Grants and Donations

We support our community by providing financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations, recreation and sporting groups, clubs, services, and individuals.

Grants are awarded to local organisations who provide services and activities that contribute to our vision and priorities as outlined in the Community Grants and Donations Policy, and Community Strategic Plan.

Our funding levels provide financial opportunities for projects that benefit the local community. The following grants are available to support local organisations in 2024:

Community Grants which include:
- Small grants for purchase of equipment, special activities, or information resources.
- Seeding grants to help create innovative programs addressing the social, cultural, artistic, or leisure needs of the community.
Student Excellence Awards – an automatic donation to primary and secondary schools in recognition of excellence in young people.
Donations are one off assistance to individuals, or not for profit community organisations which fall under several categories:
- Youth Representation – supporting the development of uniquely talented youth.
- Seniors Groups – Bayside senior’s groups with a membership of 75% may be eligible for an annual donation.
General Donations - a general donation where the request does not meet the criteria for other categories.
Fee waivers of 50% of the fee for use of Council operated venues and facilities.

See our detailed fund listing in the Community Grants and Donation Policy for more information.

Community Grants

Community Grants are currently closed. Information on the next opening date will be coming soon.

Seeding Grants: Up To $5,000.00
Organisation	Program Description	Amount
Moore Park South East Cricket Association	Booralee Big Bash targeting women and local Aboriginal people’s wellbeing	$3,711
Advance Diversity Services	Six week partnership with Fix It Sisters to trial a multicultural women’s shed program	$5,000
Australian Macedonian Welfare and Wellbeing NSW	Information and support sessions for Bayside Macedonian, Serbian, Croation and Bosnian seniors	$4,600
Australian Performance Exchange	Development of an arts walk in Daceyville to celebrate its history and activate various public spaces	$4,144
Shopfront Arts Co-op / Playwave	Extend existing Playwave program to incorporate young Bayside creatives as Ambassadors to enhance participation from marginalised young people	$5,000
Sydney Multicultural Community Services	Art therapy program aimed at marginalised, vulnerable new migrant and refugee women in Bayside	$5,000
The Deli Women and Children’s Centre	Child wellbeing program for children impacted by domestic and family violence	$4,293
Total Seeding Grants		$31,748

Small Grants: Up To $2,000.00
Organisation	Program Description	Amount
Botany Bay Community Church	Foodshare distribution weekly program in Banksmeadow to provide essential fruit and vegetables to those in need	$1,500
Bayside Women’s Shelter	Purchase laptop to support additional community activities around domestic and family violence prevention	$1,500
Rockdale Rugby Club	Purchase of tackle mats to cater for extra women and girls who have joined the club	$1,200
Lever Street Community Garden	Develop a children’s garden bed and programming for children to garden with their parents to increase eco-awareness	$2,000
Brighton Seagulls Junior Rugby League Football Club	Purchase a set of four pads to attach to rugby goal posts to improve player safety	$2,000
Cultural Forum Inc	Annual Australian-Lebanese HSC high achievers event to celebrate high achieving students	$2,000
Kogarah Community Services	Purchase equipment to run training for parents on infant massage	$1,793
Gabbie’s Sewing Angels	Purchase additional overlockers to improve efficiency of garment production	$2,000
PCYC Eastern Suburbs	Purchase additional equipment for boxing to support vulnerable young people who have recently joined the program	$2,000
Gladstone Street Community Garden	Improve garden beds, purchase soil and a new BBQ for community garden functions	$1,000
Rock and Wool	Wool purchase for knitting group of socially isolated older women in Bayside	$2,000
South Eastern Community Connect	Purchase equipment and activities to support the weekly youth drop-in program at Mascot	$2,000
St. George North Anglican Church	Purchase of a new refrigerator to support youth, children’s and women’s programming	$2,000
The Scout Association of Australia (NSW Branch)	Purchase blockout curtains for Kinsgrove Hall to help keep the building cool in summer. NB: As this hall is owned by Council the curtains will remain the property of Bayside Council	$2,000
Botany District Music Association	Purchase new music scores, and produce advertising flyers and other promotional material	$1,200
Project Kindness Inc	Purchase of warm winter essentials for those in need	$1,500
South Sydney Mount Carmel Cricket Club Inc	Purchase of sun protection (hats) and regulation game balls	$1,500
Carlton School of Arts and Literary Institute	Purchase sound speaker to increase usage of the venue	$2,000
Total Small Grants		$31,193
Total Community Grants		$62,941

