Community Celebration Grant

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Legal status:

• Be a not-for-profit incorporated entity or registered under an Act of Parliament. If not-for-profit status cannot be clearly identified through public registers (ABN Look Up), applicant may be asked to submit supporting documents such as (but not limited to) a copy of the organisation’s governing documents to verify the organisation’s not-for-profit objectives

Business requirements:

• Hold an active ABN or complete a Statement by a Supplier form
• Be operating and financially viable
• Maintain Public Liability Insurance of $20 million
• Have a bank account in the name of the legal entity

Location limits:

• The funded event must be delivered within Redland City

Application limits:

• Only one successful application per year is permitted
• Where applicants have submitted multiple applications for the same project across any Council program or category, they will be required to select one application only for consideration
• Where an applicant has received a successful application for three (3) consecutive years, it is less likely to be prioritised for funding

What can be funded?

Funding is available for a wide range of community-focused activities, including:

• Inclusive community events like festivals, neighbourhood fairs, and volunteer-led gatherings
• First Nations and multicultural celebrations
• Lantern and tree lighting ceremonies
• Cultural storytelling events
• Heritage or historical celebrations
• Seasonal public celebrations, such as Christmas carols and small to medium community events
• Essential equipment costs are eligible up to $3,000 or 30% of the total grant—whichever is less
• Administration costs of $500 or 5%, whichever is lesser

Ineligible applicants

The following entities are not eligible to apply for funding:

• Individuals
• Government or semi-government organisations (e.g. hospitals, libraries)
• Schools and education institutions, including P&Cs
• Religious and industry peak bodies or organisations are only eligible for funding where the project demonstrates broad community benefits primarily outside the membership of the organisation
• Childcare and after-school care providers
• Political parties and lobby groups
• Industry bodies without direct community and economic benefit
• Organisations with outstanding debts
• Overdue grants acquittals with Council
• Organisations already receiving Council Funding for the same project

What cannot be funded

Funding will not be provided for the following:

• Events without clear community or city-wide economic benefit
• Private or invitation-only events
• Daily operating costs (e.g. salaries, rent, insurance, utilities)
• Capital works, fixed structures, or equipment purchases
• Fundraising projects benefiting third parties
  (unless proceeds go to a Redland City charity with DGR status)
• Political activities or projects
• Projects that start before funding is awarded
• Debt repayments
• Travel costs not essential to the event
• Sporting teams representing clubs at external events (including uniforms)
• Projects that are the responsibility of other governments
• Costs already funded by other government levels
• Events in conflict with Council activities
• Costs incurred outside the funding period
• Direct payments to applicants or associated organisations
• Purchase of vehicles, alcohol, prizes, gift cards, or donations
• Payments made directly to applicants or associated organisations. If this is essential for the delivery of the project, then the applicant must clearly demonstrate the community benefit and disclose any relationship between the person quoting on the expenditure

Applicants who do not fall under the above eligibility requirements, can organise an auspice arrangement with another organisation that does. The auspicing organisation will take on the legal and financial responsibility for the grant, including:

• Signing the funding agreement
• Receiving and administering the funds
• Ensuring the project is delivered as agreed
• Submitting required reports and acquittals

This arrangement allows smaller or unincorporated groups to access funding that would otherwise be unavailable to them. 

Further details are explained on our auspice fact sheet.

An auspice agreement must be provided with your application as evidence of the partnership. Please download the Auspice Agreement Template and submit with your application.

All applications must be submitted via Council’s online portal SmartyGrants.

Applying is easy with SmartyGrants:

1. Visit the grant application link provided when the round is open
2. Create a SmartyGrants account or log in if you already have one
3. Start your application and fill in the required details
4. Save your progress and come back any time before the closing date
5. Submit your application once you're ready

Applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their application. This email will contain a unique reference number which should be quoted when making enquiries about your application.

For more information Visit SmartyGrants Help Guide for tips and support.

