Securing a grant from the Brisbane City Council can significantly boost your community project or initiative. Whether you’re looking to enhance local amenities, support disadvantaged groups, or promote arts and culture, Brisbane City Council grants provide essential funding to help you achieve your goals. Our Brisbane grant writers are experts in these applications. Read our top tips for winning these grants.
Types of Brisbane Council Grants
Various grants are available, at various times of the year. Some previously-funded grants include:
Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant
The Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grants program supports not-for-profit community organisations to deliver projects and activities across the city and to maintain, improve and develop community facilities.
Lord Mayor’s Community Fund
The Lord Mayor’s Community Fund supports community groups for their vital contribution of building strong communities in Brisbane.
Housing Support Program
This program provides funding to community organisations for projects and services. Includes housing and social needs of homeless people or those living in social housing.
Pathways Out of Homelessness Grant
The Program will enable new, innovative and sustainable solutions to address the growing community issue of homelessness.
Top Tips for Winning Brisbane Council Grants
Here are some top tips from our Brisbane grant writing team to increase your chances of winning a Brisbane City Council grant.
1. Understand the Grant and It’s Requirements
Before you start your application, thoroughly read the grant guidelines. Each grant has specific criteria, including eligibility, project scope, and funding limits. Understanding these requirements ensures that your project aligns with the grant’s objectives, saving you time and effort on applications that may not be suitable.
2. Clearly Define Your Project
A well-defined project with clear objectives is crucial. Ensure that your project description outlines the problem you’re addressing, the goals you aim to achieve, and the specific activities you will undertake. Use concrete details to explain how your project will benefit the community and align with the council’s priorities.
3. Demonstrate Community Impact
Brisbane City Council grants are designed to support projects that positively impact the community. Highlight how your project will benefit local residents, improve local amenities, or support disadvantaged groups. Include any community support or partnerships that enhance your project’s credibility and potential impact.
4. Prepare a Detailed Budget
A clear and detailed budget is essential for your grant application. Break down your expenses into specific categories, such as materials, labour, and administration costs. Be realistic and ensure your budget aligns with the funding limits of the grant. Including quotes or estimates from suppliers can also add credibility to your budget.
5. Show Sustainability
Grant providers want to fund projects that offer long-term benefits. Explain how your project will continue to provide value after the grant period ends. This could include plans for ongoing funding, community involvement, or strategies to maintain and build on your project’s success.
6. Highlight Your Experience
Demonstrate your capability to successfully complete the project by highlighting your experience and past successes. Include information about your organisation’s history, relevant expertise, and previous projects that were completed on time and within budget.
7. Use Clear and Concise Language (No Waffle!)
Grant applications often have word limits, so make every word count. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Make sure your application is well-organised and easy to read. Proofread your application carefully to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors.
8. Follow Submission Guidelines
Each grant will have specific submission guidelines, including deadlines, required documents, and formatting instructions. Ensure you follow these guidelines meticulously. Missing a deadline or failing to include required documents can result in your application being rejected.
9. Seek Feedback
If your application is unsuccessful, seek feedback from the grant provider. Understanding the reasons behind a rejection can help you improve future applications. Similarly, if you’re new to grant writing, consider seeking advice from experienced grant writers (like us!) or attending workshops on grant application processes.
10. Be Persistent
Winning grants can be competitive, and it’s not uncommon to face rejections. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Learn from each experience and continuously refine your approach. Persistence and continuous improvement are key to eventually securing the funding you need.
Applying for Brisbane City Council grants can be a rigorous process, but with thorough preparation and a strategic approach, you can significantly enhance your chances of success. By understanding the requirements, clearly defining your project, and demonstrating its impact and sustainability, you’ll be well on your way to winning the funding that can make your community project a reality. Good luck!
If you need help with a Brisbane Council grant, or any other Australian grant, please contact our grant writers for a quote.