Council has recently reviewed its Minor Grants Program. Here's a summary of some of the changes that will apply:
- Removal of the three-year funding cap of $5,000. This will ensure organisations can continue to access Minor Grant funding each financial year and simplify the process.
- Maximum grant amount of $2,500 each financial year. This will allow a greater number of applications to be funded across the Minor Grants Program.
- A minimum 10% co-contribution by the applicant is required for applications seeking funding for equipment. This helps to encourage a sense of ownership and responsibility, making the funding more sustainable and impactful.
Read the full list of eligibility criteria and exclusions for Minor Grants in the Community Grants Guidelines [PDF].
Applications
To be eligible for a Minor Grant, applications must be for:
- small, incidental (secondary or miscellaneous) amounts for one-off projects,
- activities or equipment purchases or repairs that will benefit Knox residents
- funds that will be spent within 12 months from receipt of the grant
- an amount of no more than $2,500.
Council will not support the following:
- applications that are eligible for funding under another Council grant program
- applications for items that the organisation normally budgets for
- applications submitted after an event was held or item was purchased
- a project, activity or equipment purchase approved for a grant in previous two financial years
- fundraising or funding for prizes, sponsorship, donations or gifts.
Please refer to the guidelines for a full list of applications that won't be supported.
Who can apply
To be eligible, applying organisations must:
- provide services, projects and programs that directly benefit residents of Knox
- be a not-for-profit legal entity that provides services, support or activities to the Knox community or be auspiced (managed or supported) by an incorporated body or other not-for-profit legal entity.
- have an Australian Business Number or complete a Statement by Supplier form
- have a Committee or similar to accept responsibility for managing the grant
- hold adequate public liability insurance for the activity outlined in the application
- be able to supply permits and plans appropriate to the funded activity where requested by Council.
- have provided evidence to Council’s satisfaction of the expenditure of any previous grant provided
- have no outstanding debts to Council
- not be an operator of electronic gaming machines
Who cannot apply
Council will not consider the following for the Minor Grants Program:
- individuals or profit-making businesses
- organisations that are not incorporated or supported by an incorporated body
- organisations that have outstanding acquittal documentation with Council.
Apply for a Minor Grant
If the Minor Grant Program budget runs out before the end of the financial year, we will pause the program.
We won’t accept new applications until the new financial year starts. If your application can’t be processed until then, we’ll let you know.
How to apply
- You must apply online.
- We aim to acknowledge your application within 5 business days after we receive it.
- Your application must show a clear benefit to the Knox community and align with our Community and Council Plan.
- If you are being auspiced, you must submit the auspice declaration form with your application.
Key dates for applications submissions
Minor Grant applications are considered at each mid-month Council meetings.
| Submission deadline | Council meeting date |
|---|---|
| 20 January 2025 | 10 February 2025 |
| 18 February 2025 | 11 March 2025 |
| 24 March 2025 | 14 April 2025 |
| 21 April 2025 | 12 May 2025 |
| 20 May 2025 | 10 June 2025 |
| 23 June 2025 | 14 July 2025 |
| 21 July 2025 | 11 August 2025 |
| 18 August 2025 | 8 September 2025 |
| 22 September 2025 | 13 October 2025 |
| 20 October 2025 | 10 November 2025 |
| 17 November 2025 | 8 December 2025 |
Your project start date must be after the Council meeting date where your application is being presented for approval. Projects that are due to begin before the council meeting date will not be considered.
We may request extra information about your application so please allow enough time before the monthly deadline. Otherwise, we may defer your application to the next month’s Council meeting.
Minor Grants Guidelines
Council has new Community Grants Guidelines that guide the allocation of grants under the program. Read this for a full list of eligibility criteria and exclusions.
The guidelines operate within the principles and objectives of Council’s Grants Framework Policy.
Acquittal
An acquittal is a report submitted by the grant recipient after the project has been completed. It tells Council the outcomes of the project and exactly what the grant money was spent on.
The acquittal report is submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal.
Along with the acquittal report, successful auspiced applicants are required to submit an auspice acquittal declaration form completed by the auspice organisation.
For more information, download the acquittal fact sheet.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
We aim respond to enquiries about Council grants within 3 business days.
Or call our Community Grants officer on 9298 8000.
