COMMUNITY GRANTS POLICY - REVISED · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        20 JANUARY 2025



Additionally, the streamlined application process, introduced during recent program minor reviews,
was positively received by applicants. Feedback indicated that the simplified format reduced
administrative barriers and made the program more accessible to smaller community groups with
limited resources. This helped broaden the diversity of projects and applicants, aligning the grants
with Council’s overarching equity objectives.

The review also identified some areas for improvement. It found that the Community Grants Program
is not fully aligned with the Council’s current priorities, due to its reliance on the outdated Social
Strategy. Updating this strategy will ensure the program remains relevant and responsive to
emerging community needs.

There was also strong demand for ‘always open’ quick response grants to cater for emerging
opportunities and emergencies, along with strengthening the collaborative approach to driving
further dollars into Noosa community groups.

There was also a clear desire to reduce red tape. Some community organisations found the
application process overly difficult and expressed a preference for more streamlined procedures.
Feedback suggested the use of digital tools to simplify submissions, improve communication and
automate routine tasks. In addition, clearer guidelines, user-friendly templates, and more tailored
workshops could help applicants overcome common challenges and encourage wider participation.

4. Revised Community Grants Policy
One of the key recommendations of the Grants Program review was to revise and update the
Community Grants Policy which helps govern the administration of the Community Grants Program.

The revised Community Grants Policy was developed through a consultative process to ensure it
supports current community needs and aligns with Council priorities and procedures. The process
included a thorough review of feedback from stakeholders, including grant applicants, community
organisations and Council staff. Workshops and focus groups were conducted to gather diverse
perspectives, while benchmarking against best practices from other councils helped identify
opportunities for improvement. Input from these engagements informed the drafting of a policy that
prioritises transparency, equity and accessibility.

The revised policy provides a framework to guide the administration of the Community Grants
Program, ensuring that grants:
•   Support Council in achieving its strategic goals and key objectives; and
•   Align with the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012, which
    require that community grants serve a purpose in the public interest.
This policy is designed to be read alongside the supporting guidelines for each individual funding
programs and does not apply to sponsorships, donations, advertising, naming rights or service-level
agreements.

The revised policy contains two main types of changes - program and procedural changes.

Grant Program Changes
Signature Community Events: The Festive Season and Signature Events programs will be combined
into a single program.
Individual Sports Development Grants: The review proposes the introduction of individual Sports
Development Grants to assist Noosa residents who are performing, competing or coaching at
recognised national or international competitions and events.
Quick Response Grants: The ability to provide quick response grants will be made available for both
community grants and RADF grants, similar to the way that Economic Development grants are
offered.