Port Stephens Council's 2022–23 Community Funding Program has once again launched 11 funding streams for community led initiatives, events and activities.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said more than $300,000 in funding is now available to support the Port Stephens community and create a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
"It's great to be able to launch the program once again. Considering the last few years have seen many events regularly called off from the pandemic and storm events, I am encouraged by the enthusiasm our community still has for activating spaces," Mayor Palmer said
"It has been a difficult time and I know there are lots of individuals, groups, and businesses who will be able to benefit from these funds.
"I encourage people to start planning and applying for funding now so that we can continue to inject vibrancy into Port Stephens," he added.
Mayor Palmer said there's a great cross-section of funding streams available for community groups including the Aboriginal Projects Fund.
"We have streams to reinvigorate our streets and neighbourhoods, support local businesses, and enhance the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of our communities," Mayor Palmer said.
"Our 2020 Livability Index and our community satisfaction surveys identify that new public art, community activities and events, protecting our environment are all very important to our community. It's great we can provide a program such as this, helping to achieve our community's desires.
"Following feedback from last year, we are once again using the SmartyGrants platform for applications and we have made it even easier. Applicants should make sure they read the guidelines and contact our team to discuss their project to get some helpful tips for a successful application," he added.
The 2022–23 Community Funding Program streams are:
Funding stream |
Amount available |
Total pool |
Applications open |
Community Support Fund |
Up to $6,000 per application |
$70,000 |
Round 1: Open 29 Aug to 30 Sep 2022 Round 2: Open 20 Feb to 2 April 2023 |
Micro Grant Fund |
Up to $1,000 per application |
$10,000 |
Applications accepted year-round |
Vibrant Spaces Fund |
Up to $6,000 per application |
$50,000 |
Round 1: Open 29 Aug to 30 Sept 2022 Round 2: Open 20 Feb to 2 Apr 2023 |
Aboriginal Projects Fund |
Up to $6,000 per application |
$35,000 |
Applications accepted year-round |
Community Event Development Fund |
Up to $3,000 per application |
$30,000 |
Applications accepted year-round |
Major Event Sponsorship Fund |
Negotiated upon consultation |
Varies |
Applications accepted all year-round |
International Women's Day Scholarship |
$1,000 scholarships available |
$3,000 in 2023 |
Applications open 1 Jan 2023 and close 3 Feb 2023 |
Mayoral Academic Scholarship |
$2,000 scholarships available |
$40,000 in 2022 |
Applications open 15 Dec and close 15 Jan 2023 |
Mayoral Funds |
Funds granted at the discretion of the Mayor and adopted by Council |
$30,000 per financial year |
Applications accepted year-round |
Rapid Response Fund |
Up to $500 per application |
$18,000 per financial year |
Applications accepted year-round |
Environmental Projects Fund |
Up to $5,000 per application |
$20,000 per financial year |
Applications accepted year-round |
For details and to apply, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/funding
