Redland City Council is revamping its community grants and sponsorship program to better reflect current funding needs within the community.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the new programs, endorsed at yesterday’s (16 July 2025) General Meeting, also supported the outcomes of Council’s strategic plans including the Events Strategy 2024-2029 and Redlands Coast Stronger Communities Strategy 2024-2027.
“The existing grants and sponsorship program was adopted by Council in 2009 and, since then, has provided funding and in-kind support to enhance both the diversity and quality of community facilities, services, programs and community-based events in the city,” the Mayor said.
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“However, after 16 years, Council was looking for a more modern program to meet the community’s needs.
“The new Events on Redlands Coast and Stronger Communities Grant Programs meet this requirement while also aligning more closely with Council’s strategic direction outlined in the Corporate Plan and its focus on areas such as strong communities, thriving economy and Quandamooka Country.”
The Mayor said the new programs, which would come into effect from 1 January 2026, would replace the current Community Grants, Capital Infrastructure Grant, Village Events and Activation Grant and Sponsorship funding programs.
“Although these programs will no longer exist from next year, the new categories will provide the same and more opportunities for community groups to make an application for funding,” she said.
“The new funding programs will support the community in offering events that enhance the vibrancy of our region and providing services to support the wellbeing of people of all ages and abilities across the city.
“There will be funding streams that are designed to support vulnerable groups, contribute to a sustainable environment and provide an opportunity for community participation through the delivery of services, events and activities.
“There will also be rapid response grants that will allow Council to provide support to an urgent community priority within the city.
“Multi-year funding will be offered under some streams and this will provide certainty and opportunity for growth, build capacity and empower community organisations while making a positive impact to the city’s community capital infrastructure.
“It will also give organisations the ability to leverage external funding opportunities.”
The Mayor said the new programs would streamline both application and administrative processes.
The new Events on Redlands Coast and Stronger Communities Grant Programs include categories for:
- Community Celebration Events up to $15,000
- Events up to $20,000
- Signature Events Attraction and Retention up to $60,000
- Rapid Response Grant from $500 to $3000
- Community Support Grant up to $20,000
- Build and Thrive Grant up to $88,000 over three years.
Council has approved $761,000 for the 2025–2026 Community Grants Program.
This includes an allocation towards funding rounds under the existing program in 2025, including:
- Sponsorship – applications open from 7 July to 3 August
- Community Grants – applications open from 4 to 31 August
- Capital Infrastructure Grants – applications open from 18 August to 14 September.
The remaining funding will be allocated to the new grant programs from 1 January 2026.
Other Council funding programs will continue as usual: Regional Arts Development Fund, Mayor and Councillors’ Community Benefit Fund and Local Heritage Grant.
Information on current funding programs is available on Council’s Grants and sponsorship webpage.
