Community grants

Do you volunteer for a community group that does amazing things in the Macleay Valley? Do you have a project idea that will support the community but you need financial assistance to make it happen? You may be eligible for a Kempsey Shire Council community grant. 

Our Community Grants program offers grant funding to active community groups so they can deliver community-led projects in a wide variety of forms that benefit Kempsey Shire. 

Round 2 applications for the 2022-2023 Community Grants Program will open on Monday 27 February 2023.

Funding is available from the Mayoral, Sporting, Get Ready and NAIDOC Week categories.

Applications for Round 2 close Monday 27 March 2023. 

 

2022-23 Community Grants Program 

The 2022-23 Community Grants Program has three main categories and Quick Grant categories. 

Mayoral Community Fund

For community groups who want benefit residents and establish, strengthen or implement projects that align with Kempsey Shire Council’s Community Strategic Plan

For example, improvements to public spaces such as air conditioning installation, electrical fit outs, maintenance and new equipment. 

$3,000 is the maximum amount of funding a group can receive from the Mayoral Community Fund. 

 

Sporting grants

For local sporting clubs who want to purchase more equipment or make minor improvements to facilities that aligns with the Macleay Valley Sporting Strategy

For example, purchase a barbeque for fundraising, installing seating and shading, goal keeping equipment and minor upgrades of clubhouse facilities. 

$2,000 is the maximum amount of funding a group can receive from a Sporting Grant.

 

Get Ready grants

The Get Ready Disaster Preparedness grant can help assist with upgrades to community assets or for capital purchases to help our local communities to be better prepared for a natural disaster.

For example, improvements to community evacuations centres, purchase of generators, deep cell batteries and satellite phones, and printers to distribute information before, during and after disasters.

$3,000 is the maximum amount of funding a group can receive from a Get Ready Disaster Preparedness Grant, with $22,000 allocated to this category. 

 

Quick Grants 

Quick grant categories are aimed at supporting celebrated events in the community including NAIDOC Week. 

For example, covering catering for community events during NAIDOC Week. 

NAIDOC Week events - local events during 2023 NAIDOC Week celebrations, which take place between 2 and 9 July 2023

  • 10 X $250 grants available to cover catering at NAIDOC Week events. 

Want to know more? 

To get all the details about the 2022-23 Community Grant Program, download the Community Grant Guidelines(PDF, 1MB) PDF. The guidelines have not been updated to reflect some changes including available funding amounts however the application process remains the same. 

How do I apply? 

Applications can be made through the online system SmartyGrants. You can locate all grant application forms here.

Need advice or support? 

For help with community grants, please contact Council on 6566 3200 or email ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au. Council staff can provide advice on your application and how to navigate the SmartyGrants portal. 

Council staff have outlined the grant writing process in a short video. Watch below or visit Handy tips to make a strong Community Grants application