The City of Kingston is refreshing our $1.9 million annual grants program to make it easier for local groups to access funding and deliver projects that benefit the community.
The changes come after a detailed evaluation of the program, which included an independent review, hearing from more than 450 applicants, and feedback from local stakeholders.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said the updated program will help ensure the grants continue to make a real difference across Kingston.
"We know how important these grants are — they help power everything from community centres and welfare agencies to local festivals, clubs and cultural groups," Cr Oxley said.
"We listened to our community's feedback, and we're making changes to simplify the process, reduce red tape and make it fairer for everyone."
The key changes include:
- simplifying the application and assessment process
- clearer eligibility criteria and funding priorities
- renaming and refining grant streams to reduce confusion
- creating new funding categories under the Welfare Services stream
- removing the minimum threshold for Bi-annual Grants to increase flexibility
- providing more support and resources to applicants.
"By strengthening the program, we're helping community organisations spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what they do best — building connections, supporting people in need, and creating opportunities for our residents," Cr Oxley said.
"These changes will ensure the program continues to be well-governed and meet the community's needs, while aligning with the priorities in our Council and Wellbeing Plan."
The changes to Community Bi-annual and Small Grants will take effect from January 2026, while other updates will apply from July 2027 when the current funding cycles conclude.
Council will consider an updated Kingston Grants Program Policy in December 2025.
