Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, should you wish to apply for Council funding you must ensure that your proposed activity or event complies with Federal and State Government requirements and restrictions. You can access current information at the following websites:
Search all available Government grants using Ipswich Grant Finder
Council is committed to supporting community initiatives and partnerships that encourage participation in community life, foster social cohesion, celebrate culture and diversity, and contribute to a vibrant, healthy and sustainable city.
For more information of council funding check out the links below.
View council’s Community Funding and Support Policy (PDF, 627.6 KB)
Funding available
Pilot Façade Improvement Program
The Façade Improvement Program is a pilot program designed to provide an incentive to support businesses in improving their facades and stimulate investment in the city. Council will match successful applicants with a dollar-for-dollar funding up to $15,000 (exclusive of GST). The program has a strong focus on engaging local suppliers and contractors to complete the works.
Timeframe
| Opening Date | Closing Date | Notification | Funds Dispersal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 July 2020 | 19 October 2020 | 9 November 2020 | On receipt of the signed funding agreement and invoice |
Funding Range
Total funding available for the Pilot Façade Improvement Program is $100,000.
Applications Process
Applications must be submitted online via council’s Smarty Grants System.
More Information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Pilot Façade Improvement Program (PDF, 1.2 MB).
The Risk Management Plan is available for those applicants who currently do not have one already in place within their business.
Major and Minor Funding
Through the Major and Minor Funding Program, council supports organisations to deliver one-off projects, events and activities for the benefit of the Ipswich local government area. The program provides financial assistance to a broad range of community organisations to assist them to deliver projects which respond to the strategies outlined in council’s strategic plan, Advance Ipswich.
The Major and Minor Funding Program supports:
- community projects that address local needs and achieve community development outcomes
- community led art initiatives, including partnerships or collaborations with community art organisations, that increase engagement in art and cultural activities across the wider community
- programs that increase physical activity and/or encourage participation in community level sport, recreation or physical activity
- programs and events that activate public spaces and facilities
- programs that create partnerships with local, state and national sporting organisations
- community led initiatives that address local environmental priorities.
Timeframe
- Four funding rounds per year
| Funding Rounds | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application opening dates | 1 July | 1 October | 1 February | 1 April |
| Application closing dates | 31 July | 31 October | 28 February | 30 April |
| Notification of application outcomes | Mid September | Mid December | Mid April | Mid June |
| Project Timeframe | 12 months from funding round approval date | |||
Funding Range
- Minor Funding Program – up to $2,000
- Major Funding Program – $2,001 to $15,000
More information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.0 MB).
For further information, contact communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
Quick Response Funding
Quick Response Funding support community organisations delivering small community initiatives that address local needs and achieve community development outcomes.
Timeframe
- There are no application deadlines for the funding category and applications are assessed on an ongoing basis.
- Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the proposed activity commences to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
Funding Range
- Maximum funding of up to $1,000 is available per initiative.
- While an application for a Quick Response Funding may be at any time during the year, funding will only be available while such funds set aside in Council’s annual budget for this purpose remain unexpended.
Applications
Applications are submitted online through the Smarty Grants System.
2019-2020 Grant Recipients
- Springfield Lakes Nature Care Inc: $664 towards Waterbug Blitz Training
- Ipswich 60 and Better Program Inc: $313 towards the Vital Vegetables Workshops
- Richmond Fellowship Queensland: $474 towards the 2019 Ipswich Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo
- The Potters House: $750 towards a Polynesian Festival
More information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.0 MB).
For further information please contact the Community Grants team on (07) 3810 6657 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)
RADF Grants
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Ipswich City Council. RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. The fund invests in local arts and cultural priorities as determined by local communities across Queensland and its flexibility enables local councils to tailor RADF programs to the specific needs of their communities.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest as either a:
- written submission
- video submission.
Applications
Next round opens on 1 October 2020.
