Community Grant Program Guidelines

Funding Rounds

The Shire’s Community Grant Program opens in the following rounds: 

Subsidies overview 

The Athlete Travel Subsidy and Youth Achievement Travel Subsidies are available to support community members and groups, helping reduce financial barriers and encourage participation in key sporting, cultural, educational, and developmental activities. 

Activities, actions and/or organisations not considered for funding

• Government entities.  
• Applicants with outstanding debts to the Shire of Harvey. 
• Applicants that have failed to provide satisfactory acquittal reporting for any previous Shire of Harvey funding. 
• Applicants that have not met conditions for previous Shire funding. 
• Commercial activities.  
• Projects restricted to private or exclusive participation.  
• Projects which contravene the Shire’s policies. 
• Projects that are of a political nature, or those that involve political activities.  
• Projects that are primarily religious in nature, including worship or church-run programs intended for faith-based purposes. 
• Projects unable to demonstrate support from the landowner. 
• Fundraising activities, prizes or competitions. 

Grants conditions

• Initiatives must contribute to the outcomes of the Shire of Harvey Council Plan 2025 - 2035. 
• Initiatives must benefit residents within the Shire of Harvey. 
• Applications showing strong collaboration, multiple funding sources, and/or significant volunteer or cash contributions will be more competitive. 
• Funding cannot be used retrospectively (approval must be received before the project begins).  
• Applicants must discuss their project with the Shire’s Grants Coordinator prior to submitting an application to ensure alignment with priorities and guidelines. 
• All previous Shire grant funding must be acquitted before an additional application can be submitted.  
• If funding is being sought for works on a Shire owned facility, applicants must first complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) process and obtain permission to apply for this fund. To begin the EOI process, please contact the Shire of Harvey to request the Letter of Intent template. 
• Applicants must submit their application via the SmartyGrants portal within a grant funding round no later than 4:30pm on the closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted.  
• Applicants must have the appropriate insurance and licenses to conduct the relevant work.  
• Applicants are required to obtain all appropriate permits, consents or approvals, including but not limited to those required by the Shire's planning, building, health and/or recreation departments. Funding may be withdrawn, withheld, or may need to be returned in full to the Shire if the necessary steps are not taken to meet this condition. 
• Applicants for the grants must be incorporated or auspiced by an incorporated association. The incorporated organisation will be responsible for receiving and managing the funds. Funds will be paid directly to the bank account of the incorporated organisation. It is the responsibility of the incorporated organisation and the applicant to negotiate and agree upon the conditions of the auspicing arrangement. 

Assessment Process

All eligible applications will undergo an assessment against the evaluation criteria outlined below. 

• Alignment to the Shire’s Council Plan 2025-2035 - 20% 
• Demonstrated need for the project, including achievable outcomes - 20%
• Demonstrated innovation - 10% 
• Demonstrated collaboration - 10% 
• Value for Money - 20% 
• Demonstrated eligibility, skills, experience and capacity of the applicant - 20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the Shire of Harvey Community Grant Program Guidelines below for detailed information about the Grant Program and how to apply.