Grants and Funding

Maranoa Regional Council is proud to support our community through a range of grants, events and projects assistance programs.

This support is made possible by partnering with businesses, government, and community organisations who are passionate about growing our region, creating opportunities, and enhancing lifestyle and attractions for current and future residents.

For more information, please refer to Council’s Community Grants and Events Assistance Policy and Sponsorship Policy to guide you in completing your application.

Grants and Funding
Grants and Funding

Categories of Assistance Available:

Council assists community organisations and individuals to deliver projects, events, and initiatives that benefit the Maranoa region.

  • Community Grants

    Round 1 2025/26 Opens 1 September until 31 October.

    The Community Grants Program is designed to help organisations deliver improvements, services, or programs that benefit the community. For example, facility upgrades, equipment, community workshops or local programs.

    There are two funding rounds per financial year.

    Funding available:

    • Small Grants (Co-funded by Senex Energy): Up to $5,000 (No co-contribution required but favoured).
    • Major Grants: $5,001-$20,000 (Up to 50% co-contribution required).

    Categories:

    • Community Development
    • Community Programs and Services
    • Culture & Heritage
    • Sport & Recreation
    • Environment
    • Economic Development

    To apply, please complete a Small Grants Application Form or Major Grants Application Form.

    Finished your project? Please complete your  Acquittal Form and send to council@maranoa.qld.gov.au

    Need help with your application or have any questions? Please contact your Local Development Officers (LDOs) by emailing ldo@maranoa.qld.gov.au or calling 1300 007 662.

    All information regarding the Community Grants Program can be found on Page 7 of the Community Grants and Events Assistance Policy.

  • Events Assistance Program

    The Events Assistance Program is designed to help cover costs like event setup, promotion, equipment hires, or venue expenses to run community events (e.g. festivals, regional shows, sporting events, community events).

    Funding available:

    • Up to $2,000 available per application.

    Funding rounds:

    • Quarterly rounds closing 31 January, 30 April, 31 July and 31 October.

    Categories:

    • Community Events – Small scale local events – Up to $500 available
    • Regional Events – Events that attract 300-1000 attendees from across the region – Up to $1,000 available
    • Large-scale Events – Events that attract more than 1,000 attendees, runs over multiple days, draw visitors from outside the LGA – Up to $2,000 available

    To apply, please complete an Events Assistance Application Form.

    Need help with your application or have any questions? Please contact your Local Development Officers (LDOs) by emailing ldo@maranoa.qld.gov.au or calling 1300 007 662. 

    All information regarding the Events Assistance Program can be found on Page 9 of the Community Grants and Events Assistance Policy.

  • Sponsorship

    Council offers sponsorship to support events that deliver cultural, social and economic benefits across the region.

    Sponsorship is to support large-scale events (2000+ attendees), running over one or multiple days, attracting visitors from outside the region and creating significant community and economic impact.

    Important note: Council expects sponsorship requests above $5,000 to demonstrate a clear return on investment for the Maranoa region. This includes tangible results as increased visitation, economic benefit, tourism exposure, regional promotion, or lasting community outcomes.

    Funding available:

    • Requests over $5,000 per application.

    Funding rounds:

    • Quarterly rounds closing 31 January, 30 April, 31 July and 31 October.

    To apply, please complete an Sponsorship Application Form.

    Need help with your application or have any questions? Please contact your Local Development Officer by emailing ldo@maranoa.qld.gov.au or calling 1300 007 662.

    All information regarding Sponsorship can be found within the Sponsorship Policy.

  • Non-Financial / Ongoing Assistance

    Organisations can apply for non-financial assistance, including:

    • Use of Council equipment (tables, chairs) or facilities (Cultural Centre Auditorium, excludes bond payments)
    • Waivers for development application fees and food business licences
    • Mowing or slashing of event sites or venues

    Request type

    Funding amount

    Submission timeline

    Assessment

    In-Kind Minor

    Up to $5,000

    At least 8 weeks before event.