Application requirements

Applicants must provide the following documentation as part of their submission:

• One quote for each grant expenditure item over $5,000
• A signed audited financial statement or the most recent annual treasurer’s report
• Basic project management plan
• Completed risk assessment (if required)*
• A current Public Liability Insurance certificate of currency for $20 million*

If the event is held on Council land and requires a Temporary Entertainment (TE) Event Permit or Temporary Park Access (TPA) Permit, these documents will be requested during the permitting process and do not need to be submitted with the grant application.

Only the information provided within the application form will be considered during the assessment process.

Each application will be evaluated based on the quality, clarity, and relevance of the information provided, and how well it addresses the assessment criteria outlined for the funding round. Applicants are encouraged to respond thoroughly and thoughtfully to each question, ensuring their project aligns with the program’s objectives and demonstrates clear community benefit.

Your application will be reviewed based on the information you provide and how well it meets the following criteria:

• Community and economic benefit
  Show how your project meets a real community need and supports the local economy. Include clear benefits for the wider community
• Innovation, inclusion and collaboration
  Highlight any new or creative ideas your project brings. Make sure it includes people from all backgrounds, especially those who are often left out. Working with other groups or organisations is a plus
• Ability to deliver
  Show that your group has the skills and resources to carry out the project. Include a clear plan, timeline, and how you’ll manage risks. Provide evidence of good financial and organisational practices
• Value for money
  Your budget should be clear and reasonable. Show how you’ll make the most of the funding, including any extra support like volunteers or other funding sources
• Repeat funding requests
  If you’ve received funding before, explain how this project builds on past work and how you’re planning for long-term sustainability. If you have received consecutive funding across 3 financial years for a specific project or initiative, then an automatic 5% will be taken off the overall weighted score during the assessment process
• Previous grant history
  Show that you’ve successfully delivered past projects, met your goals, and submitted reports on time

Outcome process

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission once the assessment process is complete.

Successful applicants will receive a formal offer outlining the funding amount, conditions of funding, and next steps for project delivery.

Unsuccessful applicants will also be advised, and feedback will be provided to support future applications. 

Permits

Applicants planning to host an event on Redland City Council land or roads, must obtain the appropriate Council approvals to ensure compliance with local regulations. Depending on the nature, size, and activities of your event, you may need one or more of the following permits:

• Venue or park hire – for use of public spaces
• Traffic control permit – if your event impacts road use
• Temporary entertainment event (TE) permit – for events involving 500 or more persons, including staff, volunteers and attendees
• Temporary park access (TPA) permit – for vehicle or equipment access to parks or reserves. Of note this is required for sporting events of any size. TPA permit requirements may include (but are not limited to):
  • Vehicle access to parks or reserves
  • Vendors (including Public Liability Insurance and food licences)
  • Small amusement rides (may require a Safety Certificate)
  • Fireworks (Queensland permit required)
  • Liquor license or exemption certificate

Applicants are encouraged to begin planning for any required permits prior to submitting their funding application. However, we understand this may not always be feasible depending on the nature and timing of the event.

For detailed information and application forms, visit the Redlands Coast Event Organisers or contact Council’s Customer Service team on (07) 3829 8999.

When you apply for a grant, you're committing to deliver the project as outlined in your application. This includes using the funds responsibly, meeting agreed timelines, and submitting any required reports or updates. It’s important to ensure your organisation is ready to manage the grant if successful.

Funding agreement

All successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal funding agreement with Council which stipulates any funding conditions that must be met prior to the release of grant funds. The funding agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the grant is provided, including project deliverables, reporting obligations, payment schedules, use of funds and compliance with relevant legislation and policies. It also includes provisions for suspension, repayment, and termination of funding if conditions are not met.

The funding agreement will include the following payment structure:

• Payment of 75% of total approved funding upon submission of the signed funding agreement and invoice
• Payment of 25% of total approved funding upon confirmation that all funding conditions, compliance requirements, and necessary permits have been met

Goods and services tax (GST)

Applicants must indicate whether their organisation is registered for GST, as this may affect the total funding amount and how grant funds are used.