Key Dates
There are 3 funding rounds per year. Expressions of interests open:
- 1 February and close 28 February for projects commencing after 1 May
- 1 June and close 30 June for projects commencing after 1 September
- 1 October and close on 31 October for projects commencing after 1 February
Successful applicants will be required to submit a full application within 14 days of approval of their expression of interest. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications must be received by the due date.
RADF Quick Response Grants
Quick Response Grants are available for arts and cultural practitioners to attend or present at professional development seminars or workshops, conferences or appropriate arts events.
- Funding is available for up to 65% of the total cost to a maximum of $1,000 for national events and $2,000 for international travel.
- Assistance is available towards costs for registration, travel and accommodation.
- Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before the activity.
Grant Recipients
- Fusion Arts Inc: $6,100 towards the junior musical, Little Mermaid
- Eugene Gilfedder: $5,000 towards stage 1 of the Legends of Cocky Jerry Jar project
- THAT Production Company: $8,400 towards the Failure to Launch creative development project
- Sarah Dinsey: $10,000 towards the feature film "Falling in Slow Motion"
- Future Fidel: $7,300 towards a creative development project, "The Victim"
- Kendall Newman: $9,500 to provide music production workshops, and recording and production sessions to musicians and songwriters in the Ipswich Region
- Stephanie Elliot: $5,000 toward a creative development project "To the Monster in my Cupboard"
More Information
To find out more, including RADF priorities, funding categories, eligibility criteria and more, download the guidelines and checklist below:
- Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Guidelines (PDF, 171.0 KB)
- Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Eligibility Checklist (PDF, 152.6 KB)
Please contact the Ipswich RADF Liaison Officer at (07) 3810 6657 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Environment and Sustainability Community Funding
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 Environment and Sustainability Community Grants and the Ipswich Enviro Awards.
Environment and Sustainability Community Funding
Caring for the environment is a significant theme of the Advance Ipswich Plan. The Environment and Sustainability Community Grant Program cares for the natural environment by providing assistance for community-led initiatives that contribute to the protection, enhancement and sustainability of the environment within the Ipswich City Council area. Council aims to encourage community involvement in the achievement of environmental sustainability, such as sediment reduction into waterways, riparian restoration, environmental awareness, tree planting, land restoration and bush regeneration.
Eligibility
Funding is available to not-for profit community groups, schools, childcare centres or 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.
Available Funding
Groups and organisations are eligible to apply for grants up to $2,000 per application and wildlife carers are eligible to apply for grants up to $1,000 per application.
| Eligible Applicants | Maximum Grant |
|---|---|
| Not-for-profit community groups (i.e. landcare groups, wildlife centres, Girl Guides, Scout groups). | $2,000 per application |
| Schools or childcare centres | $2,000 per application |
| Wildlife carers | $1,000 per application |
- Council may fund the full amount requested under the initiative or a partial amount.
- Applicant contribution must be a minimum of 20% towards the cost of the project.
- Funding can be in the form of in-kind contributions such as provision of trees, or as cash outlays for the purchase of materials.
- The group, organisation or wildlife carer contribution can be in the form of cash, other funding assistance or 'in-kind' support, such as voluntary labour.
Funding Guidelines
- All funding applications must be approved before any initiatives or purchases are undertaken.
- An acquittal must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.
- The funding guidelines provide further information on the grant including the types of projects that will be funded, how the grants are assessed, requirements for successful applicants and terms and conditions. These guidelines need to be read before submitting an application.
More information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.0 MB).
