Sport & recreation community grants program

Groups and organisations that can apply for a grant

Groups and organisations that meet all of the following:

• are not-for-profit
• are an incorporated legal entity or are sponsored by an incorporated legal entity
• operate or provide services within the Toowoomba Regional area
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• have appropriate insurance and adhere to sound workplace health and safety practices
• are able to demonstrate financial viability
• have met all acquittal conditions of previous council grants
• projects outside of core business of public and private educational institutions (primary, secondary and tertiary including Parents & Citizens and Parents & Friends Associations) and demonstrates broader community benefit
• conduct activity on land owned privately and/or by the State Government providing evidence of tenure with a term outlining a minimum of 3 years is submitted. 

If your group is not a legally constituted not-for-profit entity, your application will need to be endorsed by a legally constituted not-for-profit entity. The organisation that endorses the application takes responsibility for ensuring the funds are used as specified in the grant allocation. An organisation may endorse one or more community groups and can still lodge an application on its own behalf.

Groups ineligible for a grant

These groups should not apply:

• for-profit companies, Trusts and other organisations
• government, semi-government organisations and statutory authorities 
• unions and student guilds
• research foundations and
• professional associations

Sport and Recreation Grants will not fund:

• programs such as coaching, professional development, training or first aid
• loan or other debt repayments
• projects already started (i.e., items purchased* or construction commenced) or completed (i.e., already constructed)
• recurrent administration and running costs such as regular wages, office expenses, rent, mortgage repayments or land purchases
• equipment that has a short life or needs regular replacement 
• rates, utilities, energy, insurance or regulatory expenses
• projects with a commercial purpose
• projects already funded by other Toowoomba Regional Council grant programs
• prize money, trophies, raffle prizes or fundraising
• core business projects of public and private educational institutions (primary, secondary and tertiary including Parents & Citizens and Parents & Friends Associations)
• Sport and Recreation Events ¹
• Offset of fees and charges for Council facilities, equipment or services¹
• Assistance to enhance or improve an existing service or community facility¹

¹ These projects may be eligible under an alternate grants scheme

* Project items purchased within the previous 12 months, and submitted as an in-kind contribution towards the grant application, will not be considered as having already started the project (subject to the items meeting all Australian Standards, Building Code and Council requirements).

Low priority is given to:

• organisations/individuals that have received funding previously for similar events excluding community events.

Specific conditions of funding may vary between grant programs. For further information, please contact an officer from the relevant funding program on 131 872.

Grant assessment

Applicants must demonstrate that:

• the organisation and project is eligible
• the organisation and project is viable
• genuine need and community benefit
• how and why the support being requested will positively impact the local community
• evidence of planning, consultation and support
• financial need, the organisation's contribution and support, and other funding sought (whether successful or not)
• linkages to program objectives
• any regulatory requirements have been or will be met, and
• a balanced, realistic and complete project budget.

Grants are assessed by panels that include our staff experienced in each category and Councillors. Grants are highly competitive and approval will depend on available funds, the number of applications and program priorities. Part-funding may be offered.

Unsuccessful applicants may contact the relevant Council Officer, who will provide feedback and assistance with future grant applications.

Grant conditions

Successful applicants must:

• enter into a funding agreement with us
• use the grant only for the nominated purpose for which it is given, unless written approval is given by Council for a variation
• obtain all appropriate permits, approvals, licences, insurances and indemnities etc, relating to the project
• expend the funds within 12 months of being granted, unless written approval has been given by us for an extension
• acknowledge our support as set out in the funding agreement
• acquit the grant on an acquittal form as set out in the funding agreement within six weeks of completion of the project

We reserve the right to request an audit of grant expenditure. Any unspent funds must be returned to us. Successful applicants who fail to comply with any of the above conditions may have their grant funding offer withdrawn.

The following organisations and projects were successful in receiving funding in the August 2022 round of the Toowoomba Regional Council Sport and Recreation Community Grants:

Toowoomba BMX Club Inc: $8,260.00 Excl GST for upgrades to the BMX track at Captain Cook Recreation Reserve

Millmerran Golf Club: $7,672.50 Excl GST to upgrade the dry storage area

Oakey Soccer Club Inc: $2,792.51 Excl GST to purchase 2 new laptops and new soccer goals

Toowoomba Dog Obedience Club Inc: $23,836.36 Excl GST to upgrade the field lighting at Norman Park

Toowoomba Basketball Association Inc: $5,179.09 Excl GST to purchase 4 new laptops

RM Equestrian Centre Inc: $21,106.59 Excl GST to upgrade the dressage arena and riding surface

Oakey and District Memorial Bowls Club Inc: $7,206.82 Excl GST to purchase an electric greens mower