Grants now available to support community projects

Wollongong City Council media release: Friday 4 February 2022

Wollongong City Council’s Financial Assistance program is now open and we’re calling for community members to submit an application.

Each year, we offer a number of grants that provide financial or in-kind support to community groups and individuals. This round of financial assistance is available for five of our programs:

• Community Events
• Small Cultural Grants
• Bands and Choirs
• Heritage Grants
• NAIDOC Week Grants

“We’re looking to rejuvenate our city as we bounce back from the challenges of COVID-19. Council’s annual Financial Assistance program is one way we can support artists, community groups, residents, events, bands and musicians bring their passion projects to life,” Wollongong City Council Director Community Services Kerry Hunt said.

“For many of us, we’ve had to put our events, ideas and projects on hold over the past couple of years. Lockdowns and changing restrictions have had a particular impact on our arts, culture, and event sectors.

“I encourage our residents to take a look at the array of programs available.  This is a great opportunity to deliver something that is meaningful for you but also the local community. Apply today and make the most of this opportunity to do something new for 2022.”

For more information, closing dates, or to make an online application, visit our apply for a grant webpage.

Here’s a list of the grant programs on offer and what you need to know before you apply.

Community Events

If you’re an individual or not-for-profit group running an event that’s open to the community, you might be eligible for our Sponsorship of Community Events program.

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. With grants ranging from a few hundred dollars up to a maximum of $8,000 for major city-wide events, this program aims to support groups in delivering successful events for the community.

All applicants will need to demonstrate how they intend to meet the COVID-19 Public Health Order at the time of application.

To find out more visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/event-grants. Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.

Public Bands and Choirs

This program supports not-for-profit bands and choirs that are based in Wollongong and perform at public events. Funding available through this program is between $500 and $2,000.

To be eligible, groups must be open to new members joining from the wider community, perform outdoors without sound equipment, hold regular rehearsals and be able to perform at community events and gatherings.

To find out more, visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/bands-choirs. Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.

Small Cultural Grants

Our Small Cultural Grants program covers a broad range of activities that enliven our city, build our creative industries and encourage people to get involved. This can include activities like music, performing arts, visual arts and craft, and cultural projects.

We encourage people from diverse cultural and language backgrounds and members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to apply for this program.

There are two funding categories for this program. Category 1 supports local arts-based Community Cultural Development projects and events organised by individual artists and communities. Category 2 provides funding for professional development, marketing and minor capital support.

Successful applicants can request up to $4,000 through this program.

To find out more, visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/cultural-grants. Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.

NAIDOC Week Grants

This year, NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from Sunday 3 July to Sunday 10 July, with the theme being Get up! Stand up! Show up!. A total of $7,000 of funding is available through this program.

This program aims to get as many people as possible involved in NAIDOC Week and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Applications for this program are welcome from not-for-profit organisations that are planning an activity in the Wollongong Local Government Area that will take place during NAIDOC Week or as close to NAIDOC Week as possible

To find out more, visit our website. Applications for this program will be accepted until Friday 6 May.

Heritage Grants

We value our shared heritage and history here in Wollongong. If you own a property that has local heritage listing, you can apply for support from the Wollongong Heritage Fund.

This program encourages conservation projects in heritage places and helps to conserve items that have local cultural significance. You can apply for support from the Wollongong Heritage Fund and receive up to 50% of the total project cost, to a maximum of $10,000.

There are criteria applicants need to meet to be eligible for this program so visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/heritage-grants for more information.

Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.