Community organisations across Noosa Shire are being encouraged to apply for the latest council grant funding round, which opens on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The round will close on Monday, March 23, with successful applicants to be announced in June.
Funded projects will benefit from an extended delivery period, running from July 1, 2026 through to August 31, 2027 – a change designed to give organisations greater flexibility in planning and delivery.
Council has also introduced a number of key updates to make the application process clearer and fairer.
Funding caps have been adjusted, with Community Events, Programs and Equipment grants now capped at $20,000, while Facility Development grants remain at a maximum of $30,000.
A minimum co-contribution of 20 per cent is now required across all grant categories, except Facility Improvement Projects.
Co-contributions can include cash, external funding and in-kind support such as sponsorships, donated materials, professional expertise or volunteer labour.
Assessment criteria have been reorganised to better reflect community impact and value for money, according to Council.
Applications will be assessed on demonstrated need, benefits to both the organisation and the wider community, alignment with council’s strategic goals, and justification for external funding, including how public funds will be used effectively and whether projects can leverage additional support.
New acknowledgement requirements mean funded organisations must provide at least three high-resolution photographs showcasing their project, along with two examples of how council support has been publicly acknowledged as part of the acquittal process.
The guidelines also clarify that internal wages may be funded where they directly relate to project delivery and are not part of ongoing operational costs. Consumables, including food ingredients, may be supported only when they are essential to delivering a program with clear community benefit.
Council encourages eligible organisations to review the updated guidelines carefully before applying.
More information can be found here: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/Community/Grants/Community-Grants
