This grant assists community groups and organisations to deliver events, activities and programs that enhance the lives of local communities, celebrate important community occasions and provide opportunities to develop social cohesion and connection in the Cairns region.

The events, activities and programs Council support are intended to: 

• Drive community and social outcomes to enhance the quality of life in local communities
• Contribute to the region’s balanced portfolio of community, arts, cultural and sporting events
• Celebrate the rich traditions of communities and the importance of these to the Cairns region
• Drive future growth and sustainability of local events, activities and programs
• Improve the capacity and wellbeing of groups that experience disadvantage and or/have difficulty being heard

Assistance Type

This grant provides assistance through cash and the hiring of Council venues and resources. The maximum amount per application is $25,000 (ex GST).

Grant Round dates:

• Round 18 - Closing 31 March 2026 (Events or Activities from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2027)
• Round 19 - Closing 31 July 2026 (Events or Activities from 1 December 2026 to 31 December 2027)
• Round 20 - Closing 30 November 2026 (Events or Activities from 1 April 2027 to 30 April 2028)

It is essential that your application is discussed with council officers prior to submission. Please contact a member of the Community Partnerships team to discuss your event or activity. Phone 1300 692 247 or email communitygrants@cairns.qld.gov.au

All community groups applying for assistance must be registered as a not-for-profit organisation.

This is defined as follows: "A not-for-profit is defined as any association, club, state or national organisation, who holds incorporated status under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 or is a company limited by guarantee under the 2001 Corporations Act and does not operate for the profit or gain (either direct or indirect), of its individual members either from ongoing operations or on its winding up."

• Phone: 1300 69 22 47
• Email: communitygrants@cairns.qld.gov.au