & Funding

Introduction

Each year Shoalhaven City Council makes funds available for community groups, organisations and, under some funding, individuals to:

  • Design, implement and complete projects that support and enhance the lives of residents of the Shoalhaven

Annual Community Grant Programs have been developed to align with the Shoalhaven Community Strategic Plan and all applications must refer to these objectives and strategies. For an overview of what Community Grants are coming up view:

Community Donations Program

Applications have now closed for this program.

The purpose of Council’s Community Donations Program is to provide financial assistance in a consistent, equitable and transparent matter in line with the Community Donations Policy.

If you are a:

  • Local Community Service
  • Cultural or Sporting Organisation
  • Charitable or Non-Profit Organisation. 

And your Service or Organisation:

  • Operates within or provides benefit to the residents of the Shoalhaven 
  • Conducts quality cultural, sporting and community service programs and activities in the Shoalhaven
  • Cannot attract sufficient funds from other sources.

Applications for funding for the 2023/2024 Financial Year will:

  • Open 13 February 2023 
  • Close 24 March 2023

Upon closure of the application period, the following process will occur:

  • Applications will be assessed by Council’s Donations Assessment Panel to ensure that the application meets the eligibility criteria outlined below. 
  • The Panel will make a formal recommendation to Council seeking support for financial assistance on behalf of the applicants. 
  • Applicants will be notified of the date of the Ordinary Meeting where Council will be considering the Panel’s recommendation. 
  • The elected Council will determine the funding to be provided at that meeting.
  • Confirmation of Council’s resolution will be forwarded to all applicants (both successful and unsuccessful) following the outcome of the meeting.

Important Information:

  • The Community Donations Program does not deal with Fee Waivers that are dealt with under the Fee Waivers, Subisidies and Support Policy and Waiving of Development Application Fees & Other Fees for Charitable Organisations & Community Groups.
  • Please review the Community Donations Policy in conjunction with the Eligibility Criteria (see below) before proceeding with the application to ensure that all requirements have been met.
  • If you do not hold an ABN, please complete a Statement by a supplier - Australian Taxation Office and upload as part of your application
  • Review an example of a Financial Acquittal for assistance in completing yours if required during the application process

If your Application is for Financial Assistance to Host an Event:

  • Ensure that your proposed event is compliant with Council’s Events Policy 
  • Have you completed an Event Application?
  • This must be lodged with Council’s Events Team 90 days prior to the event being held.
  • For further information, visit Event Support page 

Applications received after 24 March 2023 will not be eligible for consideration.

Applications will not be assessed without a fully completed application form and the required supporting documentation.

Should you wish to receive a copy of the form in a pdf / printable version please call 4429 3316.

Community Donations Program eligibility criteria

Applications for donations will only be considered if they are classified as one of three categories

  • General Community Donations (Culture, Community & Environment)
  • Sponsorship of Local Events
  • Subsidised Rental, Rates and Use of Council Facilities

The following criteria applies to all donation categories

  • What Community Strategic Plan Key Priorities does the project meet? (view our Community Strategic Plan)
  • Who and how many benefit from the project/event (target group)?
  • To what degree is the group/project/event self-financing?
  • Has the need for the project/event been demonstrated?
  • Has the need for funding or subsidy been demonstrated?
  • Is the organisation able to make a contribution either in monetary funds or in kind, e.g. labour, materials, etc?
  • What efforts have been made to seek funds from other sources?
  • Does the application have a broad community focus?
  • If the project/event has a regional focus what benefit will occur for Shoalhaven residents?

Applications will NOT be eligible for funding if any of the following apply

  • The benefit is primarily to an individual
  • Duplication of service or project already existing within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area
  • The Community Donations Program does not deal with Fee Waivers that are dealt with under the Fee Waivers, Subisidies and Support Policy and Waiving of Development Application Fees & Other Fees for Charitable Organisations & Community Groups.
  • Projects occurring outside the Shoalhaven Local Government Area
  • Projects that are retrospective - i.e. projects/events that have been held prior to 30 June 2023
  • Projects which do not align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan
  • Applicants are able to self-fund the project
  • A more applicable funding source is available
  • The applicants are Government Departments or Agencies
  • The application is for capital funds (e.g. building and building maintenance costs)
  • The project will financially benefit a profit-making organisation, individual or Government Department
  • Projects and facilities or services are controlled through Council appointed Management Committees (where these projects, facilities or services are not under Council’s direct care and control)
  • The proceeds or entry fee from a project or event are being donated to another organisation
  • There is no direct benefit to Shoalhaven City residents

Things to consider for your application

  1. If you do not hold an ABN, complete a Statement by a supplier - Australian Taxation Office and upload to your application
  2. Review an example of a Financial Acquittal for assistance in completing yours if required during the application process
  3. Ensure that your proposed event is compliant with Council’s Events Policy and that an Event Application has been completed and lodged with the Events Team 90 days prior to the event 

For further information visit:

How to be grant ready

This one-hour grant writing webinar is ideal for community groups and non-profit organisations that want to improve their grant writing skills. The session provides information on what grants exist and tips on how to apply for them.

Upcoming grants

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Current grants

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Awarded grants

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