Community Grants

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Round 2 applications now open

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s 2025-2026 Community Grants Program supports local eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups (auspiced through an eligible organisation) to deliver projects, events, and programs that build a more inclusive, creative, connected, and resilient community. Funding focuses on supporting local groups to deliver with and for our local community.

We hold two Community Grant rounds per year and also offer Micro Grants of up to $2,000 throughout the year or until the budget is exhausted.

Categories and Funding Limits

Community Projects (up to $7000)
To support community‑led projects and programs that strengthen inclusion, participation, connection, resilience and wellbeing.

Creative Community (up to $7000)
To support creative and cultural activities that encourage artistic expression, storytelling, and community engagement through art forms such as visual arts, performance, music, dance, and digital media.

Community Events (up to $5000)
To support local community groups to deliver inclusive events that foster connection, wellbeing, and participation, including events marking national or global observances. Note: Commercial or tourism‑focused events should apply to Council’s Major Events Grants program.

Micro Grants (up to $2000)
To support unexpected opportunities for our community organisations to enhance people, places and spaces.

Key Priorities for Round 2

The Community Grants program supports the delivery of Council's Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2025-29 and Cultural Plan 2025-29. Applications will be assessed against 3 key priorities derived from these plans:

1. Inclusion, Belonging & Participation

Projects that help people feel more connected, make it easier for everyone to take part, and create safe, inclusive environments for people of all ages and abilities.

2. Creative Expression, Culture & Storytelling
Projects that support creativity, cultural participation, artistic expression, local stories, diverse voices, and community-led cultural activation.

3. Community Wellbeing, Strength & Resilience
Initiatives that improve wellbeing, build community capability, strengthen resilience, support recovery or preparedness, reduce isolation, or empower local community leadership.

Applications must demonstrate alignment with at least one of these key priorities. Examples of suitable projects and initiatives can be found on page 6 of the Community Grant Guidelines.

While not required, applicants are encouraged to review the strategic goals and focus areas of these plans to assist in aligning their initiatives and application with these plans.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types include:

  • Incorporated associations and not‑for‑profit organisations operating within the Port Macquarie‑Hastings LGA.
  • Not‑for‑profit entities registered with the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC).
  • Unincorporated community groups applying under the auspice of an eligible organisation.

Not eligible:

  • Individuals
  • Businesses
  • Political parties
  • School P&Cs.

Full eligibility criteria can be found in the Community Grants Guidelines, which should be read thoroughly prior to commencing your application.

Before you apply, please read the Community Grant Guidelines 2025 - 2026(PDF, 7MB) to ensure your application is eligible and meets assessment criteria. You can also refer to the information below on events and projects we have funded under the Community Grants Program as well as tips on preparing documents to support a grant application.

More information

2025 - 2026 Grant Rounds

Round Opening/closing dates Recipients announced
1 25 August - 14 September 2025 November 2025
2 23 February - 15 March 2026 April 2026

Example - Letter of Support

Community support is essential for your project’s success. A Letter of Support from a key community organisation shows that they consider your project important and are willing to be involved.

Include a Letter of Support with your application to demonstrate that you have discussed your project with important community members and have their backing.

What to Include:

  • Name, position, and organisation of the person writing the letter.
  • Name of your project.
  • Why the project is important for the community.
  • How the person or organisation will assist or be involved (e.g., providing volunteers, office space, promotion, etc.).
  • Why they believe your group can successfully deliver the project.

Example Letter of Support

8 February 2024

Community Grants Officer

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

PO Box 21

Port Macquarie NSW 2444

 

Dear Grants Officer,

Re: Happy and Lucky Garden Group ‐ Autumn Harvest Festival

I am pleased to support the Happy and Lucky Garden Group’s grant application for the Autumn Harvest Festival. This project will provide Melton residents with valuable skills in growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh produce, fostering community engagement and healthy living.

As the manager of Small Seeds Garden Supplies, I have witnessed the group's positive impact on the community over the past three years. Our records show that the number of local gardeners purchasing supplies has increased by 25% annually since the group’s establishment. This growth demonstrates the community's rising interest in gardening and the importance of projects like the Autumn Harvest Festival.

The Autumn Harvest Festival is expected to attract over 200 residents, based on attendance at similar past events. Participants will benefit from hands-on gardening workshops, cooking demonstrations, and opportunities to share in the harvest. This event will not only teach practical skills but also strengthen community bonds and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Small Seeds Garden Supplies will support the event by providing free packets of seeds and seedlings to attendees. We are confident in the group's ability to deliver the festival successfully, as they did with the Kitchen Day event in September 2020, which attracted 50 residents and received excellent feedback.

In conclusion, we fully support the Happy and Lucky Garden Group’s funding request. This project will significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of Melton’s residents by fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable practices.

Yours faithfully,

Rose Vase Manager

Small Seeds Garden Supplies

 

Example - Budget

Income Amount $ Expenditure Amount $

Council Grant

$7,500 Venue hire (10 weeks) $2,000
Organisation contribution $2,500 Flyers $200
Sponsorship $800 Banners $350
Professional artist
(facilitator, 10 weeks)
$3,750
Art & craft materials $1,200
Catering $1,500
Prizes $1,000
Face painter $800
TOTAL $10,800 TOTAL $10,800


In-kind contribution Income $
Volunteer labour 6 helpers x 10hrs x $$37.17/hr $2230.20
Children's books 100 children's books, retailat $12 each $1,200
Media designer 4hrs x $30/hr $120
TOTAL $3,550.20
TOTAL PROJECT COST $14,350.20

Landowner Consent

If your project involves construction, installation or upgrading a building, facility or equipment that is Council owned, leased or managed then you must provide a letter of consent with your application.

IMPORTANT

It is the applicant's responsibility to request a project consent letter from Council, it is not a part of the grant application process.  Requests can be lodged via our website at: Project Consent and Letter of Support

Acknowledging Council

All publicity and advertising material must acknowledge Port Macquarie Hastings Council by displaying our logo and/or naming us as a financial supporter / sponsor.

Invitations to the projects public activities should be extended to the Mayor, Councillors and the Community Grants Officer. 

 

Funding Acquittal

If you have received a Community Grant, you are required to acquit your grant within 30 days of your event or project completion. 

You are required to provide Council with:

  • A minimum of two high-resolution photos of the project, with consent from individuals appearing in the images.
  • Copies of receipts in accordance with your submitted budget.
  • Quantitative and qualitative data. The community benefits arising from your project.  For example, the number of people who attended, new connections made (e.g., for youth), and other measurable impacts. The report must clearly outline how the project benefitted the community.
  • Copies of advertising and marketing of the activity.  

Acquit Now