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Last Updated: Friday, 23 January 2026 09:59

Published: Friday, 23 January 2026 09:58

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) this week (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) endorsed simplifying the application process for the annual competitive Community Grants Program.

TRC Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson Cr James O’Shea welcomed the revitalised grants Policy and Guideline.

The new process will be in effect for applications under the one funding round for the 2026/27 financial year, which opens on July 1, 2026.

Cr O’Shea said the former grant programs (Community Economic Development Grants, Community Support Grants, Environment Grants, Events Support Grants, Sports Tourism Event Grants, Sport and Recreation Grants, and Youth Support Grants) will be phased out, to make way for a transformed approach under one clear Policy and Guideline to better support the community.

“Eligible community and not-for-profit groups will notice an easier application process (a streamlined application form) and clearer guidelines under one grant policy. The shift is designed to improve the applicant experience and offer greater consistency, fairness and transparency for grant applicants, particularly regional applicants,” Cr O’Shea said.

“Council has established funding categories (micro grants up to $1,000, minor grants from $1,001 to $10,000 and major grants of greater than $10,001) to help applicants tailor their grant applications. More details will be required when completing applications requesting larger grant sums. Importantly, the new Policy and Guideline remove the previous funding caps that existed under former programs, giving community groups far greater flexibility to shape projects that best meet local needs into the future.

“Council will give preference to new applicants under the yearly Community Grant application process, especially submissions that fulfil a range of criteria covering community inclusiveness and interaction, a willingness to encourage community partnerships, upgrading facilities or services or establishing a new service, activation, facility or initiative.

“Council is keen to support community groups via an initial grant allocation while they establish their project or activity. The competitive assessment process means that not all projects can be guaranteed funding. The new Policy and Guideline also introduce a clear seed funding approach, limiting support for new and existing initiatives to two rounds to encourage long term sustainability and greater self sufficiency among community groups.

“Council also encourages applicants to consider searching for alternative funding sources via the Grants Guru online portal.”

Cr O’Shea said community information sessions would be promoted across March and April to offer interested groups an opportunity to discuss the new grant funding guidelines and application process well ahead of the July 1 opening date for this year’s grant submissions.

“This will help to ensure applicants can submit their application form via our SmartyGrants portal,” Cr O’Shea said.

Cr O’Shea said applicants were encouraged to speak with Council’s Grants & Sponsorship Officer or Council’s Community Development Officers (CDOs) by calling 131 872 to receive assistance with respective applications.

Details about the new application process will appear soon on Council’s website.