Redland City Council is revamping its community grants and sponsorship program to better reflect current funding needs within the community.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said the new programs, endorsed at council’s 16 July General Meeting, also supported the outcomes of Council’s strategic plans including the Events Strategy 2024-2029 and Redlands Coast Stronger Communities Strategy 2024-2027.
“The existing grants and sponsorship program was adopted by Council in 2009 and, since then, has provided funding and in-kind support to enhance both the diversity and quality of community facilities, services, programs and community-based events in the city,” the Deputy Mayor said.
“However, after 16 years, Council was looking for a more modern program to meet the community’s needs.
“The new Events on Redlands Coast and Stronger Communities Grant Programs meet this requirement while also aligning more closely with Council’s strategic direction outlined in the Corporate Plan and its focus on areas such as strong communities, thriving economy and Quandamooka Country.”
Cr Talty said the new programs, which would come into effect from 1 January 2026, would replace the current Community Grants, Capital Infrastructure Grant, Village Events and Activation Grant and Sponsorship funding programs.
“Although these programs will no longer exist from next year, the new categories will provide the same and more opportunities for community groups to make an application for funding,” she said.
“There will be funding streams that are designed to support vulnerable groups, contribute to a sustainable environment and provide an opportunity for community participation through the delivery of services, events and activities.
“There will also be rapid response grants that will allow Council to provide support to an urgent community priority within the city.
The new Events on Redlands Coast and Stronger Communities Grant Programs include categories for Community Celebration Events up to $15,000; Events up to $20,000; Signature Events Attraction and Retention up to $60,000; Rapid Response Grant from $500 to $3000; Community Support Grant up to $20,000; Build and Thrive Grant up to $88,000 over three years.
Council has approved $761,000 for the 2025–2026 Community Grants Program.
This includes an allocation towards funding rounds under the existing program in 2025, including:
Sponsorship – applications open from 7 July to 3 August
Community Grants – applications open from 4 to 31 August
Capital Infrastructure Grants – applications open from 18 August to 14 September.
Other Council funding programs will continue as usual; Information on current funding programs is available on Council’s Grants and sponsorship webpage.
https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20132/grants_and_sponsorship
