Community Grants Program

Community Grants Program is sponsored by Central Highlands Regional Council. This program provides grants to incorporated not-for-profit organizations or companies limited by guarantee with a community focus, not providing organized sport and recreation activities.

Central Highlands Regional CouncilGrants and funding - Central Highlands Regional Council ⚠️ CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST EMERGENCY UPDATES AND ROAD CLOSURES VIA OUR DISASTER DASHBOARD.

Community services - In this section Arts, culture and galleries Council events and competitions Australia Day Nominations Community and affordable housing Facilities and recreation Parks, gardens and open spaces Sport and active recreation We are committed to supporting our local community groups, businesses, and individuals to deliver projects and activities that help make the region an inclusive, vibrant, and connected community.

Economic Stimulus Policy Grants are currently open, click here to learn more. Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and eligible local councils across the state.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. Our RADF grant program is overseen by the Central Highlands Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee (CHACAC) who hold regular meetings. Visit the CHACAC page to learn more about the committee.

Council’s local priorities for RADF 2026-27 are: Support skills development and capacity building for individuals and groups in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors. Support opportunities within the arts and heritage for social connection to build community resilience and improve well-being.

Deliver priorities meeting Central Highlands strategic documents: Creative Cultural Futures Strategy 2016-2026 Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage Action Plan 2024-2026 Heritage Management Framework Reconciliation Action Plan Central Highlands Youth Development Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 Library Strategic Action Plan 2021-2026 Provide access to new and diverse opportunities and art forms that enhance the region’s cultural reputation, cultural and heritage tourism offerings and local economy.

Encourage partnerships and collaboration across the arts, cultural and heritage sector between individuals, groups, and professional organisations.

Opening date: Thursday 2 July 2026 Closing date: Sunday 30 August 2026 Applicants notified: Wednesday 23 September 2026 Opening date: Monday 2 November 2026 Closing date: Sunday 24 January 2027 Applicants notified: Wednesday 24 February 2027 Opening date: Monday 1 March 2027 Closing date: Sunday 25 April 2027 Applicants notified: Wednesday 26 May 2027 Professional artists, emerging professional artists, arts workers, cultural workers or project coordinators who: Are based in the council area, or if based outside the council area, can demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the council area Are aged 18 years of age or above or have a legal guardian co-sign the application confirming financial responsibility of the funding Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be an incorporated organisation or the grant be auspice by one of these Any of the following groups may be eligible to apply: Arts, culture and heritage organisations based in the council area Arts, culture and heritage organisations based outside the council area that can demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the council area Organisations and/or agencies delivering arts and cultural objectives for the region aligning with arts, cultural and heritage strategic vision.

What kind of projects are eligible?

Individuals are eligible to apply for Australian-based professional development opportunities including: professional development, e.g. workshops/retreats, conferences, mentorships, artist-in-residence programs and placements with recognised arts and cultural organisations research/concept development new works or projects, e.g. public art, exhibitions exhibition costs, e.g. framing, venue hire, materials/tools to support an exhibition Groups are eligible to apply for projects under the following categories: Skills development workshops Community arts and cultural development See pages 8-9 in the RADF guidelines for more information and examples.

Step 1: Before starting your application, please read our RADF Guidelines and ensure you have been in touch with one of council’s Arts and Cultural Officer prior to completing/submitting an application. Step 2: Applications can be completed online via the SmartyGrants platform . You are required to register a username and password login the first time you use this application system.

The online application system will allow you to save and develop applications before you choose to submit them. RADF Liaison Officers are available to for advice regarding the development of your application or for assistance in completing the SmartyGrants application . For assistance, please contact council.

Step 3: Once applications close, Central Highlands Arts and Culture Advisory Committee will access the applications and provide a recommendation to council for endorsement. Once council have made a decision on funding allocation, each applicant will be notified of the outcome.

Applicants are required to be incorporated organisations with public liability insurance, or be auspiced by an incorporated organisation or individual with an ABN.

Assessment meeting dates & minutes Previous assessment meeting minutes are updated below: Round 1 – 8 November 2024 Round 1 – 9 February 2024 Round 1 – 11 November 2022 Round 2 – 4 February 2022 Round 1 – 20 November 2020 Round 1 – 25 October 2019 Round 2 – 13 December 2019 Round 3 – 7 February 2020 Artist Eligibility Checklist Outcome report - Non-GST Registered Outcome report - GST Registered Sample Budget - Non-GST Registered Sample Budget - GST Registered Budget Template - Non-GST Registered Budget Template - GST Registered Council’s Community Grants Program aims to assist local community groups/organisations in making positive contributions to the quality of life in the local government area.

Applications can be submitted in the following categories to the maximum indicated: Community assistance – up to $5000 Organisations with a community focus, not providing organised sport and recreation activities. The organisation’s constitutions main objective is to provide community benefit. Sport and recreation assistance – up to $5000 Organisations providing organised sport and recreation activities.

The organisation’s constitution main objective is to provide organised sport and recreation activities. Community improvement – up to $20,000 Organisations with a focus on completing aspirations of their community in alignment with Council Strategic documents. This category is open to both community-focused organisations and sport and recreation organisations.

