Council boosts community support funding

06 July 2020

Council has increased its funding for community organisations and not-for-profits to support them through COVID-19.

Mayor Teresa Harding said helping Ipswich’s community organisations was a priority for council.

“This support package for community groups demonstrates this council’s commitment to ensuring their significant contribution to our city continues,” Mayor Harding said.

“The social, cultural and creative value our community organisations deliver enrich the lives of Ipswich residents and provide us with a more vibrant and connected community.

“Like our local businesses, many of these community groups are feeling the impacts of COVID-19, so we have taken this important step of making it faster and easier to find and apply for grants online.”

The Ipswich City Council Grant Finder is a free service which compiles a list of all available grants for local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals.

Here’s a round-up of the council funding available for community groups:

COVID-19 Funding programs

A total of $300,000 is available through the Ipswich Community Repair and Replacement Fund to help community and sporting organisations upgrade their facilities using local contractors.

A further $100,000 is available through the Ipswich Community Operational Support Fund, which will help eligible community groups pay operational costs, inventory, marketing or membership expenses.

Applications for council’s COVID-19 funding programs close at the end of August.

Major and Minor Funding

The Major and Minor Funding Programs have been introduced to consolidate a number of previous funding programs offered by council.

These funding programs support a range of activities, including community events, art initiatives, sport and environmental initiatives.

There are now four rounds of funding each year, with applications for the first round now open and set to close at the end of July.

The Major Funding Program offers a maximum of $15,000, and the Minor Funding Program offers a maximum of $2,000.

Councillor Discretionary Funds

The Councillor Discretionary Funds Program provides the Mayor and councillors with up to $18,000 each to allocate funding to local not-for-profit organisations for projects that respond to the community’s needs.

Applicants can seek a maximum of $9,000 (a maximum of $1,000 per councillor) in funding to support a range of activities, including the purchase of equipment, minor facility upgrades, community events and activities, community workshops or volunteer training.

Quick Response Funding

Quick Response Funding is available for community organisations that are delivering small community-focused projects, with up to $1,000 funding available.

Applications have a quick turn-around time of three weeks from receipt of application.

Environment and Sustainability Community Funding

Local environmental groups and organisations can apply for grants of up to $2,000 to help fund projects which protect the environment and encourage sustainability.

Wildlife carers are also eligible to apply for grants up to $1,000.

There are four rounds of funding each year.

Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

The partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Ipswich City Council aims to promote the arts, culture and heritage and recognise their role in building diverse and inclusive communities.

There are three funding rounds each year, with funding categories including Public Art, Telling Ipswich’s Stories, Projects and Skills development and mentoring.

Quick Response funding is also available for artists to attend or present at professional development seminars, workshops, conferences or other events.

Guidelines and online application forms are available on council’s website: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/community/funding-and-support