Gladstone Regional Council is proud to support community education, events, connection, inclusion and the enhancement of the Gladstone Region via its Community Investment Program.
The Community Investment Program enables Council to:
- Empower our communities to identify and respond to local areas of need;
- Partner with organisations to deliver shared outcomes;
- Activate community participation amongst residents;
- Build capacity within the community sector; and
- Contribute to the development of local students.
Council offers various funding streams for groups and organisations seeking funding assistance in the form of donations, sponsorships and/or grants.
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au/.
The Micro Grants Fund supports local projects and initiatives for a community purpose that provide a demonstrated benefit.
The Micro Grants Fund is intended for lower-risk and lower-cost proposals of up to $10,000. Development fees paid to Council are eligible for reimbursement under the Micro Grants Funding Stream, under the Development Application Theme.
Applications must align with one of the Micro Grants Fund themes endorsed by Council each financial year.
The Micro Grants Fund is open for two (2) rounds annually.
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
The Connected Communities Fund is intended for higher-risk, higher-cost proposals, which will involve a more detailed application and acquittal process.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a high level of competency, capacity, and planning capability to deliver the stated proposal outcomes.
The Connected Communities Fund is for new initiatives and projects.
Applications must align with one of the themes endorsed by Council each financial year.
There is no specified maximum amount that can be applied for under the Connected Communities Fund. However, funding can only be approved within Council’s budget constraints.
The Connected Communities Fund is open for two rounds annually.
For a project or program to be eligible, it must:
- Align to one (1) of the fund themes.
- A 30% co-contribution (cash and/or in-kind) must be demonstrated by the applicant.
- Meet the key selection criteria for the fund.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines(PDF, 574KB).
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
The Community Events Fund enables the development and delivery of events that facilitate community connection and may include a cash component and/or an in-kind contribution.
Applications will be considered under the following event categories and may include a cash component and/or an in-kind contribution.
Community Event - up to $1,500
Support for community led events and commemorative services that are run by community organisations for broad public benefit.
The Community Event Fund will be open for two (2) rounds annually.
- Applicants can apply for multiple smaller community events under the one Community Event application, up to a total maximum of $1,500.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
Ignite Event - up to $10,000
Support for events that attract up to 2,500 participants and contribute to community pride, social outcomes and regional economy.
The Ignite Fund will be open for two (2) rounds annually.
- Applications must be received no less than 8 weeks prior to the event.
- Applicants can apply up to a maximum of $10,000 (excluding GST).
- A 30% co-contribution by the applicant towards the event must be demonstrated.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
Impact, Destination and Signature Events
Support for well-established, well-designed and clearly demonstrated return on investment.
Applications must demonstrate return visitation, regional profile, economic stimulus and overnight visitor expenditure.
An Expression of Interest will be called for annually.
- Events must be submitted in a round that closes at least 12 weeks prior to the event.
- Impact, Destination and Signature Events must attract a minimum attendance of 2,500 participants with a minimum of 10% out-of-region visitation.
- A 30% co-contribution by the applicant towards the event must be demonstrated.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
Community Hall Fund
The Community Hall Funding provides support by means of a financial donation to assist local organisations that own, lease, or manage a Community Hall within the Council area with operating costs.
- Applicants can apply up to a maximum of $2,000 (excluding GST).
- Funding applications accepted all year round.
- This is a donation; no acquittal process is required following approved applications.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
Waste Fund - Charity Waste Waiver
The waiver aims to assist charitable organisations that accept pre-loved household belongings from the burden of having to process and dispose of general waste deposited at their facilities.
- Funding applications accepted all year round.
- There is no acquittal process required following approved applications.
- There is no maximum amount.
- Funds are credited to Charity debtor account to be used at Council Waste facilities.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
Waste Fund - Waste Donation
The donation aims to assist organisations and First Nations groups that coordinate non-commercial litter clean-up from foreshores and land owned, managed, leased, or under the control of Council, or as approved otherwise by Council.
- Funding applications accepted all year round.
- There is no acquittal process required following approved applications.
- There is no maximum amount.
- Funds are credited to Charity debtor account to be used at Council Waste facilities.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
To view all current and upcoming fund information, visit https://gladstone.smartygrants.com.au.
Regional Schools Bursary Fund
The purpose of this fund is to provide Gladstone Regional Council area educational institutions with funding to recognise and reward excellence in the areas of academic success, attitude, attendance and community contributions.
Council liaises directly with educational institutions to manage this fund.
- Primary $400
- Secondary $900
- Combined (primary/secondary) $1,300
- Technical College $900
- CQ University Gladstone $900
- CQU TAFE Gladstone $900
Col Brown Memorial Award
The Col Brown Memorial Award recognises excellence and achievement for a local apprentice or trainee engaged through Apprentices and Trainees Queensland.
Annually, Council will donate directly to Apprentices and Trainees Queensland to administer and decide the award.
CQ University Gladstone Campus Scholarships
The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage Gladstone Regional Council area students to remain in the region and further their education at a CQ University Campus within Central Queensland, with the objective of strengthening the future regional workforce.
Nine (9) scholarships will be awarded annually to one (1) Year 12 student from each of the participating regional secondary schools to contribute to the cost of studying on a CQ University Campus.
Scholarships will be provided directly to CQ University to administer and award.
Our Councillor Discretionary Fund allows funds to be allocated to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to deliver community, cultural, sporting and environmental initiatives that demonstrate a direct benefit to the Gladstone Region local government area.
Our Councillor Discretionary Fund operates under, and allocates an annual budget in accordance with Local Government Regulation 2012.
What funding is available
The prescribed amount for the Councillor Discretionary Funds for the 2025/26 financial year is $117,000, which equates to $13,000 for each councillor.
- Mayor Matt Burnett - $13,000.00
- Deputy Mayor Cr Natalia Muszkat - $13,000.00
- Cr Chris Cameron - $13,000.00
- Cr Glenn Churchill - $13,000.00
- Cr Karen Davis - $13,000.00
- Cr Leanne Patrick - $13,000.00
- Cr Mellissa Holzheimer - $13,000.00
- Cr Michelle Wagner - $13,000.00
- Cr Simon McClintock - $13,000.00
Eligibility and Timeframes
- Applications are accepted all year round.
- Applicants can successfully apply once per year to a single Councillor.
- Before starting an application, please read the Guidelines.(PDF, 574KB)
Submitting your application
- Discuss your initiative with a Councillor before you begin your application.
- All applications must be submitted online. A link will be forwarded to the applicant from the Councillor.
Funds will be allocated at the Councillor’s discretion to eligible not-for-profit community organisations that meet the criteria and considers initiatives aligning with Council’s strategic direction ie. Corporate Plan, long-term asset management plan and Annual Budget.