Community Grants

Community Grants is sponsored by Port Macquarie Hastings Council. Supports local not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver projects that build a more inclusive, creative, connected, and resilient community.

Community Grants Port Macquarie Hastings Council opens in new tab or window Port Macquarie Hastings Council's Community Grants Program provides a total of $180,000 in funding for the 2026–2027 financial year. Funding is available through two major grant rounds, with Micro Grants also offered year-round. The program funds community-led projects and events that foster connection, inclusion, creativity and wellbeing across the region.

The program invests in local organisations that bring people together, create opportunities for participation, celebrate culture, support volunteers, and enhance community wellbeing, places and spaces. Through Community Grants, Council helps local groups deliver activities that make the Port Macquarie Hastings region more vibrant, inclusive and connected.

Attend an information session to learn about the grants and application process Port Macquarie Library from 12:00pm - 1:00pm 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Online (registration for online session essential) Register for online session Micro Grants are available year-round. Applications are assessed as they are received, with outcomes generally provided within two weeks of submission.

Funding available: $2,000 to $7,000 Information sessions: 29 July (Port Macquarie Library) and 3 August (online) Applications open: 1 August 2026 Applications close: 23 August 2026 Funding outcome: 17 September 2026 (Council Meeting) Project delivery period: Projects must be delivered between September 2026 and September 2027. Scheduled for February 2027.

Applicants must be one of the following: Registered charities or not-for-profit organisations. Incorporated not-for-profit associations. Aboriginal Land Councils.

Registered Indigenous Corporations. Community groups applying through an eligible auspice organisation. What projects can be funded Projects and activities must: Benefit residents of the Port Macquarie Hastings Local Government Area.

Be delivered within the Port Macquarie Hastings Local Government Area. Be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Be free or heavily subsidised to participants.

Align with Council's Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Plan 2025–2029, Cultural Plan 2025–2029 and Activation Plan. Be covered by Public Liability Insurance of at least $20 million (held by the applicant or auspice organisation) Applications will not be accepted from: Organisations with outstanding acquittals from previous Community Grants. Organisations that do not meet the eligibility requirements outlined above.

The Community Grants Program is a competitive funding process and submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Before applying, please read the PMHC_Community-Grants-Guidelines-2026-27_A4_0. 2.

pdf (PDF, 582KB) All applications must be submitted through Council's online grant management system. When you are ready to apply, select the Apply Now button. You can save your application and return to it later.

A unique link will be emailed to you when you save your application. Keep this link in a safe place, as it is the only way to access your saved application. Council cannot retrieve, recover or access saved applications.

If your link is lost or expires before submission, you will need to start a new application. Before commencing your application: Read the PMHC_Community-Grants-Guidelines-2026-27_A4_0. 2.

pdf (PDF, 582KB) Confirm your organisation is eligible. Ensure your project aligns with the program objectives. Review the assessment criteria.

Prepare a realistic project budget. Identify authorised signatories for your organisation. Landowners Consent (if applicable) Have the following ready to upload with your application: Proof of incorporated association, charity or registered not-for-profit status.

Most recent annual report or bank statement. Public Liability Insurance Certificate (minimum $20 million cover). Two letters of support from project partners, community groups, government agencies or support organisations.

Letter of support from your auspice organisation (if applicable). Landowners Consent (if applicable) Eligible applications will be assessed on: Organisational capacity and capability to deliver the project. Alignment with the program objectives and intended outcomes.

Demonstrated community benefit and impact. Evidence of collaboration and stakeholder support. Value for money and effective use of funding.

Clear measures for evaluating and reporting project outcomes. For further information refer to Section 5 of the PMHC_Community-Grants-Guidelines-2026-27_A4_0. 2.

pdf (PDF, 582KB) If you require assistance with your application, please contact the Liveable Communities section. Email: community. activation@pmhc.

nsw. gov.au Dippers Autism Swim Program Port Macquarie Hastings Council Community Grant funding supported the Dippers Autism Swim Program, which was delivered at Lighthouse Beach during the summer of 2026.

The inclusive beach and water safety program provided children with autism and their families the opportunity to build water confidence, develop essential beach and ocean safety skills, and strengthen social connections in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council Community Grant funding supported Garden Village's award-winning Virtual Voyagers program, which brings aged care residents and local students together through virtual reality experiences and shared activities. The program helps reduce social isolation, build meaningful connections and promote wellbeing across generations.

If you have received a Community Grant, you are required to acquit your grant within 30 days of your event or project completion. You are required to provide Council with: A minimum of two high-resolution photos of the project, with consent from individuals appearing in the images. Copies of receipts in accordance with your submitted budget.

Quantitative and qualitative data. The community benefits arising from your project. For example, the number of people who attended, new connections made (e.g., for youth), and other measurable impacts.

The report must clearly outline how the project benefitted the community. Copies of advertising and marketing of the activity. Acquit your Community Grant Funding