Eligible applicants

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• All other types of community organisations, unincorporated community groups, individuals and sole traders sponsored /auspiced by an eligible not-for-profit organisation that is able to apply in their own right. Non-local applicants must demonstrate tangible benefits to the Northern Beaches community. If you are choosing a sponsor, we encourage you to choose one that is relevant to the sector and that can support the implementation of the proposal.

In addition, applicants must:

• Be up-to-date with any Council grant reporting or acquittals. Some previous grant timelines may overlap, in which case you should contact the relevant Council staff member to provide an update on the status of the funded project
• Have no outstanding debts owed to Council
• Demonstrate the grant will be used for a purpose in the public interest primarily for the local community.

Ineligible applicants

• State government organisations
• Political parties
• For profit bodies
• Schools, including parent and citizen associations

Schools, including parent and citizen associations, are welcome to contact Council to discuss funding opportunities that may be suitable. For more information, please email cec@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Up to $5,000 (excl. GST) for one-year programs. Multi-year applications are not supported. Partial funding may be recommended for various reasons. Projects can commence following signing and returning the funding agreement to Council along with a valid tax Invoice. Templates for invoices will be provided. All projects must be implemented between November 2026 and 31 December 2027 unless otherwise agreed.

All eligible applications will be assessed by an expert assessment panel consisting of Council officers and community members. Funding is limited and only applications meeting the assessment criteria to a high degree are likely to be recommended for funding.

Grant applications will be assessed against the following assessment criteria:

Essential criteria

1. Demonstrates a clear rationale for the initiative with key deliverables clearly stated that address at least one of the funding priority areas.

Indicators:

• Applicant clearly demonstrates rationale for project and connection to one of the funding priorities
• Applicant has clear key deliverables (a deliverable – specific, tangible and/or quantifiable things that will be delivered through the grant funded project)
• For bush regeneration projects - applicant to include letters of support from Council
   

2. Demonstrates a positive environmental impact in the short and long-term including how this will be measured and maintained.

Indicators:

• Applicant has clear and achievable outcomes (outcomes, something that follows as a result or consequence of the grant project)
• Applicant clearly outlines how they will measure and maintain outcomes.
   

3. Capacity and demonstrated ability of the applicant to manage a well-planned project.

Indicators:

• Applicant demonstrates the capacity to manage the project including letters of support, copies of insurance, and any other evidence to support their capacity.
   

4. A realistic budget with all income and expenditure identified.

Indicators:

• Applicant provides a detailed budget with clear income and expenditure breakdown including quotes for any equipment, goods or services over $2,000.

Highly regarded criteria

1. Evidence of partnerships with other organisations.

Indicators:

• Applicant has provided letters of support from any community or local partnerships.
• Applications that address more than one category and/or priority.
   

2. Experimental, innovative ideas and approaches.

Indicators:

• Applicant has a clearly outlined approach to deliver their project that has been well considered and uses
  experimental ideas and innovation.
   

3. Longevity of the initiative.

• Useful questions to consider
  • Why are you proposing this project?
  • What outcome(s) do you want to achieve?
  • How does this project address a key priority or multiple key priorities of Council?
  • How does this project involve community members and build their capacity?
  • How is the activity inclusive of people from diverse demographics?
  • Do you or your organisation have the skills and capacity to deliver this project?