Application Process
| Funding Rounds | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application opening dates | 1 July | 1 October | 1 February | 1 April |
| Application closing dates | 31 July | 31 October | 28 February | 30 April |
| Notification of application outcomes | Mid September | Mid December | Mid April | Mid June |
| Project timeframe | 12 months from funding round approval date | |||
Applications are submitted online through the Smarty Grants System:
Current Funding Recipients
- Queensland Trust for Nature: Riparian restoration of koala habitat
- Rosewood State School: Science Garden Development
- St Mary's Primary School: Community Garden
- Springfield Lakes Nature Care Inc: Clean Up Australia Day
Previous Funding Recipients
- Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School: An ongoing generation of sustainable gardeners
- Ipswich Girls Grammar School: Grammar Greenies Operation Goose (growing our own sustainable environment)
- Queensland Pathways State College: Sustainable garden
- Bellbird Park State Secondary College: Startup recycling and sustainability program
- Birdlife Australia: Powerful Owl South East Queensland project
Ipswich Enviro Awards
Ipswich City Council would like to recognise the hard work of community members, groups and organisations for their contribution to environmental and sustainability practices through the Ipswich Enviro Awards, which aims to recognise those in the community who have contributed to improving environmental and sustainability outcomes for the city.
Award Categories and 2019 Winners
- Environmental Hero Award (individuals and/or groups) - Luise Manning
- Sustainable Leadership Award (individuals and/or organisations) - Not awarded in 2019
- Young Enviro Champion Award - Riley Hodgson
- Enviro Organisation Award - Queensland Trust for Nature and Springfield Lakes Nature Care Group Inc
Examples of initiatives that nominees may have completed include:
- Community greening activities/conservation works (tree plantings, clean ups, natural area rehabilitation)
- Environmental and sustainability educational events and/or community advocacy
- Individual greening activities benefiting the community
- Corporate environmental initiatives above best practice operations
- Sustainable initiatives that encourage increased sustainable living practices within the community
- Volunteering activities which assist with environmental protection or increased sustainable living practices.
Nomination Process
- Nominations for 2019 closed in August - the nomination period for the 2020 awards will be advised closer to the date.
- Category nominations are sought from the community for any environmental or sustainability activities that have been undertaken throughout the year
- Nominations are to be submitted through the Smarty Grants program and assessed against set criteria for each category
- By submitting a nomination, nominees accept the terms and conditions of the awards
Assessment
Once nominations are received, a panel of judges will assess the nominations and select a winner in each category and any nominations that deserve a special mention. The winners will receive a trophy and certificate, while special mention nominees will receive a certificate at the awards ceremony.
Nominee Guidelines
The award guidelines provide further information on the awards, including the categories and types of projects that are eligible, how the nominees are assessed, requirements for successful nominees and terms and conditions. These guidelines need to be read before submitting a nomination.
For further information regarding environmental grants contact Council on (07) 3810 6666.
Events Sponsorship
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.
| Category | Amount | Application to be lodged at council |
|---|---|---|
| One | $1 to $15,000 | Minimum three months prior to event |
| Two | $15,001 and over | Minimum six months prior to event |
Applications
- Before lodging an application, please contact the Sponsorship Officer on (07) 3810 6891 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, 1.0 MB).
If you require additional assistance please contact us on (07) 3810 6891.
Viva Cribb Bursary
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
| Opening Date | Closing Date | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 October | 31 October | End of November |
Application information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.0 MB).
