Community Grants and Subsidies Program 2025/2026

Sutherland Shire Councils Community Grants and Subsidies Program is a three-tier program designed to provide financial support to local not-for-profit organisations seeking funding for projects, events and initiatives that contribute to a connected, supportive, caring, inclusive and engaged community.

KEY DATES:

Councils next grant round will open 24th February and close 26th March 2025. Grants of up to $20,000 will be available.

Grant eligibility

  • Local, eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to apply and can submit up to two applications.
  • Projects must benefit residents of Sutherland Shire.

Applications must be made via SmartyGrants.

All previous recipients must fully expend their funds before the next grant round opens.

Read the Community Grants & Subsidies Program Information Guide.

Grant Program Information and Grant Writing Workshops

Free Sutherland Shire Council Grants Program and Sutherland Shire ClubGRANTS information and grant writing workshops (Gymea).

Purpose: To provide local not-for-profit organisations with information about the 2025/2026 Community Grants and Subsidies and ClubGRANTS programs. The workshops will be facilitated by local grant writer Jo Ryan – Infodec Communications and will help improve and strengthen grant writing skills.

Bookings open soon.

Session one Thursday 13 February, 10am -12 noon

Session two: Tuesday 19 February, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Both sessions will be held at Tradies Gymea 57 Manchester Rd Gymea.

Community grants and subsidies program - frequently asked questions

Priority funding will be considered for seniors, young people, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Indigenous communities and children and families.

Not-for-profit organisations that provide services to the residents of Sutherland Shire.

Organisations must be either:

  • A legally registered, incorporated, not-for-profit organisation or group.
  • Guided (legal term: auspiced) by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation that can manage the grant on behalf of the applicant. This would apply to individuals or unincorporated community groups.

The applicant (or guiding organisation) must have an Australian bank account.

Applications must be submitted and managed via SmartyGRANTS.

There are two funding categories:

  • A caring and supportive community
  • A culturally rich and vibrant community

Applications should meet the grant outcome requirements and address the assessment criteria.

Grants are competitive. Not all applications that meet the assessment criteria are guaranteed funding. Successful applicants may receive a percentage of the total sought.

We will not fund core expenses (such as rent, insurance, phone rental, IT upgrades, policy updates, general business operations, retrospective expenses or individuals.)

Organisations can apply for a maximum of $20,000 per application and can submit up to two applications.

Yes.

Yes. The program includes applications for venue hire costs.

No. You should include the value of any in-kind support in your project budget to ensure you have sufficient funds.

All applicants have been advised of 2024/2025 grant round outcomes.

Local business -  information and guides for businesses in Sutherland Shire

Our Community Grants and Subsidies Program provides financial support to local not-for-profit organisations that contribute to a connected, supportive, caring, inclusive and engaged community.

Community Grants and Subsidies Program 2024

This year we provided $500,000 in grants to 38 local not-for-profit groups. These grants will fund 47 local initiatives across a diverse range of projects and activities, aimed at fostering a connected, compassionate, and inclusive community.

Among this year’s recipients are Top Blokes Foundation, which supports young men’s mental health, and Engadine Community Services, offering social outings for older residents.

These projects provide high-quality programs connecting  and empowering residents across the Sutherland Shire. They also support local organisations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Congratulations to all our grant recipients this year!

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Unlock funding opportunities in one click with Grants Finder - a hub that brings together all available funding opportunities in one place.