Funding and Support

Funding is available to support endorsed RSL Sub-Branches and organising committees to develop and deliver Civic and Ceremonial events as outlined in the Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy.

For more information, please contact the Community Funding and Support Team on 3810 6648 or email communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy (PDF, 212.0 KB)

Civic and Ceremonial Events Funding Guidelines (PDF, 47.6 KB)

Through Councillor Discretionary Funds Ipswich City Council seeks to support the role of community organisations and recognise the significant role they play in developing and delivering initiatives that encourage participation in community life, foster social cohesion, celebrate diversity and contribute to a vibrant, healthy and sustainable city.

Councillor Discretionary Funds allows for funds to be allocated to not-for-profit community organisations for community purposes, supporting community organisations to deliver initiatives that address identified local community needs.

The maximum amount of funding available to an applicant community organisation for any one application is $1,000.00 per Councillor.

More Information

• To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Availability Notice Councillor Discretionary Funds (PDF, 38.7 KB), Councillor Discretionary Fund Guidelines (PDF, 818.4 KB) or the Councillor Discretionary Funds Policy (PDF, 404.4 KB).

For further information please contact the Community Funding and Support team on (07) 3810 6648 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au

The Community Projects and Events Funding Program seeks to achieve the community’s vision for a Safe, Inclusive, Creative and Active City, as outlined predominantly in council’s Corporate Plan, iFuture; council’s Community Development Strategy and the 2021-2031 Active Ipswich Strategy.

The Community Projects and Events Funding Program supports one-off projects and events that are of benefit to the local community and that aligns with one or more of the five pillars of the Community Development Strategy and/or the goals of the Active Ipswich Strategy:

• Capacity Building and Resilience
• Wellbeing
• Inclusion and Connectedness
• Culture and Diversity
• Civic Participation and Leadership
• Increased Participation
• Better Places
• Stronger Partnerships

Timeframe

Community Projects

• Three funding rounds per year

*no later than 6 weeks from round closure

Community Events

• Applications for Community Events can be submitted all year round.
• Applications are assessed monthly

*no later than 6 weeks from month-end

Funding Range

• Community Projects Funding Program – up to $15,000
• Community Events Funding Program – up to $5,000

More information

To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.8 MB).

For further information, contact the Community Funding and Support team on (07) 3810 6648 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

Ipswich boasts a unique landscape with over 6,500 hectares of reserves and conservation estates. Working towards protecting and maintaining the natural environment of Ipswich and continually improving liveability within the city through sustainable practices, council supports community initiatives through Enviroplan Levy Community Funding.

Enviroplan Levy Community Funding

Caring for the environment is a significant theme of the iFuture | Corporate Plan. The Enviroplan Levy Community Funding Program cares for the natural environment by providing assistance for community-led initiatives that contribute to the protection and enhancement of the environment within the Ipswich City Council area. Council aims to encourage community involvement in the achievement of environmental awareness, tree planting, land restoration and bush regeneration.

Eligibility

Funding is available to not-for profit community groups, schools, childcare centres or registered wildlife carers. Organisations, groups and wildlife carers must outline how the proposed initiative will provide a benefit to the environment and improve biodiversity. Recipients must be able to carry out and complete the requested project within 12 months of the funding approval date.

Available Funding

Groups and organisations are eligible to apply for grants up to $3,000 per application and wildlife carers are eligible to apply for grants up to $1,500 per application.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the SmartyGrants System:

More information

To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.8 MB).

For further information, contact communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Council recognises the important contribution events make to the economy and cultural ecosystem of the city.

Objectives

The Event Sponsorship Program provides funding to support a range of sponsorship and partnership opportunities that enable eligible community organisations and businesses to hold events that activate Ipswich City and generate benefits for our communities and businesses. Through the Events Sponsorship Program, council aims to support events that celebrate, develop and engage the city’s communities.

Eligibility

Event sponsorships are open to registered organisations and not-for-profit organisations that meet the eligibility criteria and do not fall within any of the exclusions. The table below sets out the levels of assistance available, which is limited by council's budget decisions and priorities.

