Community grants

• Incorporated organisations with an ABN.
• Not-for-profits groups under the auspices of an incorporated not for profit organisation.

Various projects are supported, including ones that are:

• celebrating a sense of identity, diversity, and cultural connection within the community
• helping people to develop the skills and confidence to contribute to community life
• disaster recovery and resilience projects
• experiences that allow the community to come together, celebrate and socialise
• enhancing community and social wellbeing
• activating places where communities gather
• expanding accessibility and inclusivity for vulnerable or marginalised populations.

These projects are examples and must only be used as a general guide.

Projects should address one of the following criteria:

• create, reinforce and enhance The Tweed identity within our towns, villages and localities
• expand avenues for community participation and connection throughout the Tweed
• increase in knowledge of Tweed’s local history and culture
• support and enhance resilience and readiness for disaster response
• build the capacity of people’s knowledge and skills.

Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and community groups auspiced* by an incorporated organisation are eligible to submit one application for a grant ranging from $500 to $5,000.

*An auspice arrangement is an agreement between 2 organisations where one, known as the auspice organisation, lends its legal and administrative support to another organisation known as the auspiced group. Essentially, the auspice organisation gives legal and administrative help to the auspiced group.

This collaborative partnership is often beneficial for smaller or new groups that don't have everything they need to apply for a grant through the Community Grants Program, like being officially registered through the Department of Fair Trading (as described above), having an ABN (Australian Business Number), or meeting insurance needs.

Administration of Funding for Auspiced Projects

The auspice organisation will administer the funding on behalf of the Funding Body; including by holding the money in a bank account; paying out the money to meet the costs of the project that the auspiced group is undertaking; and reporting to the Funding Body and accounting for how the money is spent.

1. Firstly, you will need to familiarise yourself with the Community Grants Guidelines(PDF, 522KB).

2. Access the online application form via our Smarty Grants page.

3. Complete all sections of the application form and submit it before the deadline. 

What you will need

In your application, you'll need to upload your organisation's latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) report. If your organisation doesn't produce an AGM report, alternative financial statements such as a Profit and Loss Statement or a Balance Sheet will be required.

For groups that are being auspiced*, you will need to include a letter from the Auspice organisation confirming the validity and current status of the arrangement.

*Auspice Arrangements

An auspice arrangement is an agreement between two organisations where one, known as the auspice organisation, lends its legal and administrative support to another organisation known as the auspiced group. Essentially, the auspice organisation gives legal and administrative help to the auspiced group.

This collaborative partnership is often beneficial for smaller or new groups that don't have everything they need to apply for a grant through the Community Grants Program, like being officially registered through the Department of Fair Trading (as described above), having an ABN (Australian Business Number), or meeting insurance needs.

Administration of Funding for Auspiced Projects

The auspice organisation will administer the funding on behalf of the Funding Body; including by holding the money in a bank account; paying out the money to meet the costs of the project that the auspiced group is undertaking; and reporting to the Funding Body and accounting for how the money is spent.

You will find a Review and Submit button at the bottom of the Smarty Grants navigation panel. You must review your application before you can submit it.

Once you have reviewed your application and are happy with it, you can submit it by clicking on 'Submit' at the top or bottom of the screen or on the navigation panel. You will not be able to submit your application until all the compulsory questions are completed and there are no validation errors.

Once you have submitted your application, no further editing or uploading of support materials is possible.

When you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submitted application attached. This will be sent to the email you used to register.

If you do not receive a confirmation of submission email, then you should presume that your submission has NOT been submitted.

Hint: also check the email hasn't landed in your spam or junk email folder.

The Community Grants Program aims to encourage new ideas and support various projects in the community. That's why it doesn't give money to the same projects indefinitely.

Organisations should think about how to get money from other sources for projects to ensure they are sustainable. Planning ahead for funding shows that a project can keep going even when things change, ensuring long term success.

No. The online system will not accept applications submitted after the advertised closing date.

If you have problems submitting your application, you should contact Council’s Customer Contact Centre on (02) 6670 2400 and ask for the Project Officer – Community Development. 

Or you can email Council's Community Welbeing Team at communitywellbeing@tweed.nsw.gov.au and attention your email to the Project Officer – Community Development.

If you have problems submitting your application, you should contact Council’s Customer Contact Centre on (02) 6670 2400 and ask for the Project Officer – Community Development. 

Or you can email Council's Community Welbeing Team at communitywellbeing@tweed.nsw.gov.au and attention your email to the Project Officer – Community Development.

No. You can partially complete your application and then press 'save and close'. 

When you log back in., click on the 'My Submissions' link at the top of the screen, you will find a list of any applications you have started or submitted. You can reopen your draft application and start where you left off.

Yes. You can attach other relevant documents if you wish, for example:

• letters of support from the community
• your organisation's annual report
• evidence of public liability insurance. 

Eligible applications are then assessed by a panel consisting of 2 Council staff members and 2 Councillors. This panel will make recommendations which will be forward to all Councillors and the General Manager for final questions and comments.

A report is then presented at the next Council meeting for adoption.

Applicants will be formally notified of the outcome of their application. 

What is ClubGRANTS?

ClubGRANTS is a state-wide initiative that encourages local clubs with gaming machine profits over $1 million to contribute towards the provision of front-line projects, programs and services that assist disadvantaged groups and residents in their local area.

The Tweed ClubGRANTS Scheme is administered on behalf of the following local clubs:

• Cabarita Beach Bowls Club
• Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club
• Murwillumbah Services Club
• Pottsville Beach Sports Club
• Seagulls Club
• South Tweed Sports Club
• Tweed Heads Bowls Club
• Twin Towns Group

Who can apply?

Local non-profit community groups and organisations can apply for funding under the following Category 1 sub-categories:

• Community welfare and social services
• Community development
• Community health services
• Employment assistance services

The ClubGRANTS application process

There is no restriction on the number of applications a group or organisation can submit. Applications are submitted online. Visit www.clubgrants.com.au or information on your local grants, how to apply and when to apply.

All applications are assessed by the Tweed ClubGRANTS Committee with recommendations for funding made to the Management Boards of the contributing clubs.

Applicants will need to demonstrate how their project, program or service will address the Local Area Priorities that have been identified by the Tweed Committee.

Applicants are encouraged to attach supporting documentation, including quotes, to their application.

Need help with your application?

If you would like to discuss your application proposal, or require clarification about the process, please contact your local Tweed Clubs Manager.

More about ClubGRANTS

Further information on ClubGRANTS is available by visiting the ClubGrants or ClubsNSW websites or by contacting your local Tweed Clubs Manager.