Community wellbeing grant

Funded projects must address one or more of these objectives:

• Enhance community health and wellbeing: support projects that promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing for residents of all ages.
• Support youth development and engagement: fund initiatives that create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and participate in their community.
• Strengthen community safety and resilience: assist emergency and volunteer organisations in maintaining essential services that protect and support the community.
• Encourage environmental and sustainability stewardship: provide assistance for environmental and sustainability projects that benefit the Eurobodalla region.

Applicants can be from one of these categories:

• Not-for-profit and community organisations: groups delivering programs that improve health, wellbeing, and social inclusion to residents of Eurobodalla.
• Youth-focused organisations: groups supporting young people through skills development and engagement initiatives.
• Emergency and volunteer services: organisations such as Surf Life Saving Clubs, Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and Rescue Squads that contribute to community safety.
• Individuals or teams representing Eurobodalla: athletes, artists, and community members selected to compete or perform at state, national, or international levels.

Applicants with outstanding debts to Council or who have existing Council grant funding that has not yet been expended or acquitted will not be eligible to apply.

Applicants submitting proposals for community events will not be eligible for Community Wellbeing Grants. These applicants are encouraged to apply for support through a Community Events Grant which is designed to assist with event-related initiatives.

Examples of what the funding can be used for:

• One-off workshops or activities that promote health, wellbeing, or social inclusion.
• Materials and supplies for community projects (eg art, gardening, fitness, sustainability).
• Guest speakers, facilitators, or trainers.
• Equipment hire, purchase or short-term venue hire for specific activities.
• Promotional materials to support community engagement.
• Volunteer training or recognition.
• Accessibility supports (eg transport, interpreters).

Examples of what the funding cannot be used for:

• Ongoing operational costs (eg insurance, incorporation fees, utilities).
• Regular or long-term venue hire.
• Projects already completed (retrospective funding).
• Improvements to private property.
• Fundraising, religious, or political activities.
• Alcohol, gambling, or tobacco-related expenses.

Grant recipients are expected to:

• use funds strictly for the approved purpose
• publicly acknowledge Council’s support
• submit a project acquittal
• provide a current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance, if the funded activity involves public participation.

The key funding details include:

• Maximum grant amount: $2,000 per application
• Co-contributions: strongly encouraged
• Total funding available for 2025–26: $30,000 (as outlined in Eurobodalla Council’s Operational Plan).

The application and assessment process includes these steps:

1. Promotion: via Council’s website, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach to community groups and local business chambers.
2. Assessment panel: the mayor (or his delegate), a member of the Grants team, a member of Council staff with relevant experience, one non-assessing Council staff facilitator.
3. Approval: by resolution of Council
4. Public notice: not required, as the grant is included in Council’s Operational Plan.
5. Notification: successful applicants will be notified and grants issued pending Council resolution.