Applications

• Before lodging an application, please contact the Sponsorship Officer on (07) 3810 6666 to discuss sponsorship options, eligibility, timeframes, etc.
• No applicant can be guaranteed funding nor can any applicant be guaranteed the full amount requested.
• Once approved, applicants will be advised in writing of outcomes.

More information

To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.8 MB).

If you require additional assistance please contact us on (07) 3810 6666.

In-Kind Assistance is provided to community organisations to support the delivery of community and sporting events within the City of Ipswich that engage the broader community and improve social, economic and/or environmental outcomes for the community. In-Kind Assistance is limited to Council store items (including plastic bollards/star pickets, star picket rammers, barrier mesh, cable ties and traffic cones) and the provision of refuse bins and portable toilets.

Timeframe

• Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.
• Any application must be lodged at least six weeks before the proposed assistance is required.

Funding Range

Funding is not available within this category, only in-kind assistance as detailed above.

Applications

Applications are submitted online through the SmartyGrants System:

More Information

To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, funding processes, event waste management and more download the Community Funding and Support Guidelines and Community Event Waste Management Plan below:

• Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.8 MB)

For further information please contact the Community Funding and Support team on (07) 3810 6648 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

This program offers businesses in Ipswich Central the opportunity to secure funding to enhance their space and create a more vibrant, engaging environment to attract customers. It focuses on local, small-scale activations, events and experiences designed to give customers more reason to linger a bit longer and enjoy all that the business has to offer.

Applications open from 24 March – 17 April 2025.

Timeline

More Information

To find out more about the Linger a Bit Longer program including the conditions, who is eligible to apply, the full application process and more, download the guidelines below:

Linger a Bit Longer Guidelines 2025

For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact us on (07) 3810 6689 during business hours or email Business@ipswich.qld.gov.au

RADF Grants

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF invests in local arts and cultural priorities as determined by local communities across Queensland. Applications for the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Major Project Round 1 Applications will be open from 1 March 2025 until 31 March 2025. Major Project Round 2 Applications will be open from 1 September 2025 until 30 September 2025.

RADF Professional Development Grants

The RADF Professional Development grants funding, which replaces the RADF Quick Response grants funding, is open all year until November or until all funds are expended. Professional Development Grants are available to artists, creatives and cultural workers to engage in significant opportunities and/or structured professional development activities. Significant opportunities may include participation in residencies, prizes/competitions or industry events. Structured professional development may include courses or mentoring. A First Nations Elder or Knowledge Keeper can be considered a mentor. Applicants must demonstrate that the project is selective, competitive and/or timely.

Funding is available for up to $2,000.

Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the activity commences.

RADF Time and Space Grants

The RADF Time and Space grants funding is open all year or until funds are expended. Funding is available exclusively to artists and creatives who have received an opportunity with either the Ipswich Community Gallery, the Hatchery 4305 and The Ipswich Art Workshop and other council projects as determined. Funds are to support the delivery of related exhibitions, residencies and/or workshops.

Funding is available for up to $2,000.

Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior.

More Information

To find out more, including RADF priorities, funding categories, eligibility criteria and more, download the guidelines below:

• Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Guidelines 2025

Please contact the Creative Industries Development Coordinator at (07) 3810 6666 or creative.industries@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Sport and recreation is an integral part of life in Ipswich City. The city has a proud sporting heritage and has produced many sporting champions participating in a wide range of sports. Council administers a number of sport and recreation programs that support and recognise Ipswich sportspersons and their achievements and provides support to sport and recreation organisations.

Annual Ipswich Sports Awards

Ipswich City Council provides financial support and recognition of sporting excellence to deserving sports people, organisations and volunteers in the community - click here for more information about the annual Ipswich Sports Awards.

Sport Achievement Funding

The Sport Achievement Funding is provided to assist local athletes, referees and umpires who have qualified or been selected by a peak body to attend an eligible State, National or International event.

Applications can only be submitted after participation at the event.  Applications must be submitted within 6 months of the event start date.