Empowering Art for Wellbeing Program for Migrant and Refugee Women

We are thrilled to announce the successful of ‘Her Artistic Bridges’, an inspiring art for wellbeing program designed specifically for women who are migrants or refugees. This initiative is proudly funded by a Bayside Council Community Grant and reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and uplifting vulnerable communities.

Over ten transformative workshop sessions, facilitated by a skilled art therapist, participants explore self-expression, self-reflection, and confidence-building through the power of art. These workshops provide a safe and supportive space for women to share their life stories, uncover their inner strengths, and embrace a sense of belonging in the community.

More than just an art program, ‘HER Artistic Bridges’ creates a pathway to connection, healing, and empowerment. Participants engage with the local community, fostering social cohesion and celebrating the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our region.

This initiative reflects Bayside Council’s dedication to supporting programs that build resilience and opportunity for all residents. By funding projects like ‘HER Artistic Bridges’, Council affirms its commitment to nurturing creativity, promoting well-being, and creating a brighter future for women from diverse backgrounds.

You must register on SmartyGrants before applying for a Community Grant. Existing accounts can be used to submit your application.

Writing a work plan or timeline will help you achieve a successful project and is a great supporting document for your application.

We have developed resources to help you write a plan for your project that will help with the grant application:

Donations and fee waivers are available year-round so applications can be submitted at any time using the following forms:

Applications for donations are considered on their merit and assessed in accordance with Council’s Community Grants and Donation Policy.

An applicant must meet the following criteria to qualify for funding:

Not-for-profit community organisations and unincorporated community groups (not-for-profit only, patronage or support required).
Applications must demonstrate they service a significant proportion of the Bayside community
Applications must align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2032
Applicants must submit an acquittal for any previous grant funding before they can apply for another grant.

Download the help guide for assistance or troubleshooting when applying for a grant through SmartyGrants.

Technical issues that can’t be resolved through the guide should be directed to the SmartyGrants helpdesk on 03 9320 6888, or email service@smartygrants.com.au.

For questions about the donations and fee waivers process, call our Grant and Donations officer on 9366 3684, or email grantsanddonations@bayside.nsw.gov.au.

ClubGRANTS is an initiative of the NSW Government and Clubs NSW to provide funding for community projects and services that have a direct impact on local communities.

Charities, sporting organisations and not-for-profit community groups are among tens-of-thousands of worthy causes funded through the program each year.

ClubGRANTS is funded by a gaming machine tax rebate. Council does not financially contribute to the program but assists the local ClubGRANTS Committee by administering the application process.

Local non-profit community groups and organisations can apply for funding under the following Category 1 subcategories, specifically support projects for:

Specific community welfare and social services
Community development projects, activities or events
Health services and employment assistance activities
Projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people
The ClubGRANTS Committee only funds Community Development projects that will benefit the local Bayside LGA residents.

Applications

ClubGRANTS applications are now open and will close on 31 May 2025. 

It's recommended you read the ClubGrants Guidelines before applying.

Local Clubs participating in the Bayside Local Area Committee for ClubGRANTS are:

Ramsgate, Bexley, Brighton, Earlwood Bardwell Park and Kingsgrove RSL Clubs
Arncliffe Scots Sports & Social Club Ltd
Rockdale Tennis Club Ltd
South Sydney Graphic Arts Club Ltd.

Further information on ClubGRANTS is available on the ClubsNSW website.

Community Grants

2024 Community Grant Recipients

Community grants information sessions

Success Story - Sydney Multicultural Services

How to apply

Eligibility criteria

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ClubGRANTS

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