If a GST-registered organisation is successful, an additional 10% will be automatically added to the approved grant or sponsorship amount to cover the GST component. This ensures that GST-registered organisations are not out of pocket for eligible project expenses.

For guidance on GST obligations, please contact your tax advisor or refer to the Australian Taxation Office at www.ato.gov.au or call 13 24 78.

Insurances

It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain and maintain adequate insurance (including public liability up to $20 million) with a reputable insurer, in relation to activities carried out by the applicant for the project, to guard against any claims for loss or damage to property and injury or death to persons.

The applicant is also responsible for ensuring a safe work environment in accordance with Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) Act 2011 and its associated Regulation and Codes of Practice.

Where applicable, the applicant is to obtain and maintain workers compensation insurance in accordance with applicable legislation and where relevant, ensure appropriate Council approvals can be obtained to complete your project. 

Acknowledgement of council funding 

If your project has a public outcome, it’s important to acknowledge Redland City Council’s support. This can be done through promotional materials such as posters, websites, programs, publications, or banners.

Successful grant recipients will have a schedule of agreed benefits outlined in their funding agreement, based on the level of funding approved.

For printed or digital materials, please include the Council logo and the following statement:

“Redland City Council is proud to provide funding for [insert project name] as part of the [insert program name] to assist the Redlands Coast community.”

Before publishing, all materials using the Council logo must be emailed to the Grants team for approval. Logo downloads and guidelines can be found within Grant and Sponsorship Logo Downloads and Guidelines (ZIP, 6MB). To access Council's guide to acknowledging funding, please email the Grants team to request the password.

For approvals or questions, contact: grants@redland.qld.gov.au

As a grant recipient, you are required to submit reports throughout the duration of your grant. This includes two milestone reports, and a final acquittal report at the end of the grant. These reports help us stay informed about your progress, confirm that funds are being used in line with the agreement, and identify any changes or areas where we can assist. If your project requires adjustments, please submit a variation request for approval.

Milestone report

Throughout the grant process, two milestone reports will be required to be completed:

1. Midway milestone report:

A brief report must be submitted halfway through the project providing:

• An update on how the project is tracking against planned activities, budget and timelines
• Any emerging challenges and mitigation strategies

2. Conditions milestone report:

This report is required to release 25% of funds once all compliance requirements, funding conditions, and permitting approvals have been met. It should confirm:

• Notification that all conditions have been satisfied
• Supporting documentation for approvals and compliance

Variation requests

Funding must be used in accordance with the funding agreement. Any changes to the grant or sponsorship activities undertaken or the project duration must be approved by Council.

Requests for variations must be submitted via SmartyGrants portal under My Submissions. Variations must be approved before you undertake any changes and cannot be sought after the funding agreement end date.

Your variation form should outline the changes you are seeking to the funding agreement, for example: changes to the nature/purpose of the project, the way in which the project is to be carried out and completed, the budget and/or any extension to the funding period.

Acquittal report

To finalise your project, you must complete an acquittal form for your project within 14 days of the completion date via your SmartyGrants account.

Applicants that do not acquit their project are ineligible to apply for funding under Council's various funding programs until such time as they have successfully acquitted all previous funding.

The acquittal form requires you to provide information on the completion of the project activity. This is a report on the project activity, including objectives, outputs and impact, and includes a financial statement. This includes providing adequate receipts, $0 balance invoices, and bank statements reflect the eligible expenses as per the program. 

Repayment of grant

If a grant recipient is unable to meet the acquittal requirements or does not spend the full amount awarded, they may be required to repay funds to Council. This includes:

• Any portion of the grant used for purposes not approved in the funding agreement, which must be repaid within 30 days of Council’s request (or as otherwise agreed)
• Any unspent funds, unless otherwise agreed, must be returned within 30 days of either the project end date or termination of the funding agreement—whichever occurs first
• Any difference greater than $100 between the approved budget and actual project costs, where the project costs are lower than budgeted

All repayments must include the applicable GST component based on the original payment.