Community Grants

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Supporting community activities, programs, and events.

The Rous Community Grants program supports activities, programs or events that provide a public benefit aligned with Rous’s function and purpose. The program has been prepared in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993.

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Eligibility criteria

Applications for the Rous Community Grants Program are open from Monday 1 June 2026 to Sunday 28 June 2026 (11.59pm). Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their grant application in July. If the grant is approved, funding will be made available to the recipient in July 2026.

To be eligible applicants must be:

  • An organisation, incorporated not-for-profit, private business, school or university, sports club or association
  • Located within Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley, or Tweed Shire Council areas.
  • Covered by public liability insurance
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Application process

Applications for the Rous Community Grants Program open in June each year for 28 days.  Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their grant application in July. Successful applicants will also be announced on the Rous website. Funding will be made available to successful applicants in July of the year of their application. 

How to apply 

  1. Read the eligibility criteria to check you’re eligible to apply
  2. Ensure you include all required information and provide all necessary documentation 
  3. Submit your application before the deadline via the form below.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrates how the proposed activity, program or event will:
    • enhance the social, cultural or environmental life of our community
    • align with the core services that Rous provides
    • enable Rous to connect with the community within its operational footprint in a meaningful and relevant way.
  2. A detailed and realistic budget that includes quotes for the proposed expenditure.
  3. Clear explanation of capacity and resources required to successfully deliver the project within the specified timeframe.
  4. Proof of adequate public liability insurance
  5. Proof that any previous grant funds provided by Rous have been acquitted.

Eligible applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the availability of funds. Applicants are encouraged to contact Rous to discuss their application if they are unsure of their eligibility.

All grant decisions made by Rous are final. Individual feedback regarding unsuccessful applications can be provided; however, applications will not be reconsidered.

Conditions of funding

Funding amounts 

A total amount of $20,000 is allocated to the Community Grants Program each financial year.

Grants can be requested from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $2,500 (excluding GST). Grant applications below the minimum or above the maximum will be declined. 

One grant application per organisation is permitted per financial year.

Use of funds 

Funding must be used for the sole purpose for which it is granted. If the original activity, program or event cannot proceed or will only be partially completed, the applicant must notify Rous in writing as soon as possible and seek written approval from the Group Manager to amend the project’s purpose. 

Acquittal of funds

All funding recipients are required to submit an acquittal report within 12 months of completion of the funded activity, providing proof of expenditure. An ‘Acquittal Report’ form must be used to complete this report. This form is available on the Rous website.  

If the allocated funding is not fully spent on the original activity, program or event, any unexpended funds must be returned to Rous. However, applicants may submit a written request to repurpose the remaining unspent funds for a related project, subject to approval by the Customer and Communications Manager. If the unspent amount is less than $100 or 10% of the total funding amount (whichever is smaller), the remaining funds may be retained.  

Acknowledgment of Rous support  

Projects must acknowledge Rous as a sponsor. Rous’ approved logo must be used in all promotional materials or signage relating to the funded activity, program or event. The following acknowledgement must be included on media releases, invitations, posters, signs, websites and other communications: 

This project is financially supported through the Rous Community Grants Program.