Community Grants

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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s 2025-2026 Community Grants Program supports local not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects, events, and programs that build a more inclusive, creative, and connected 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.

We encourage community groups to apply for initiatives that enhance local wellbeing, resilience, disaster recovery, and community engagement. The 2025 - 2026 program is also currently prioritising initiatives that support:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
  • Youth, including Youth Week 2026 initiatives
  • Seniors, including NSW Seniors Week 2026
  • People living with disabilities
  • Australia Day celebrations
  • Artwalk 2026 initiatives

Before you apply, be sure to read the Community Grant Guidelines 2025 - 2026(PDF, 7MB). 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.

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

Past Funded Programs

See the list of projects we've funded through the Community Grants Program.

2024 - 2025 Community Grants(PDF, 345KB)

2023 - 2024 Community Grants(PDF, 167KB)

2022 - 2023 Community Grants(PDF, 46KB)

 

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