Community Grants Program 2025/2026
Nambucca Valley Council is launching its first ever Community Grants Program in FY25/26.
The Community Grants Program aims to encourage community-led initiatives that also achieve the vision of Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035.
Released in two rounds across the year, the Community Grants Program acknowledges the benefits and strength of community leading innovation and change, and is designed to be responsive to local needs
Program objectives
- To support projects that are community designed and led, and which address local needs.
- To achieve outcomes that align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035.
- To build community wellbeing and inclusion.
- To celebrate art, culture, and community.
- To strengthen community partnerships and networks.
- To increase local economic activity and visitation.
- Positive social impact.
Funding
The Community Grants Program will be run twice a year. Nambucca Valley Council has allocated $50,000 total to the program in the 2025/2026 budget.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to projects that meet Council’s strategic goals and outcomes, and demonstrate positive community benefit.
Important dates:
Round 1 2025/2026: CLOSED
Round 2 2025/2026: OPENS 31 October 2025
- Applications Close: 28 November 2025
- Notification of Outcome: 18 December 2025
Guidelines & Eligibility
Make sure you read the Grant Guidelines below before applying. Guidelines contain important information about who can apply, eligible activities and expenditure, information and evidence required, and assessment criteria. Please note, Guidelines have been updated since Round 1, so ensure you review them closely before applying.
Round 2 Community Grant Guidelines(PDF, 5MB)
How to apply
Click the Apply button:
Apply
Helpful resources:
Previous grant recipients:
2025-2026 Round 1
| Organisation |
Activity |
$ |
| Lions Club of Macksville |
Purchase of large marquee and BBQ to support activities at community events and grow connection, engagement, and volunteering. |
$3,960.00 |
| ShoreTrack Ltd |
One-day community showcase for local employers, Council and wider community to meet young people and see demonstrations of their skills, as well as sharing knowledge and providing guidance to future workforce. |
$3557.92 |
| Back to Bowra |
Contribution to the cost of performers, promotion, and First Aid at the Back to Bowra 2025 Festival return. |
$4,995.4
8
|
| Nambucca Valley Phoenix |
Series of free afternoon picnics and entertainment, including local music and art shows, at an accessible community organisation to increase opportunities for social connection and knowledge sharing, as well as boosting activity in Bowraville |
$5,000 |
FAQ's
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated Association or Not-For-Profit operating in the Nambucca Valley LGA.
- Unincorporated groups may apply under the auspice of an Eligible Organisation.
- Not-for-Profit Entity registered with Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission ACNC.
What is auspicing/auspice?
Auspicing involves a larger, often incorporated, organisation ("the auspicor") taking responsibility for a project or grant that is being carried out by a smaller, less established group or individual ("the auspicee").
Auspicing usually involves a formal agreement which outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party. The auspicing organisation usually provides the financial and legal structures that the smaller organisation does not have established, such as providing Public Liability Insurance and accounting.
Sometimes the auspicing organisation will charge a fee for this service, sometimes taking a percentage of grant funding, for example.
Do I need to provide quotes?
Quotes do help to understand the real costs of your project and indicate you are informed and capable to carry it out, however, it is not a requirement of your application.
Can I apply multiple times?
No. Only one grant application per organisation/group is allowed each round.
For enquiries
Community Development Officer
Email: council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6568 2555 (Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)