    Director approval.

    In-Kind Major

    Over $5,001

    At least 12 weeks before event.

     

    Council approval.

    Organisations can also apply for ongoing support – repeated assistance over a period of time.

    To apply, please complete the Non-Financial and Ongoing Assistance Application Form.

    Need help with your application or have any questions? Please contact your Local Development Officer by emailing ldo@maranoa.qld.gov.au or calling 1300 007 662.

    All information regarding Non-Financial Assistance can be found on Page 10 of the Community Grants and Events Assistance Policy.

  • Financial assistance for local projects with artistic and cultural outcomes is available through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

    The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Maranoa Regional Council to support local arts and cultural priorities in the Maranoa as determined by our local communities.

    Applications are open all year round and will be assessed by the RADF Committee case-by-case.

    The RADF Committee reviews the application, which then Council ratified during a general meeting. Although we endeavour to expedite the assessment and approval process, it can take 6 to 8 weeks from the submission date to receive a decision. We request that you allow ample time for this process.

    The program promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers to develop sustainable, diverse and prosperous local communities.

    In 2024 alone, Maranoa Regional Council has received 11 applications through the RADF program – approving a total of $41,221 in funding for projects across the region.

    Please contact the Regional Arts and Culture Officer for assistance prior to submitting your application or for any more information regarding the Regional Arts Development Fund program by calling: 1300 007 662.

    Further information of the Queensland Government’s involvement with RADF can be found here.

    Information, forms and guidelines: 

    Hard copies of the guidelines and application forms are available at the Maranoa Regional Council libraries or Customer Service Centres.

    Maranoa Regional Council RADF Committee

    Prospective applications may contact Maranoa Regional Council RADF Committee members for general information about the RADF program and assistance with developing their ideas into projects. All other enquiries should be directed to the RADF Liaison Officer/ Regional Arts and Culture Officer.

    The RADF committee members are:

    • Cr Meryl Brumpton (serving as the committee’s chair)
    • Cr Johanne Hancock
    • Chris Riddell
    • Sandra MacDonald
    • Susan Sands
    • Wendy Henning
    • Sally West
    • Vicki Beitz

    Do you want to serve on the RADF Committee?

    To download the RADF Committee Nomination Form, please click here

    For further information, please contact Council on 1300 007 662. 
     

  • Community Support Funding

    This funding is designed to provide timely assistance for projects, events or resources that address specific community issues or support targeted groups. This funding aims to promote greater public awareness of social issues affecting local residents and encourage positive community engagement.

    Funding is targeted towards events and projects that are free or low-cost for the community, ensuring all residents can participate and benefit. The program is funded by Council and the Queensland Government.

    Examples of what the funding can be used for include:

    • Playgrounds or parenting support programs for young families
    • Computer literacy classes or workshops for community members
    • Community events like NAIDOC Week celebrations or domestic violence awareness campaigns, including guest speakers and kids’ activities
    • Resources such as guides for new arrivals to the community or strategic community support plans

    To apply, please complete the Community Support Funded Activity Application Form.

    Need help with your application or have any questions? Please contact the Community Support Officer by emailing community.support@maranoa.qld.gov.au of calling 1300 007 662.

    All information regarding Community Support Funding can be found on Page 12 of the Community Grants and Events Assistance Policy.

Need Assistance?

Please liaise with our Local Development Officers (LDOs) who are here to help guide you through the application process via email: ldo@maranoa.qld.gov.au or call:1300 007 662.

Tips for Success

 

  • Plan early – Submit your application well before the required deadline to allow enough time for assessment.
  • Be clear and specific – Clearly describe your project, event, or request, including what support you are seeking from Council and why.
  • Show community benefit – Emphasise how your project will benefit the wider Maranoa community.
  • Provide supporting information – Attach quotes, budgets, letters of support, or other evidence to strengthen your application.
  • Seek advice – Contact your Local Development Officer before lodging your application to check eligibility, requirements, and maximise your chances of success.