Community Grants Program

Community grants information session
When: Wednesday 8 April, 6pm.
Where: Toowoomba City Library community rooms.
The information session will explain recent changes to the Community Grants Program and help you prepare your application.

The following grants are available:

  • Micro grant for amounts up to $1,000 - open across the calendar year from 1 July 2026 until funds are expended.
  • Minor grant for amounts from $1,001 up to $10,000 - open on 1 July 2026 and close at 5pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
  • Major grant for amounts over $10,001 - open on 1 July 2026 and close at 5pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026. You will need to provide additional supporting details and financial and/or in-kind co-contribution.

One round of funding will be offered per financial year, subject to budgeted funds being available. Refer to the following for more information:

Application forms for the Micro Grants, Minor Grants and Major Grants will be published for preview prior to 1 July 2026. Intending applicants will be able to preview a copy of their preferred application to help prepare their responses.

Existing grant rounds, and future rounds, can be found at tr.smartygrants.com.au.

All previous application forms e.g. Sport and Recreation, Economic Development, Community Support, Community, Regional and Major Event Support, Environment, Sports Tourism Event Support and Youth Support and their guidelines have been replaced.

Eligible groups

Not-for-profit groups recognised by legal status. e.g.

  • Incorporated Entity with or without an ABN
  • other Incorporated Entity
  • Charitable Institution
  • Australian Public Company limited by guarantee
  • Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) and
  • Health Promotion Charity (HPC).

Funding priority

All of Council’s Grants are offered on a competitive basis and requested amounts of funding can’t be guaranteed. Council will prioritise:

  • projects / initiatives that align with Council’s key priorities 1.1-3.6 (listed from pages 21 to 25) in the Corporate Plan
  • demonstrated community need for the project / initiative
  • applicant organisation’s capacity to deliver
  • regionally based projects / initiatives
  • new applicants.

Seed funding is intended to support early-stage initiatives while promoting future self-sufficiency. Repeat funding conditions apply to all events, whether they are new or already established.

How to prepare

To start preparing:

  1. Attend a community information session.
  2. Consider who within your committee can assist. i.e. preparation of budget, letters of support that validate the project is required, project plans or evidence of need.
  3. Check alternate funding sources via the Toowoomba Grant and Funding Finder.
  4. Set up your SmartyFile account to make your SmartyGrants application easier.

Guidance and information sessions

We hold information sessions across the region during March and April each year. The Grants and Sponsorship Officer, Community Development Officers or other staff with subject matter expertise can provide early guidance prior to the grants opening.

Required documents

The type of documentation requested will depend on the amount of funding you are seeking. Generally, you should prepare for any grant application with the following: 

  • budget (i.e. completing the table provided or uploading a prefilled copy)
  • quotes (to align with dollars requested)
  • supporting evidence, project / event management plans, risk management plans etc.

Related information

Toowoomba Grant and Funding Finder

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