Grants are offered twice a year. Groups/ organisations applying for Central Highlands Regional Council Grants are required to: Have the majority of members of the organisation/group reside in council’s local government area boundaries. Operate predominately within council’s local government area boundaries.

Have acquitted any previous council grant satisfactorily. Be free of debt with council. Be an incorporated ‘not-for-profit’ organisation or company limited by guarantee that has been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a charity, tax exempt fund or deductable gift recipient.

Note: religious organisations are not eligible. Unincorporated groups are eligible to apply, providing that their application is made through the appropriate incorporated body which supports the program, project or activity. Have relevant public liability insurance cover, except when the grant relates only to works being undertaken by a suitably insured contractor.

Make the facility or resource available to community through membership or other means. Demonstrate a clear need for financial support and show that other avenues of financial support have been explored (e.g. other grant funding). Submit the organisation’s most current financial statement (as submitted to the Office of Fair Trading) or latest treasurer’s report including bank balances covering previous12 months.

Submit a detailed budget for the program, project and/or activity and two (2) quotes from registered businesses, for all items to be funded for the grant (including where possible at least sourced in council boundaries). Provide in principle support from the landowner or trustee of the land prior to application submission Provide in principle support from the landowner or trustee of the land prior to application submission.

Sought advice regarding building works and approval prior to application submission (if applicable). Have a signed Tenure Agreement if one has been offered in excess of six months from the application date. (This criterion is applicable if you are operating from council land/building).

Be open for public membership. IMPORTANT: Please read the grant guidelines and the form before applying. Council staff involved in the administration of the Community Grants Program are available to provide general guidance to assist with the preparation of your application.

Please contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 242 686. Community Grant Program Applications can be completed online https://chrc. smartygrants.

com. au/ Alternatively, you can complete a hard copy of the grant, please contact a Grants Officer for this option.

Community Grants Program – Project Plan-Template Community Grants Program-Strategic-Plan-Template Community Grants Program – Project Plan-Template Community Grants Program-Strategic-Plan-Template Central Highlands Regional Council is calling for community representatives to join the Community Grants Assessment Panel Grant applications are assessed by the Community Grants Assessment Panel, which includes council staff, councillors, and community representatives.

The term for community representatives on the assessment panel hold a term for two years. The panel reviews all grant applications to provide a recommendation to council on which projects should be funded. Panel members are selected on their demonstrated involvement in community life and their local knowledge of the Central Highlands.

The current panel members will assess grants from Round 1 2026/27 – Round 2 2027/28. Community grant forms & guidelines Guidelines for all applicants Applications can be submitted in the following categories to the maximum indicated: Community assistance – up to $5000 Organisations with a community focus, not providing organised sport and recreation activities.

The organisation’s constitutions main objective is to provide community benefit. Sport and recreation assistance – up to $5000 Organisations providing organised sport and recreation activities. The organisation’s constitution main objective is to provide organised sport and recreation activities.

Community improvement – up to $20,000 Organisations with a focus on completing aspirations of their community in alignment with Council Strategic documents. This category is open to both community-focused organisations and sport and recreation organisations. Grants are offered twice a year.

Groups/ organisations applying for Central Highlands Regional Council Grants are required to: Have the majority of members of the organisation/group reside in council’s local government area boundaries. Operate predominately within council’s local government area boundaries. Have acquitted any previous council grant satisfactorily.

Be free of debt with council. Be an incorporated ‘not-for-profit’ organisation or company limited by guarantee that has been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a charity, tax exempt fund or deductable gift recipient. Note: religious organisations are not eligible.

Unincorporated groups are eligible to apply, providing that their application is made through the appropriate incorporated body which supports the program, project or activity. Have relevant public liability insurance cover, except when the grant relates only to works being undertaken by a suitably insured contractor. Make the facility or resource available to community through membership or other means.

Demonstrate a clear need for financial support and show that other avenues of financial support have been explored (e.g. other grant funding). Submit the organisation’s most current financial statement (as submitted to the Office of Fair Trading) or latest treasurer’s report including bank balances covering previous12 months.

Submit a detailed budget for the program, project and/or activity and two (2) quotes from registered businesses, for all items to be funded for the grant (including where possible at least sourced in council boundaries). Provide in principle support from the landowner or trustee of the land prior to application submission Provide in principle support from the landowner or trustee of the land prior to application submission.

Sought advice regarding building works and approval prior to application submission (if applicable). Have a signed Tenure Agreement if one has been offered in excess of six months from the application date. (This criterion is applicable if you are operating from council land/building).

Be open for public membership. IMPORTANT: Please read the grant guidelines and the form before applying. Council staff involved in the administration of the Community Grants Program are available to provide general guidance to assist with the preparation of your application.

Please contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 242 686. Community Grant Program Applications can be completed online https://chrc. smartygrants.

com. au/ Alternatively, you can complete a hard copy of the grant, please contact a Grants Officer for this option.