Applicants will be required to provide the following documentation:

• Written confirmation of the applicant’s selection to participate in an eligible State, National or International competition as an athlete, umpire or referee
• Proof of residency

Applications are submitted online through the Smarty Grants System:

More information

To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.8 MB).

For assistance please contact the Applications Team on (07) 3810 6666.

Other Sporting Awards/Grants Programs

• Emerging Athlete Pathways: Emerging Athlete Pathways aims to foster the development of young athletes and support elite pathways by providing financial assistance to help alleviate the costs associated with attending championship events. Officials (such as coaches, referees and scorers) officiating at eligible events can also apply for assistance if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Australian Sports Commission - Local Sporting Champions: The Local Sporting Champions program is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for young people aged 12-18 towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state, national or international sporting championships or a School Sport Australia state or national championships.

The Viva Cribb Bursary Program provides funding to individuals or non-profit groups to assist with the costs related to a project that documents or records a significant aspect of the local history of Ipswich.

The bursary is named in honour of Viva Cribb, who demonstrated a dedication to the preservation of the history of Ipswich.

The bursary fosters an appreciation of the city's local history and heritage, encouraging individuals to document issues of historical significance to Ipswich, and making it accessible to the community.

Funding available

Funding of up to $5,000 is available for eligible projects

Eligible projects must have a substantive connection to an identified area of Ipswich history and can be in the form of a printed book, web resource (e-book or mobile app), edited oral histories, short film or digital stories, or other suitable format.

Possible topics may include:

• architects, builders, tradespeople
• businesses, industry, agriculture (shops and department stores, tradespeople, mining, farming)
• cemeteries
• community organisations or events
• cultural activities (music and theatre groups, eisteddfods)
• domestic or public architecture
• early Ipswich history (convicts, early settlers, Aboriginal and European interactions)
• individuals, families, local identities
• Indigenous history
• Immigrant history and ethnic influences
• military history, defence force
• natural environment, floods, disasters
• professionals (architects, health workers, politicians, sports people)
• sport and recreational activities
• transport and infrastructure
• townships, suburbs, street

Timeframe

• One funding round per year

Application information

To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.8 MB).

For more information contact the Picture Ipswich Digital Archivist on (07) 3810 7272 or LibPictureIpswich@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Viva Cribb Bursary publications available to download and read on Picture Ipswich. All Viva Cribb Bursary Projects are available to view at the Ipswich Libraries’ Local History Room.

The Welcome to Ipswich Central: Business Incentive Program is designed to financially support retail, arts, creative, food or hospitality businesses to set up in a bricks and mortar shopfront in Ipswich Central which supports the vision that ‘Ipswich Central is the Cultural Hub and Beating Heart of the Ipswich Community’.

The Program is for funding up to $4,000 (excluding GST), which will be reimbursed to successful applicants who have set up a new business in a bricks and mortar shopfront in Ipswich Central.

This is available once per owner, business, per premises, per annum through the Program.

Businesses that are interested in the program can apply here:

Timeline

More Information

To find out more about Welcome to Ipswich Central: Business Incentive Program, including the conditions, who can and who cannot apply, the full application process and more, download the guidelines below:

Welcome to Ipswich Central: Business Incentive Program Guidelines

For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact us on (07) 3810 6689 during business hours or email Business@ipswich.qld.gov.au

• Acceptable and Unacceptable Funding Quotes (PDF, 83.5 KB)
• Grant writing tips (PDF, 61.7 KB)
• Sample Budget (PDF, 37.9 KB)
• Risk Assessment Plan (XLSX, 29.3 KB)
• Ipswich Grant Finder
• Grants Connect
• Community Grants Hub
• Queensland Council of Social Services
• Human Rights Act Fact Sheet (PDF, 39.0 KB)
• Acknowledgement of Funding Guidelines (PDF, 85.5 KB)

You can find the lists of successful applicants on the Transparency and Integrity Hub – Community Funding page.

• Councillor Discretionary Funds - Notice of Allocation
• Viva Cribb Bursary - Successful Applicants