The Community Grants Program supports local not-for-profit, incorporated community groups and organisations in the City of Cockburn. This program is designed for "one-off" projects or events, pilot programs, or the establishment of groups or activities that benefit the residents of Cockburn.
To be eligible for a Community Grant, groups must:
- Be not for profit
- Primarily serve the residents of Cockburn
- Demonstrate a high level of community support and financial stability
- Include a financial and/or in-kind contribution to the project
- Show how their project aligns with the themes of the City’s Strategic Community Plan.
Groups such as community-managed, welfare, education, arts/cultural, youth, seniors, children, ethnic, and related groups are encouraged to apply.
The maximum funding for Community Grants is $15,000 per applicant, however grants will generally be approved for a lesser amount.
Grants can be used for events, pilot programs, activities, equipment, workshops, brochures, incorporation, and promotion.
There are caps for the following:
- Equipment: Up to $3,000, but must be for communal, not personal, use and durable (lasting over 12 months)
- Recurring community events: Up to $3,000 for events like Christmas events and neighborhood movie nights.
- Incorporation costs: Up to $1,000 for new organisations, excluding residents associations.
When assessing applications, the City of Cockburn will consider a range of factors, including:
- Community benefit: Evaluating how the project or initiative will benefit the local community and/or contribute to the broader objectives of the City of Cockburn.
- Strategic alignment: Assessing the extent to which the project aligns with Cockburn’s strategic interests, focusing on the long-term benefits and alignment with the city's goals.
- Financial management capabilities: Examining the group's ability to effectively manage their financial affairs, ensuring responsible and sustainable use of funds.
- Sustainability of funding: Preference for projects that do not require ongoing funding from the Council, highlighting the importance of self-sustainability in proposed initiatives.
- Addressing community needs: The project's relevance in addressing the specific needs and interests of the community, ensuring that it contributes positively to community welfare.
Additionally, special consideration will be given to:
- Contributions from applicants: Applications that demonstrate a financial or in-kind contribution from the applying group will be favorably considered, as this indicates commitment and resourcefulness.
- Diverse funding sources: Projects that have successfully sourced additional funding from other avenues will be seen as advantageous, reflecting broader support and financial viability.
- Value for money: With a limited funding pool, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate the best value for money.
- Prioritisation: Applicants who have not previously received funding may be given precedence, ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Applications are invited twice per year, closing at the end of March and September.
To apply:
- Review eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria, limitations and conditions.
- Consultation: Before applying, discuss your proposal with the Community Grants Team to ensure alignment with grant criteria.
- Submission: Submit your application using the link below.
Apply for Community Grant
Please note:
- Applications will be assessed and applicants notified of the outcome within two months.
- Projects or events should not start within two months of the application closing date.
Before applying please ensure you are aware of the following:
- Funding will not be provided to private or non-registered organisations.
- Funding is granted as a single instance of support, without a promise of future funding.
- Funding will not be provided for projects or events that:
- Replicate existing local services or activities
- Have already taken place or will occur within two months after the application deadline
- May divide communities by denigrating, excluding, or offending community group
- May present a hazard to the community or environment
- Relates to political campaigns or lobbying.
- Applicants who have previously received funding must have fully acquitted those funds before submitting a new application.
- Organisations must make a financial or in-kind contribution to their project or have sought funding from other sources.
- Applications from schools, P&Cs, P&Fs, and other educational bodies must demonstrate a community need for the project. Projects should be extra-curricular, accessible outside school hours, and include a financial or in-kind contribution of at least 50%.
- Applicants must demonstrate financially stable and prove they can effectively manage the funding and project proposal.
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage their affairs effectively, ensuring the successful execution of the project.
- Applicants can receive funding for up to two different projects per financial year from separate funding programs, as long as they are not for the same project.
Contact the City's Community Grants Team on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].