Gunnedah Shire community organisations and registered charities can now apply for funding under a revised Small Grants Program for 2026–27.
Gunnedah Shire Council has opened applications for the program, which operates under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).
Under the revised program, eligible applicants must be not-for-profit, incorporated and community-based organisations or registered charities that are local to Gunnedah Shire or provide a service to the area.
The changes also remove restrictions that previously made community groups and organisations ineligible if they were already receiving other financial assistance from the council.
Funding allocations will range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000, excluding GST, depending on the project.
There is no requirement for applicants to provide a co-contribution, while requests to use Section 356 grants to waive the cost of council facilities or services will remain ineligible.
The revised program follows a council resolution to finalise the new Small Grants Program Under Section 356 of Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Policy.
The policy combines the former Community and Sports Small Grants, Arts and Cultural Small Grants, and Access Incentive Grants programs.
The council’s community and social planner, Debra Hilton, said the changes would make the application process easier and encourage more local organisations to seek funding.
“We recognise the valuable contribution these organisations make to the fabric of our community, and in particular, the volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds to keep those organisations functioning,” she said.
“It’s our intention that the new grants program will continue to aid that work and help those organisations to remain both active and sustainable in the long term.
“When assessing the applications, priority will be given to those projects and initiatives that not only help organisations to grow and be sustainable, but also those that add to the vibrancy of our broader community.
“Now is the perfect time for community groups to explore new ideas or continue valued projects that can make a lasting impact on both their organisation and the broader community.”
Retrospective projects remain ineligible for funding.
Application forms and the grants policy are available through Gunnedah Shire Council’s website.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 28 September.
For further information, applicants can contact Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or by email on [email protected]
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