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 16 closes July 31, 2025 for events, activities or projects held December 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026
• Special round Cairns Celebrates 150 Years closes August 15, 2025 for events or activities held from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
• Round 17 closes November 30, 2025 for events, activities or projects held April 1, 2026 to April 30 2027

It is recommended that you contact a member of the Community Partnerships team prior to completing an application by phone 1300 69 22 47 or email: communitygrants@cairns.qld.gov.au

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

To be eligible applicants must not: 

• Have outstanding Council grants that have not been acquitted within required timeframes or grants that have previously not been satisfactorily acquitted 
• Have overdue outstanding payments to Council (e.g. rents, rates, fees, Council guarantor loan repayments)
• Be a political party or discriminatory group
• Be a school, university or TAFE college 
• Be an individual 
• Be an organisation that own, lease, manage or operate premises with poker machines

What you can't apply for:

• Support for a program, event or activity that has already occurred
• Support for seasonal or regular bookings of Council managed facilities
• Programs, event or activities that are the subject of litigation
• Usual business operating expenses
• Programs that duplicate existing services or programs
• Programs with a sole religious or political purpose
• Programs, events or activities outside the boundaries of Cairns Regional Council
• Gifts
• Prize money
• Alcohol and tobacco products

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