The Shire of Harvey is making it easier to apply for community grants, with a new streamlined program launching next month.
Under the refreshed program, community groups will have access to two grant funding opportunities per year, starting in May and October. The change will mean organisers can apply for funding closer to event dates, when plans are more developed, and details are clearer.
This also improves the Shire’s ability to support important events that currently fall outside the funding window, widening access to the program. Other changes include increasing the Athlete Travel Subsidy funding pool from $1,500 to $5,000 to better support young athletes representing the Harvey Region at state and national levels. The new program also merges four grants focused on placemaking, culture, heritage and events into a singular Community Support fund, making it easier for applicants with projects that don’t fit neatly into one category.
Shire President Michelle Campbell said she was particularly excited about the new Youth Achievement Travel Subsidy. She said the Subsidy would support young people representing the Region across the arts, science, technology, and academic excellence space, areas not previously covered by the program.
“Our community includes so many amazing young people, so we’re piloting a new funding category to help them take up opportunities to represent our community and continue to grow,” she said.
“This is about recognising their achievements and backing their potential, no matter the field they’re pursuing.
“We hope this new category is a step closer to removing barriers and ensuring all opportunities are within reach, whether they are WA-based, national or anywhere else in the world.”
The Youth Achievement Travel Subsidy pilot sits alongside changes to the Infrastructure Grants category, which has transitioned to an Expression of Interest model.
This allows the Shire to work with groups earlier, ensure projects are achievable, and connect applicants with other funding opportunities where appropriate.
The Community Grant Program’s broad update is complemented by the return of highly valued funding avenues, such as the Coastal Communities Fund, Partnership Agreements and the Alcoa Harvey Sustainability Fund.
Delivered in partnership with Alcoa, the Alcoa Harvey Sustainability Fund will once again be the program’s largest funding category, offering up to $100,000 for projects that support long‑term social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Alcoa Community Relations Manager Tom Busher said Alcoa was proud to partner with the Shire of Harvey and invest in local sustainability, resilience and innovation projects.
“The Alcoa Harvey Sustainability Fund is about backing local ideas that create lasting benefits and supporting projects that help communities adapt, grow and thrive into the future,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to reviewing the 2026 grant applications and seeing our community’s vision for sustainable projects across the Harvey region.”
The 2026 Shire of Harvey Community Grants Program will open 1 May 2026.
