Community Grants Program

What happens after applications close?

Projects will be assessed by a panel using the following criteria:

1. Meeting community needs: the project supports activities and services needed by local communities.
2. Building a sense of community: the project develops a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community.
3. Increasing community participation: the project encourages participation in activities or services needed by the community.
4. The organisation’s capacity: the applicant has the capacity to deliver the project on time and within scope.
5.  Location: the applicant must be based in the Edward River LGA or have significant benefit for Edward River LGA residents.
6. Good standing: Have no outstanding Edward River Community Grant acquittals or outstanding debts owing to council.
7. Timeliness: applications must be submitted by the due date. Only one application can be submitted per funding round. 

• Not-for-profit community organisations, groups and associations.
• Incorporated organisations with an ABN or proof that you are not required to be registered for GST.
• Be based in Edward River Council LGA or have significant benefit for ERC residents.
• Have no outstanding grant acquittals or outstanding debts owing to council.
• Only submit one application per funding round.
• Have adequate public liability insurance and appropriate health and safety policies in accordance with the funding agreement.

1. What is an incorporated organisation?

An incorporated organisation is a community group that has registered as a legal entity, that is separate from the individual members. You cannot register as an incorporated organisation if you are planning to operate as a business or to provide monetary gains to members.

2. What is an auspice arrangement?

An auspice arrangement is when a larger organisation supports a smaller organisation to apply for a grant if they don’t meet the criteria to apply themselves. For the Community Grants Program, the organisation applying needs to be incorporated, if they aren’t, they will need to be auspiced by an organisation that is.

3. Can I apply for the same project several years in a row?

Council has a preference that funding will not continue beyond three years for the same event or project. This allows us to support other emerging and start-up projects.

4. Will late applications be accepted?

Any applications received after the advertised closing date may be deemed ineligible. If you have problems submitting your application, you should contact the Grants Officer on 03 5898 3000 at least two business days before the deadline to seek assistance.

5. We don’t have an ABN - what should we do?

If your organisation does not have an ABN, you will need to complete a Statement by a Supplier form and upload it with your application.

6. What should I include in my budget?

Your budget should:

Be GST exclusive
Include a breakdown of expected income, including any in-kind contributions or other funding sources. Include a breakdown of expected expenditure, including specifying which items you intend to purchase with Edward River Council grant funds.
Balance. Please note, total income must equal total expenditure.

7. What documents should I include with my application? 

You must provide:

• Evidence of not-for-profit status
• Project budget using Council’s template.  

8. Can I include other documents?

Yes. You may also attach other relevant documents if you wish, for example letters of support from the community, your organisation's annual reports or evidence of public liability insurance. 

9. What happens after applications close?

Applications are reviewed for general eligibility and then are assessed by a panel.

Applicants will be formally notified of the outcome of their application after the August 2025 Council Meeting. It is an applicant’s responsibility to ensure all contact details are up to date.

10. What Council acknowledgement is required for my project?

All recipients of funding are required to acknowledge Edward River Council's contribution of financial support. As part of your funding agreement organisations agree to acknowledge the Council’s support in material published in connection with your project. A copy of Council’s logo will be provided to successful applicants.

• Rotary Club of Deniliquin ($3000): Assistance provided for the raising and refurbishment and reburial of the Rotary Club of Deniliquin Time Capsule project.
• U3A Deniliquin ($2,983): Financial support for 2025 Community Talent Concert as an inclusive community gathering focusing on connection and inclusivity and resilience.
• Outback Theatre for Young People ($3,000): The Museum of the Missing creative art installation by young primary school students focusing on community connection and resilience. 
• Deniliquin Genealogy Society ($3,000): Purchase of a new scanner for recording of local residence genealogical data.
• Deniliquin Film Society ($3,000): Funding to support the screening of classic old and new films screened in the Town Hall once a month which will focus on inclusivity and community gathering.
• Deniliquin & District Historical Society ($3,000): Funding for the refurbishment of the picket fence surrounding the Historical Society Buildings.
• South West Music $2,985): Funding for Childrens Music Tour " Belonging, Being and Becoming" concert series.
• Deniliquin Amateur Swimming Club ($2,600): Support for facilitation of the 140th Celebrations Swimming Carnival for a local sports club that values inclusiveness and embraces diversity and is celebrating its 140th year.
• Motherland ($3,000): Support for fundraising event to set up Motherland hub in Southern NSW to support young mums. This not-for-profit organisation provides support services for women struggling with motherhood providing mental health, financial hardship and isolation.