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.
Funding
For more information of council funding check out the links below.
View council’s Community Funding and Support Policy (PDF, 245.6 KB)
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, 42.4 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.
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 Funding.
Environment and Sustainability Community Funding
Caring for the environment is a significant theme of the iFuture | Corporate Plan. The Environment and Sustainability Community Funding 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 |
Application Process
| Funding Rounds | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application opening dates | 1 July | 1 October | 1 February |
| Application closing dates | 31 July | 31 October | 28 February |
| Notification of application outcomes | Mid September | Mid December | Mid April |
| Project timeframe | 12 months from funding round approval date | ||
Funding for round 4 is no longer available. Funding will be available from 1 July.
More information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.6 MB).
For further information, contact communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Flood Recovery - Wildlife Carers
The 2022 flood events severely impacted the Ipswich community. Wildlife carers play a crucial role in the conservation efforts of native wildlife in Ipswich. Wildlife carers belong to voluntary organisations dedicated to the rescue, transportation, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured wildlife.
The 2022 flood events have displaced many native wildlife including ringtail and brushtail possums, wallabies and kangaroos, birds, reptiles, and koalas. Volunteers now have access to areas that were inaccessible and are faced with increased costs for caring for native wildlife in Ipswich
Eligibility
Registered wildlife carers in the Ipswich LGA
Registered wildlife carers outside of the Ipswich LGA who rescue wildlife in Ipswich.
Available Funding
Applicants are eligible to apply for a maximum of up to $1,000 (excluding GST) per application. In -kind contributions not required
Applications are submitted online through the Smarty Grants System:
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, 1.6 MB).
If you require additional assistance please contact us on (07) 3810 6891.
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, 1.6 MB)
- Community Event Waste Management Plan (PDF, 84.1 KB)
For further information please contact the Community Grants team on (07) 3810 6648 or communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
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, 1.6 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.
More information
To find out more, including an overview of eligibility criteria, download the Community Funding and Support Program Guidelines (PDF, 1.6 MB).
For further information please contact the Community Funding and Support team on (07) 3810 6648 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
Timeframe
There are two RADF funding rounds per year. All grant categories are available in each round.
Expression of interest closing dates:
- 5 December 2021 for projects commencing after 1 March 2022
- 31 May 2022 for project commencing after 1 September 2022
| Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| 4 May 2022 | 31 May 2022 |
RADF Quick Response Grants
Quick Response Grants are available for arts and cultural practitioners to attend all professional development opportunities including seminars, conferences, workshops, mentorships, and training.
- Funding is available for up to 100% of the total cost to a maximum of $1,500.00 for national or international professional development.
- Assistance is available towards costs for registration, travel and accommodation.
- Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before the activity.
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, 198.6 KB)
- Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Eligibility Checklist (PDF, 152.6 KB)
Please contact the Ipswich RADF Liaison Officer at (07) 3810 6148 or trina.massey@ipswich.qld.gov.au
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
Through the Sport Achievement Funding Program, Council supports athletes, umpires and referees who are representing Queensland or Australia at an eligible sporting event.
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 applicant’s selection to participate in an eligible 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.
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.
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, 1.6 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.
Resources
Successful Applicants
- Councillor Discretionary Funds - Notice of Allocation
- Environment & Sustainability Funding Program - Successful Applicants
- Major Funding Program - Successful Applicants
- Minor Funding Program - Successful Applicants
- Quick Response Funding - Successful Applicants
- COVID-19 Ipswich Small Business Funding Program - Successful Applicants
- COVID-19 Recovery Support Funding - Successful Applicants
- Pilot Facade Improvement Program - Successful Applicants
- Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) - Successful Applicants
- In-Kind Assistance - Successful Applicants
- Viva Cribb Bursary - Successful Applicants