Council’s grants now open to help fund local events and projects
Applications are now open for Wollongong City Council’s annual grant program with various grants available to support individuals and community groups
5/2/2026: Media release from Wollongong City Council
If you have a great idea to bring your community together, or a passion project that will benefit our city, we want to hear about it!
Applications are now open for Wollongong City Council’s annual grant program with various grants available to support individuals and community groups. The grants aim to assist activities and projects that will uplift and celebrate the diversity of Wollongong and its community.
There are six different programs now available – Bands and Choirs, Sponsorship of Community Events, Small Arts and Cultural Grants, Small Grants NAIDOC Week, Heritage Grants and Connecting Neighbours Grants – with financial and in-kind support on offer.
“Every year, we’re inspired by our community and their passion to do something that reflects Wollongong’s values, culture and creativity,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
“Whether it’s a simple catch-up with neighbours, a blockbuster sporting event, preserving our history or hosting a music gig. These community-driven projects play a vital role in our city’s cultural identity and makes us proud to call Wollongong home.
“We’re delighted to continue to offer our support as we know a bit of financial backing can go a long way. I strongly encourage passionate community groups and individuals to see what’s on offer and apply. Just think of the wonderful benefits your community will reap from your idea coming to life.”
The 2025 grant program supported events such as the Figtree Community Carols, Honk Oz, Nan Tein Multicultural Festival, Port Kembla Fearfest and more.
Applications are now open on Council’s website. Check out what’s on offer below.
Sponsorship of Community Events
Do you have an upcoming event that’s open to the community? You may be eligible for our Sponsorship of Community Events program.
The program offers individuals and not-for-profit groups financial support for events that engage and celebrate our community on a local level and city wide. This also includes sport events of state or national significance.
This program aims to encourage a wider range of events in our city, particularly those that bring social and economic benefits to the local area.
Available funding: There are three different sponsorship categories available for the following categories
- City-wide events
- Local general community events
- Sporting events of state or national significance
Closing date: Tuesday 31 March 2026.
To apply and find out more details, visit the Community Events page.
Bands and Choirs
This program supports not-for-profit bands and choirs that are based in Wollongong and perform locally at public events.
Available funding:
- Primary (or senior) bands up to $2,000
- Secondary (or junior) bands up to $1,000
- Choirs up to $500.
Closing date: Tuesday 31 March 2026.
To apply and find out more details, visit the Bands and Choirs Grants page.
Small Arts and Culture Grants
Calling all individuals and art collectives working in local creative industries!
We want to support and nurture cultural and creative opportunities that can bring positivity and growth for our community. This includes support for creative projects, professional development, marketing and minor capital support.
Available funding:
There are three different sponsorship categories available
- Creative Projects – up to $4,000
- Professional Development, Marketing and Minor Capital Support – up to $4,000
- New Organisations: Professional Development, Marketing and Minor Capital Support – up to $1,000
Closing date: Tuesday 31 March 2026.
To apply and find out more details, visit the Small Arts and Culture Grants page.
Small Grants NAIDOC Week Event
We’re offering small grants for no t-for-profit groups that are holding community events during NAIDOC Week this year from 5 to 12 July 2026.
We want to get as many people as possible involved in NAIDOC Week to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The theme for 2026 is ‘50 Years of Deadly’.
Available funding: A total of $10,000 is available. Applications for more than $1,500 are unlikely to receive the full amount.
Closing date: Tuesday 31 March 2026.
To apply and find out more details, visit the NAIDOC Week Grants page.
Heritage Grants
We want to support owners of properties that have a local heritage listing with the cost of upkeep and maintenance works.
This program encourages conservation projects in heritage places and helps to conserve items that have local cultural significance. If you are planning to undertake conservation work on your heritage listed property, or have a project in mind, we want to hear about it and see if we can provide financial assistance. This includes repairing, maintaining, or restoration works on heritage places.
Available funding: A total of $70,000 is available. Funding is available on a dollar-for-dollar-spent basis and Council will consider funding up to 50% of the total project cost, to a maximum of $10,000 (excluding GST).
Closing date: Friday 3 April 2026.
To apply and find out more details, visit the Heritage Grants program page.
Connecting Neighbours Grants
Do you want to make a positive impact in your local area?
We want to help you create neighbourly connections and stronger local communities. This could be within your local street, between a few houses, a group or a place where you socialise.
Our previous recipients connected with their neighbours through BBQs and morning teas to welcome new neighbours, social outings for isolated groups of older neighbours, working bees, gardening and other creative activities.
Available funding: Up to $250 for individual community members and up to $1,000 for projects with the backing of a support organisation.
Closing date: Monday 2 March 2026.
To apply and find out more details, visit the Connecting Neighbours Grants
