Community Development Fund

Funding will only be provided to community groups/organisations that comply with all the following statements:

• Operate within or provide services targeting residents within the municipality.
• Operate on a non-for-profit basis.
• Have a formal legal structure or are auspiced by a community group/organisation that fulfils this requirement (i.e. incorporated or auspiced by an incorporated body).
• Provide access to Council residents either as members, participants or supporters.
• Ensure adequate legal and insurance requirements are met.
• Operate for the benefit of the community.
• If previously funded by Council, have satisfactorily fulfilled previous requirements regarding financial acquittal and reporting.

Generally funding will only be provided for projects that include:

• Structural repairs or minor upgrades to community facilities. 
• The purchase of new or upgraded equipment essential to the operation of the community group.
• Address current OHS or risk management issues.
• New programs or activities that provide broad community benefit or support specific high-need groups.
• Projects that promote local sustainability initiatives, environmental innovation, create proud community spaces and promote responsible water usage and conservation.
• Projects that support the development of the group/organisation, providing opportunities to share skills, encourage participation and increase club capacity.
• The protection, conservation and restoration of heritage items and assets.
• Projects that improve social connectedness and/or physical or mental health, and provide access to recreation and leisure opportunities for all ages, particularly youth.
• Projects and activities that contribute to strengthening communities within the Swan Hill Rural City Council and create new opportunities for community participation in social, learning and civic activities.
• Projects that support the development of arts and culture initiatives.

Funding will NOT be provided for:

• Activities, programs or projects with the objective of making financial profit.
• Projects for capital works that are completed on private property. However, projects that are to be carried out on properties that are heritage listed are exempt.
• Projects considered the responsibility of other agencies or government departments.
• Recurrent operating or maintenance costs for day-to-day operations.
• Salaries, where the salary forms part of the organisation’s usual responsibility (not including instructor or tuition fees).
• Projects which have already been completed or for costs that have already been expended.
• Projects that are clearly a duplication of an existing service, program, project or event.
• Projects which have a political or religious purpose and objective.
• Projects that are deemed to be inappropriate or offensive.
• Prizes/trophies.
• Catering.
• Multiple/recurrent applications from a community group/organisation.
• Projects or activities that benefit a single person only.
• Projects that have received funding through other Council programs/sponsorship.
• Organisations that support or the intended purpose of the project promotes gambling, alcohol, drug, or tobacco use.
• Schools are ineligible to apply.

Guidelines – Community Development Fund(PDF, 567KB)
Definitions – Community Development Fund(PDF, 140KB)

• Smarty Grants - Help guide for applicants

If you require further assistance please call our Development Support Officer on 03 5036 2333.