Passionate community members, volunteers and local not-for-profit organisations filled the Maroochy RSL recently for Sunshine Coast Council's free Grants Information and Networking Evening.
More than 100 attendees came together to learn directly from some of Queensland's major funding bodies.
These included (above from left): Emma Wakefield from Queensland's Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games; Matt Booth from the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund; Christie Kerley from Queensland's Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games; Pia Green from Sunshine Coast Council's Grants Team; Kelli Sigley from Unitywater; and Daniel Gettis from Sunshine Coast Council's Community Development Team.
Councillor's Joe Natoli and Taylor Bunnag also attended and said the event was a positive and engaging community session that provided support to our region's vital volunteer groups.
Cr Bunnag said serving our community and supporting our not-for-profits has never been more important.
"With the cost-of-living pressures continuing to put a strain on more households in our region, Council's grants programs offer vital support to many worthy community groups, events and initiatives, that make a real difference at a grass roots level," Cr Bunnag said.
"This evening was all about giving local groups direct access to a wide range of funding providers, deepening their understanding of how to strengthen their applications.
"Attendees heard first-hand what different funding bodies look for, which types of projects are eligible, and how to match their organisation's priorities with the right program.
"It was wonderful to see so many community champions in one place, all committed to strengthening the Sunshine Coast.
"This event reflects Council's ongoing commitment to helping local not-for-profit organisation's access resources and build long-term sustainability."
Connecting groups with opportunity
Cr Natoli said the networking evening provided an occasion for community representatives, volunteers and funding bodies to network in an informal and supportive environment.
"The event gave these groups the opportunity to gain information about grant options all in one place, as well as meet each other and foster wonderful connections across these important groups," Cr Natoli said.
"The atmosphere remained lively after the formal talks wrapped up with plenty of people staying back to network, ask questions and connect with our guest speakers and Council staff.
"I was grateful for the opportunity to meet some of our community champions, who give so much of their time to enrich our neighbourhoods and its people.
"Many left with clearer direction, fresh ideas, practical funding insights, new connections and a renewed sense of possibility to take back to their organisations.
"A big thank you to Council's grants team for creating such a valuable opportunity for our not-for-profits to learn about the various grant options on offer to them.
"Our grants team are very approachable and have a number of different support sessions available to help not-for-profits find the best grant fit for their group."
Support available
Council's Grants team is available to help organisations strengthen their applications and ensure they apply for the most suitable category.
Council is running free workshops and drop-in sessions to help groups refine their proposals and learn more about available funding.
Visit Council's website to view options, session times and secure your spot.
Apply now: 2026 Community Grant Program
Council's 2026 Community Grant Program is now open for applications.
In this Major Grants round, community groups can apply for:
- Up to $15,000 for projects, activities and events across all program categories
- Up to $30,000 for infrastructure projects under the Community Facilities category.
(A co-funding contribution is required for requests over $7,500).
Applications close Monday 9 March 2026.
Stay in the know
Want to be first to hear about new grants, workshops and funding opportunities?
Sign up for Council's Grants and Funding eNews.
If you can't make an in-person session, contact the Grants Team at with any questions.
To explore hundreds of external grants from government, corporations, foundations and trusts, visit our Funding Finder via the Other Funding Opportunities page on Council's website.
