Round 8 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) is now open, with $22.7 million available to support community organisations and councils to deliver much needed local projects.

Funding of between $2,500 and $20,000 is available for not-for-profit community organisations and local governments to fund small capital projects that deliver social benefits and boost local community participation, including small-scale infrastructure upgrades, fit-outs and equipment purchases.

Eligible activities can include:

• fit-out, alterations and/or extensions to existing premises e.g. air-conditioning, kitchen upgrades, fixtures and fittings, painting
• purchase and installation of equipment to be used by your organisation for the benefit of the community, such as ICT hardware and software, or creation of a website
• modifications to leased buildings or grounds, with approval of the owner
• upgrades, fit-out and construction of community spaces, e.g. men's sheds, community centres, scout halls etc.
• development or upgrades of bike paths, streetscapes, skate parks or community gardens
• upgrades of sporting facilities and fields , e.g. scoreboards, seating, goalposts, fit-out of change rooms, canteen, lights, upgrade drainage and water systems, medical equipment, gyms
• musical instruments, sports equipment and uniforms that remain the property of the organisation
• inclusive access to facilities
• upgrade or installation of park furniture and facilities
• State Emergency Service and rural fire brigade equipment
• vehicles and trailers for community transport or services
• projects on school grounds or school property that demonstrate social benefits to the broader community outside the school

To be eligible you must:

• be invited to apply by your MP
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)

and

• an incorporated not for profit organisation
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust with responsibility for a community asset or property
• a local governing body as defined by the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995- external site.

Further information about this program can be found here: Stronger Community Grants Information

Please read the guidelines to make sure you are eligible. A copy of the guidelines can be found here: Guideline Copy

For general assistance, please contact Business.gov.au at Business.gov.au Help Centre

To express your interest for this grant, please fill out the form below.