Grants will be open from 10 August 2026 to 7 September 2026. Before filling in the form, it is recommended you contact an Officer to discuss your application prior to submission.
Contact details are below:
Grants & Women - Chloe O'Meara
Chloe-Jayne.OMeara@camden.nsw.gov.au
communitygrants@camden.nsw.gov.au
Ageing and Disability - Lisa Grimson
Lisa.Grimson@camden.nsw.gov.au
Diversity and Inclusion - Huss Dehaine
Huss.Dehaine@camden.nsw.gov.au
Young People - Kellie Hughes
Kellie.Hughes@camden.nsw.gov.au
Children and Families - Kate Ellul
Kate.Ellul@camden.nsw.gov.au
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples - Blair Avila
Blair.Avila@camden.nsw.gov.au
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Council recognises and values the strengths of the Camden community, including the strong sense of belonging, demonstrated through participation in a range of community and cultural activities.
Council also acknowledges the important role of community organisations in developing projects and events while coordinating and managing funded activities to further develop these strengths in the local community.
Funding and support are also mechanisms for Council to further the aims identified in Council’s social, cultural, economic and environmental plans and policies.
Applications are assessed against these policies and broad Council objectives and plans as identified in Camden Council’s Strategic Plan.
The Community Grants Program will provide successful applicants of up to $6,500 per project to support the work done by local community organisations based in or providing services for the Camden Local Government Area.
Grant Guidelines can be accessed here and should be read before you begin filling out your application form.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for funding, an organisation must:
- Be not-for-profit; or
- Be a registered charity
- Be an incorporated body or be auspiced (sponsored) by an incorporated body;
- Offer a project in the Camden LGA, or primarily for the Camden community (minimum of 75% participants from the LGA);
- Acquit any previous Camden Council grants (excluding grants held within the prior 12-month period or subject to agreement/variation of funding) and have no outstanding debts to Council.
- Have public liability insurance of $20,000,000 or more. Any exclusion clauses relating specifically to Council whether in relation to facility use or proposed undertaking of activities by applicant as listed in this application must be disclosed to Council prior to submission of this form.
INELIGIBILITY
Council does not provide grants for:
- Projects that duplicate existing services;
- Projects that do not meet the identified priority needs;
- Projects that directly contravene existing Council policy;
- Projects previously funded unless there is clear evidence of community need and support.
Please also note that wages and salaries of staff will not be funded. External consultants fees for new projects may be considered.
GRANT CATEGORIES:
Grants are available in the following categories for up to $6,500:
Community Well Being
Projects which support access to physical and social resources to promote and improve quality of life for local residents.
Art and Culture
Projects involving events or activities that foster Camden’s cultural and community identity and activities that supports an accessible, diverse and inclusive range of community building including artwork, performance, writing and other cultural activities.
Social Inclusion
Projects that support a cohesive community and promotes accessibility and a sense of belonging within the Camden community.
Environment and Sustainability
Projects that promote and encourage sustainable community behaviour such as reducing food or general waste, recycling programs, sustainable activities and environmental education and training workshops. Projects should benefit the environment while raising awareness around environmental and sustainability issues.
Sport and Recreation
Projects that are designed to increase or maintain participation within sport and recreation as well as projects which improve the quality, education/training, safety or range of participation.
Minor Works
Projects which enhance community infrastructure (excluding Council owned premises) by aiding in the development of facilities, improvements or maintenance to existing facilities.
No projects over a total cost of $13,000 will be considered. Any buildings subject to heritage approval must have prior approval for the grant to be considered.
Any projects subject to DA approval are the responsibility of the applicant and proof of lodgment and approval should be included with the application. DA fees must not be part of the funding request.
Note: If applying under the minor works category, it is essential that permission be sought from the owners of the building or facilities prior to lodgment of an application. Please provide evidence of approval with your application.
ASSESSMENT
Applications will be considered by an allocation committee of Council Officers and recommendations will be considered and endorsed by Council.
The Community Small Grants Program is a competitive grants program and while every consideration will be given to fund as many projects across as many different areas as possible, not every project can be funded. Successful applications will be decided at the discretion of Council.
Please note any applicant with a submission for funding under consideration may not lobby Council Staff or Councillors to provide
funding for their submission either verbally or in writing. Any applicant who does so will have their submission withdrawn from consideration for that round of funding with immediate effect.
Applicants are invited to attend an information session regarding the grants online or in person. Registration details can be found here.
Information Kiosks - one on one phonecall with Grants Officer is available here.
If you have any questions regarding the grant please don't hesitate to contact Community Project Officer on (02) 4653 3031 or email communitygrants@camden.nsw.gov.au.
Please find information regarding submission of your grant application here: Help Guide for Applicants (smartygrants.com.au)
