Community Grants provide funding (financial and In kind) of up to $7000 to support initiatives, programs, events and activities delivered by local, not-for-profit organisations, artists, and community groups.

This program supports initiatives that enhance social, cultural, health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability outcomes for the Kiama community and its visitors.

The program aims:

• To partner with and support community groups, artists and organisations to develop and deliver projects that improve health, wellbeing, quality of life and community connectedness
• Provide and promote opportunities for the community to engage in regular physical activity, healthy living, mental health support, creative expression and active participation in arts and culture
• Enhance social, cultural or sustainable outcomes for local communities.
• Explore innovative practices (including arts, interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable initiatives) that advances Kiama's cultural profile, environmental health and overall health, wellbeing and quality of life for the wider community.
• Advance the professional learning, collaboration, mentoring opportunities and educational outcomes for artists.
• Push the boundaries for community engagement with the arts through interactive, immersive and cutting-edge art experiences.
• Demonstrate inclusive practices that actively engage our diverse community i.e. gender, sexual and cultural diversity, ability and age.

In addition to the General Eligibility Criteria outlined in the Policy and Guidelines, the following criteria applies to this program:

• Applicants must live, and/or deliver their project, in the local government area and be one of the following;
  • An individual artist - amateur, emerging semi-professional or professional
  • An arts based business (In some instances funding for-profit organisations who have demonstrated they are best placed to deliver a public benefit and meet the relevant grant program's outcomes will be considered).
  • A not-for-profit community organisation or group (or under auspice of an incorporated organisation) or be an incorporated school P&C and have relevant insurances. Where partnerships are proposed, a letter identifying the lead organisation will be required, and all organisations need to sign the application form.
• If a proposed project's governance is to be auspiced by another organisation, written confirmation of the auspice arrangement must be submitted with the grant application and an officer of the auspice organisation with appropriate delegated authority must cosign the application.
• Must ensure that the project is not for the purposes of charitable fund raising.
• Funds must not lead to applicants becoming dependant on ongoing Council support.
• Annual events/programs that have been funded previously are eligible to apply but are not guaranteed future funding and will be assessed against other applications and the selection criteria.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need for grant support.
• Projects must have a realistic timeframe or completion within the grant period.

Applicants must agree to participate in program evaluation and submit project report/acquittal.

• Email: council@kiama.nsw.gov.au