Wentworth Shire Council reminds community groups and organisations that applications for the final round of the Financial Assistance Program close at 5pm, Friday 24 April 2026.
Applications will be considered at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026, and applicants will be notified of the outcome by Sunday 31 May 2026.
Types of Financial Assistance Available
Council provides assistance through an Annual Budget Allocation across the following categories:
- Fee Waivers (Up to $2,000): Applications to reduce, waive, or refund a fee (such as hall/reserve hire or plant/equipment hire) are accepted all year round. Note: Fee waivers are not granted for events where an entry fee is charged, and bonds cannot be waived.
- Grants (Cash Sponsorship): Requests for a cash contribution to a specific item or event. Capped at $5,000.
- Fee Rebates ($2,000 and over): Requests to reduce, waive, or refund a Council fee.
- Donations: Small, one-off cash contributions to a cause, organisation, or person. Capped at $250.
- Rate Reductions: Requests for a reduction in standard rates. Capped at a maximum refund of 25% and available strictly for charitable organisations.
Important: Grant requests (excluding standard fee waivers under $2,000) are only considered four times per financial year. All decisions rest totally with the Council and cannot be delegated to staff.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, an organisation must:
- Be a not-for-profit community-based group or organisation, a charitable organisation, a school group, OR be an incorporated body (or auspiced by one).
- Offer services or activities within the Wentworth Local Government Area that provide a direct benefit to residents.
- Provide a copy of the organisation's Current Audited Financial Statements for any grant application over $2,000 and up to $5,000.
- Identify how the request links to the strategies and objectives in the Wentworth Shire Community Strategic Plan.
Council will also evaluate applications based on community benefit beyond a specific interest group, access to other funding sources, past financial assistance from Council, and the applicant's own contribution to the initiative.
How to Apply
To avoid disappointment, please ensure your application is fully complete and submitted within the deadlines.
- For Fee Waivers (Up to $2,000): Complete the online or printable Fee Waiver Request Form.
- For Grants, Rebates, Donations, and Rate Reductions: Fill out the Financial Assistance Program Request Form, ensuring you have read the Application Guidelines to assist you.
All forms and policy details are available here: https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/community/our-residents/community-grants
Submit your application via:
