The Community Grants Program provides major and minor grants to not-for-profit community and sporting organisations, individuals, small businesses, social enterprises and performing arts groups in the Willoughby local government area (LGA) as well as to individual artists residing, working or offering services in the Willoughby LGA.

The Community Grants Program will run in three rounds during the 2026/27 financial year, opening in July, September and February. Applications are assessed after each round closes, and successful applicants notified after Council endorsement of recommendations.

The Community Grants Program funding is allocated on an annual basis as part of Council budget process. The funding pool is renewed on 1 July each year.

Grant streams

• Minor grants: $500 - $5,000
• Major grants: $5,001 - $10,000

Grant categories

• Community development: Eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations, auspiced community groups and social enterprises delivering projects that strengthen community participation, inclusion, wellbeing and social connection.
• Environmental sustainability: Eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations, auspiced community groups and social enterprises delivering projects that improve environmental sustainability, biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Arts and culture: Artists, artist collectives and arts organisations delivering creative or cultural projects.
• Economic activation: Small businesses, sole traders and social enterprises delivering projects that support the local economy and community.
• Sport, recreation and athlete development: Community sporting organisations and individual athletes representing their club at a state or national level.

To be eligible for funding, you must: 

• Be a not for profit, incorporated group or group with an auspice by an incorporated body. Profit making organisations may apply within the Green or Prosperous and Vibrant grant streams.
• Be a community sporting group or individual athlete (Liveable grant stream only) 
• Be an Individual artists or artist collaborative (Green, Connected and Inclusive and Resilient, Liveable and Prosperous and Vibrant streams only
• Offer services to residents in the Willoughby LGA 
• Meet the grant eligibility criteria
• Demonstrate in your application the ability to successfully deliver the project
• Demonstrate in your application how the project aligns with at least one of Council’s CSP priorities 
• Only submit one application per applicant per year
• Have current Public Liability Insurance ($10 million) prior to receiving payment.

Who cannot apply:

• Applicants who have failed to comply with previous funding requirements
• Applicants that are in a position to self-fund their project 
• Applicants with considerable opportunity to access funding from other sources 
• Applicants that are already receiving considerable in-kind assistance from Council. For example, free or discounted venue hire over $10,000 per annum. 
• Government departments or agencies. 
• Individuals who are not endorsed by a recognised body 
• Individuals who have received funding in the previous year. Applications may be re-considered if undertaking a new partnership or part of a community-based project. 
• Council staff can not apply for personal funding under Council programs.

• Phone: 02 9777 7982
• Email: grants@willoughby.nsw.gov.au