Sunshine Coast Council's 2026 Community Grant Program is off and running, with applications now open for the first grants round of the year.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said Council remained passionate about empowering not-for-profit community organisations to bring a great projects, activities and events to life - big and small.
"Every year, Council provides grants to support and enable community organisations to deliver one-off projects, activities and events that make a meaningful difference across the region," Cr Law said.
"Last (calendar) year Council awarded over $1.6 million in community grant funding to worthy recipients through our Major and Minor Grants programs.
"In this Major Grants round, groups can apply for up to $15,000 for projects, activities and events across all program categories, as well as up to $30,000 for infrastructure projects in the Community Facilities category. A co-funding contribution is required for requests over $7,500.
"Please reach out to Council's wonderful grants team about your community project, activity or event. They can provide your group with guidance on how to submit a strong application and help determine which grant category would be the best fit for you."
"Applications close on Monday 9 March 2026."
Are you eligible?
Funding is available for a range of local community organisations. Whether you're a community development organisation, creative arts group, heritage society, local community hall group, industry group, chamber network or sporting group, or another eligible not-for-profit organisation, Council funds projects, activities and events that benefit the Sunshine Coast community.
If your community group hasn't applied for Council funding before and isn't sure where to start, Council's Grants Team runs drop-in Q&A sessions and grant writing workshops at various libraries and community spaces to help guide you through the process.
Groups that have applied previously and missed out, are encouraged to re-apply. Reach out to Council's Grants Team about your application to receive advice and feedback to strengthen your next application.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online before starting the project.
Submit your Major Grants application via Council's website.
Workshops and support sessions
Our grant drop-in sessions, held at Council libraries and at City Hall, Maroochydore are designed to help you with your application and assist you to find the right grant to fit your project. No appointments are necessary - first in, first helped.
Council also offers a series of more in-depth grant writing workshops to help you and your group prepare a strong grant application. These workshops are in person or via a webinar hosted with Microsoft Teams.
Visit Council's website for more full details and session times.
Stay in the know
To receive information about grants and funding opportunities, and for details of our free Council Grant writing workshops, drop-ins, or webinars, sign up to our Grants and Funding eNews.
If you can't attend a drop-in session or workshop please contact Council's Grants Team via email at [email protected] with any questions.
Many organisations offer grants including government departments, corporations, foundations and trusts. To explore additional funding options, visit Council's other funding opportunities page and access the free Sunshine Coast Funding Finder.
