Council are committed to supporting local and regional initiatives that provide opportunities for residents to access and participate in a wide range of recreational, cultural, environmental, community and economic development projects and activities.

Community groups are invited to make application for funding and assistance via Council's Community Grants Program.

Applications are received throughout the year and are assessed quarterly, with closing dates being the last working day of January, April, July and October.

Closing Dates for 2024-25 Financial Year:

• Wednesday 31st July 2024 for projects commencing after Wednesday 11th September 2024. 
• Thursday 31st October 2024 for projects commencing after 12th December 2024.
• Friday 31st January 2025 for projects commencing after Friday 14th March 2025.
• Wednesday 30th April 2025 for projects commencing after 11th June 2025.

Note these dates in your calendars and ensure your application is submitted in the most appropriate round allowing a minimum of six weeks for assessing and processing prior to your project/event commencing.

Download the Community Grants Policy and the Community Grants Procedures to read eligibility criteria and conditions.

How To Apply

Potential applicants are reminded that an application form must be submitted for any requests for funding or assistance to be considered.

Download the Community Grants Application Form here.

NOTE: In order to save your typed application please save to your computer prior to entering information. You can then open and save the file on your computer. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact Council's Community Development Section on (07) 4992 9500 to discuss their application prior to submitting.

Acquittal & Recognition

As a requirement of the Community Grants Programs, all successful organisations are required to complete and submit the an acquittal form to Council within six (6) weeks after the designated project/event date, together with financial documentation outlining the expenditure of the funds and copies of promotional items recognising Council's contribution. Should an acquittal form not be lodged within the designated time frame, Council will not approve any further contributions to the organisation until acquitted.

Use of Council's logo in promotional material should only be upon approval of an application and should be in line with Council's corporate logo usage guidelines. To obtain a copy of these guidelines please contact Council as per the details at the bottom of this page.

Download the Acquittal Form.

Tips for Success

• Discuss your project and application with Council's Community Development Advisor;
• Submit your application early – allow a minimum six weeks turn around prior to your project/event commencing;
• Reference your organisations strategic plan;
• Align your project/event with the strategic direction outlined in any relevant Community Plans; 
• Start gathering your support documentation early and keep it on file for future funding applications;
• Answer all questions and sign where required;
• Proof read and have someone else read over your application;
• Make sure if handwritten that writing is legible – keep it professional;
• If submitting electronically, ensure all additional pages are clearly numbered, in order and all content is visible;
• Keep a copy!

Successful Grant Recipients

As detailed in the Community Grants Policy and Procedures documents, Council will annually apportion for that financial year an amount for grants to community organisations. There is no guarantee that funds will be made available each year.

The level of assistance available through the program is limited by Council’s budget decision and its priorities. No applicant can be guaranteed funding nor can any applicant be guaranteed to receive the full amount requested.

Banana Shire Council reserves the right from year to year to identify priority areas for funding consistent with the broad strategic directions and policies endorsed by Council. The resolutions of the Banana Shire Council are final.

Rejection of an application does not necessarily mean that the event or activity is not worthy of support.

Shire events will be eligible to apply for an initial contribution from Council. Subsequent events will be deemed as recurrent with a maximum contribution of $1500 per year thereafter. This amount includes both cash and in kind contributions. Council reserve the right to approve funds outside of this for demonstrated special circumstances and significant exceptions to the norm for the annual event.

In Kind Assistance is defined as assisted use of Council’s organisational resources where there is a cost to Council that is not transferred to the applicant. In Kind use of Council’s organisational resources need to be recognised as a direct subsidy to a group or organisation and treated in an open and equitable manner.

Need Some Help With Your Grant Writing?

If you are interested in becoming a better grant writer or just getting some general tips and tricks on grants, please register your interest here to participate in upcoming workshops to be held across the Shire.

Other Funding Opportunities

If your project is not eligible for assistance under a Council program, officers may be able to help you identify other possible sources of assistance. For further information on other funding opportunities click here.

For information on the Regional Arts Development Fund please click here.

For further information or assistance please contact Council's Community Development Advisor on (07) 4992 9500 or by emailing Council at enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au.