Community Grants Program – Project Plan-Template Community Grants Program-Strategic-Plan-Template Community Grants Program – Project Plan-Template Community Grants Program-Strategic-Plan-Template Central Highlands Regional Council is calling for community representatives to join the Community Grants Assessment Panel Grant applications are assessed by the Community Grants Assessment Panel, which includes council staff, councillors, and community representatives.

The term for community representatives on the assessment panel hold a term for two years. The panel reviews all grant applications to provide a recommendation to council on which projects should be funded. Panel members are selected on their demonstrated involvement in community life and their local knowledge of the Central Highlands.

The current panel members will assess grants from Round 1 2026/27 – Round 2 2027/28. Guidelines for all applicants Community Event Support Program The event assistance program supports individuals, groups, clubs and organisations seeking sponsorship or in-kind support for their events. The event must provide a community benefit and an opportunity for people in the region to gather, celebrate and participate.

Applicants can apply for up to $10,000 of combined cash and in-kind funding.

Please download the Community Support Program information booklet or see below for more information about the categories Date range for event Round which application can be submitted in 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026 1 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2027 1 or 2 1 April 2027 to 30 June 2027 1, 2 or 3 1 July 2027 to 30 September 2027 1, 2, 3 or 4 Opening Date – 1 July 2026 Closing Date – 30 July 2026 Notification of Outcome – September 2026 Opening Date – 1 October 2026 Closing Date – 31 October 2026 Notification of Outcome – December 2026 Opening Date – 1 January 2027 Closing Date – 31 January 2027 Notification of Outcome – March 2027 Opening Date – 1 April 2027 Closing Date – 30 April 2027 Notification of Outcome – June 2027 Duaringa flying-fox impact assistance The aim of the Localised Grant Scheme for Duaringa Residents is to provide financial assistance to residents, property owners and businesses impacted by the presence of flying-foxes within the Duaringa Designated Urban Area.

In partnership with the Queensland Government, council seeks to assist with reasonable costs incurred in mitigating, preventing or responding to the impacts of flying-foxes. The total program value from Queensland Government and Central Highlands Regional Council is $30,000. Application process and timeline Applicants are required to: Complete the application form in full.

Reside, own or operate a business in the Duaringa Designated Urban Area (pictured). Proof of residency, ownership or business operation must be submitted. Examples include rates notice, recent Ergon bill, copy of driver’s licence (front and back) or a signed lease agreement.

Provide evidence of relevant expenses you have incurred with the support of an invoice or receipt, meeting the ATO standards. If a purchase has not yet been made, a valid quote in the applicants name must be submitted for your application to be pre-approved. Only upon completion of the works/purchase and the submission of a receipt, can monies be reimbursed.

Evidence of expense must be in the name of the applicant, or another party who can demonstrate that they reside at the same address. If proof of purchase does not include applicant’s name, a photograph of the item must also be provided as evidence. Be of at least 18 years of age.

The expenditure being claimed must have occurred between 1 March 2025 and the application date. For works still to be undertaken or purchase to be made, expense must be completed in full by 30 November 2026 with evidence provided to Council to demonstrate the works have occurred. The program aims to provide fair but limited financial assistance to those affected by the presence of flying-foxes.

To provide everyone with equal opportunity to claim funds, there will be a maximum reimbursement limit of up to $5,000 per property available. Each property will only be eligible to receive up to $5,000. This maximum amount includes the GST component of any eligible expenses.

Eligible claims may include, but are not limited to: Modifications to infrastructure: Air-conditioning installation or servicing where the purpose is to reduce exposure to noise or odour. Double-glazing of windows. Installing shelter/carport.

Covers for vehicles, furniture, infrastructure or trees. Washing machine & clothes dryer. Vegetation management performed by contractors.

Ineligible items to claim: Costs not related directly to flying-fox impacts. Costs for routine household maintenance. Insurance excess or claims.

Second-hand purchases without a valid invoice/receipt. Expenses prior to 1 March 2025. Must meet the ATO standards: Supplier’s business/trading name.

Active Australian Business Number (ABN). Description of goods or service purchased. Total amount paid, and a mount of GST (if applicable).

Be in the name of the applicant or another party who can demonstrate that they reside at the same address. The possible high demand for reimbursement funds under the Central Highlands Regional Council means that not all grant applicants may be approved, or the full amount applied for will be approved.

Although an application may meet the assessment criteria, approval will depend on the funds available, and number of applications received. All application submissions will be assessed by the pre-determined panel. In general, the assessment is a formal process which consists of various levels and directorates of council staff.

All applicants will receive written notification of their application’s outcome. Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on their application by contacting council. Applications are scheduled to be assessed by the panel by Friday 9 October 2026 .

Grant applications must be completed online at chrc. info/FlyingFoxes2026. For assistance, please contact CHRC Customer Service on 1300 242 686 and request to speak with Ranger Services.

Applications close 5:00pm Friday 25 September 2026. Central Highlands Grant Finder Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) provide the Central Highlands Grant Finder to all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals. Visit the GrantGuru website for more.

Budget Direct offers sponsorship grants of between $1000 and $5000 for community projects each quarter. For details visit Budget Direct . Application Form for Funding