Grants and sponsorship
Our grants provide funding for innovative projects and activities that foster community and business development.
The Community Grants Program runs each year to support local community groups that deliver services, projects and events to the residents of the Wakefield region. This funding can help you complete a wish list project, cover the cost of an appliance or technology, or sponsor a cool event.
We’re after ideas that help drive our three themes for Wakefield 2030 – to create Liveable Communities, a Thriving Region, and a Sustainable Future.
Click below for more information on the various grant opportunities available.
Wakefield Regional Council's Minor and Major Community Grants program is now open for 2024
Wakefield Regional Council’s Community Grants Program (major and minor grants) aims to provide financial support to community not-for-profit organisations to connect people in our region and support delivery of our Wakefield 2030 Community Plan and vision: Wakefield is a thriving and connected regional community known for its lifestyle, vibrant towns and economic prosperity.
- Minor Grants cover up to $2,000
- Major Grants cover $2,001 to $25,000
Applicants must demonstrate alignment with at least one of the three themes of Wakefield 2030:
- Liveable Communities – activities that enhance the quality of life for our community.
- Thriving Region – activities that encourage economic growth and development.
- Sustainable Future – activities that support sustainability in the use of waste, water and energy, or promote and enhance the environment.
Key dates
Minor and major grants will be assessed by Council’s Community Grants Assessment Committee along the following timeline:
Applications open 8 April 2024
Applications close 31 May 2024
Community Grants Assessment Committee meeting 17 July 2024
Applicants advised and funding made available July 2024
Apply now
Before starting your application please read the guidelines below.
We do prefer for applications to be completed online, however we do understand that this is not possible for everyone. Please select from the following form options and see the How to Apply? tab for further instructions.
Please refer to the Minor and Major Guidelines (Download PDF) for more information on eligibility.
See the Minor and Major Community Grants Program 2022/23 recipients
The Minor or Major Event Sponsorship funding allows applicants to apply for up to $500 (minor) or $2,000 (major) per financial year per person/organisation, subject to available funds. The program is open all year round, until funding is expended
What is the Event Sponsorship Program?
It provides funding assistance to eligible individuals, groups, and not for profit organisations for activities that benefit the Wakefield region towns and places.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate a social, environmental, or economic need for the well being of the community.
For more information on eligibility and on the funding, read the Event Sponsorship Guidelines (Download PDF).
Apply now
Before starting your application please read the guidelines above.
We do prefer for applications to be completed online, however we do understand that this is not possible for everyone. Please select from the following form options and see the How to Apply? tab for further instructions.
Applications for the Small Business Incentives are open until funding budget is expended.
Building on the excellent feedback from the COVID-19 support package, the Small Business Incentives program aims to encourage small businesses to start up, grow, innovate and develop.
To check if you're eligible and for more information on the assessment criteria, read the Small Business Incentives Guidelines.
Apply now
Before starting your application please read the guidelines above.
We do prefer for applications to be completed online, however we do understand that this is not possible for everyone. Please select from the following form options:
Ways to apply:
-Apply using the online application
- Download an editable PDF from the links above, fill in, and email to admin@wrc.sa.gov.au or use the online file upload option
- Or submit in person at the Council Office on Scotland Place, open Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm.
Applications close end of May 2021 and successful grant recipients will be notified in late July.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to:
Community Events Officer
Wakefield Regional Council
PO Box 167
BALAKLAVA SA 5461
admin@wrc.sa.gov.au 08 8862 0800
Community Grants Program 2021-22 recipients
| Minor Grants | ||
| Applicant | Project Title | Amount Endorsed |
| Avon District Hall Inc. | Pathway Safe | $1,800.00 |
| Balaklava Courthouse Gallery | Balaklava Courthouse Gallery signage | $480.00 |
| Balaklava Museum Inc. | Upgrading electrical lighting in Museum workshop to meet standards | $460.00 |
| Blyth Mangement Committee | Blyth History Room | $900.00 |
| Lochiel Progress Association Inc. | Lochiel Youth Mural | $1,404.00 |
| Port Wakefield Social Darts Association | Port Wakefield Social Darts Additional Equipment | $2,000.00 |
| Major Grants | ||
| Applicant | Project Name | Amount Endorsed |
| Balaklava Men's Shed | Improving Safety By Moving to Cordless Tools | $3,857.00 |
| Balaklava Town Hall Management Committee | Sound Upgrade - Stage 1: Acoustic Treatment | $16,218.50 |
| Brinkworth Koolunga Cricket Club | Brinkworth Community Facility | $25,000.00 |
| Hamley Bridge Community & Sports Centre Inc. | New Fencing to enable inclusive use of Council asset | $20,000.00 |
| Lochiel Progress Association Inc. | Lochiel Community Centre Flooring | $5,618.00 |
| Owen Community Centre Committee | Community Storage Shed | $22,262.50 |
Other Grants Programs and Helpful Links
GrantConnect - the Australian Government's centralised publication of forecast and current grant opportunities and grants awarded.
Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North works in partnership with business owners and community members to provide the hands-on support, resources and personalised advice required to succeed.
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is the only national organisation offering small, discretionary funds to small regional communities across Australia.
The .id Grant Application Guide
- our friends at .id (informed decisions) are both experts in their field and super-users of the free demographic and economic profiling tools that are built by .id and made freely available by subscribing organisations like RDA Yorke and Mid North. This free step-by-step guide will help you to build a strong application.
National Organisation for Private Grant-Making Trusts and Foundations
The Our Community Group provides advice, connections, training and easy-to-use tech tools for people and organisations working to build stronger communities.