For more information contact the Picture Ipswich Digital Archivist on (07) 3810 7272 or LibPictureIpswich@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Previous Winners
- 2008 Edwin Habben for Ipswich and District Roll of Honour, WW1 (publication documenting the family and military history of the names recorded on public WW1 memorials in Ipswich)
- 2009 Rosewood Scrub Historical Society for Winning the Coal: Coal Miners’ Stories from the Rosewood Scrub (publication tracing the history of coal mining in the Marburg/Rosewood district from 1916 onwards)
- 2010 Ipswich Bowls Club for Ipswich Bowls Club: Chronicle of a Century 1910 -2010; John Kane for St Mary’s Ipswich, the Luckie Parish: Fr Luckie to Dr Oxenham 1849-1983
- 2011 Maurine Lyon for The Regals: the History of the Ipswich City Vice-Regal Band; Tracey Olivieri for In Heavenly Garb: the Headstones of the Ipswich General Cemetery
- 2012 Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School Old Girls’ Association for 120 Years: Our Stories Our Memories; Ipswich Kindergarten Association, 2012 for Learning by Doing: A History of Ipswich Kindergarten 1937-2012; Marburg Show Society for Not Just a Show: Marburg Show Society 1887-2012
- 2013 Rev Trevor Foote for The History of Arthur Foote Joinery Ltd., Ipswich, Queensland; Bremer Forum for Talking About Ipswich (proposed title of DVD series of presentations by members of the Ipswich community documenting life in Ipswich over the past 150 years)
- 2015 Rosewood Scrub Historical Society for Rosewood: Then and Now; Brian Kickbusch for The Kickbush Family: Their place in Prussian and Queensland History, 1810-2016
- 2016 Rick Thorn for George Thorn - The Father of Ipswich, a Life
- 2017 Kate Pitty for The Immeasurable Cost: Stories of Ipswich Grammar Old Boys who served in the Great War and Ipswich Hospital Museum for Ipswich Hospital & Benevolent Asylum Board Minutes 1863-1875
- 2018 David Berlin for Scot's Sabbath School and Zonta Club of Ipswich for 40 Years of Zonta in Ipswich and West Moreton
- 2019 Greg Cook & Sandra Parrish, One Could Always Find A Cook
- 2019 Shirley Byrne, Top of Town
* 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.
Sport Achievement Funding
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
- As of 1 May 2019, the Sport Achievement Funding program replaced the Sports Excellence Bursary program. The eligibility criteria is updated and applicants are encouraged to read the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.0 MB) before applying.
- The Sport Achievement Funding will continue to provide financial support to eligible athletes who are representing Queensland or Australia at an eligible sporting event as well as providing the same level of support to umpires and referees attending eligible events.
- Applications are open all year round however must be lodged at least three (3) weeks before the event.
- Applicants will be required to provide the following documentation:
- Written confirmation of the applicants selection to participate in an eligible National or International competition as an athlete, umpire or referee on the letterhead of the recognised governing body.
- Proof of residency.
Applications are submitted online through the Smarty Grants System:
For assistance please contact the Applications Team on (07) 3810 6666.
Other Sporting Awards/Grants Programs
- Young Athletes Travel Subsidy: The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing provide this program to support young athletes attendance at specific state, national and international events. Athletes and officials can only apply for the funding after they have competed or officiated at an event, and within 6 months of participating.
- 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.
In-Kind Assistance
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 star pickets, star picket rammers, barrier mesh, cable ties and witches hats) 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 Smarty Grants System:
More Information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, funding processes, event waste management and more download the Community Grants and In-Kind Assistance Program Guidelines and Community Event Waste Management Plan below:
- Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.0 MB)
- Community Event Waste Management Plan (PDF, 84.1 KB)
For further information please contact the Community Grants team on (07) 3810 6657 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
Councillor Discretionary Funds
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.
Applications
Applications for Councillor Discretionary Funds can be submitted at any time during the year online through the Smarty Grants System:
More Information
- To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Availability Notice Councillor Discretionary Funds (PDF, 35.6 KB), Councillor Discretionary Fund Guidelines (PDF, 427.0 KB) or the Councillor Discretionary Funds Policy (PDF, 730.1 KB).
For further information please contact the Community Grants team on (07) 3810 6648 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
Resources
Successful Applicants
- Councillor Discretionary Funds - Notice of Allocation (XLSX, 13.0 KB)
- 2019-2020 Community Development Grants - Successful Applicants (XLSX, 13.7 KB)
- 2020-2021 Environment & Sustainability Funding Program - Successful Applicants (XLSX, 12.3 KB)
- 2020-2021 Major Funding Program - Successful Applicants
(XLSX, 13.3 KB) - 2020-2021 Minor Funding Program - Successful Applicants (XLSX, 12.8 KB)
- 2020-2021 Quick Response Funding - Successful Applicants
(XLSX, 12.7 KB) - COVID-19 Ipswich Small Business Funding Program - Successful Applicants
(XLSX, 15.0 KB)