Community Grants Program

⁠⁠⁠Council's Community Grants Program recognises the critical role grants play in strengthening our community by supporting local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs, and events to the community.

Council’s 2026-27 Community Grants Program include:

• Community Development Grant Program: A program dedicated to supporting community organisations to implement specific projects and activities that provide community outcomes and enhance the quality of life of residents of the Central Coast as well as strengthening their ability to deliver projects and services that respond to the needs of the community. This program opens 1 June 2026 and closes 30 June 2026, up to $20,000 per application.
• Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program: A program which aims to support local organisations to deliver community events and activities that activate spaces and places to complement activity around town centres, foreshores, lakes and green spaces for the community and visitors. This program opens 1 June 2026 and closes 30 June 2026, up to $20,000 per application.
• Community Support Grant Program: Is a program aimed to support the community to deliver activities which require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support. This is a small grant program, open all year round and assessed monthly, up to $5,000 per application and/or in-kind support.

All programs are time limited and would cover activities that are able to be completed within an eighteen (18) month timeframe from notification of funds being allocated.

Grant Writing Workshops

Council is running FREE independently facilitated workshops in May 2026, to help guide you on how to develop your project plan and funding application to increase your chance of success.

For more information and to register for one of our workshops, visit our Eventbrite page.

Community Grants Information and drop-in sessions

Council is running FREE information and Q&A sessions throughout April and June 2026, for community members to be guided on the community grants program with information on guidelines, eligibility, application process and timeframes.

For more information and to register for one of our info sessions, visit our Eventbrite page.

Alternatively, e-mail grants@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au to join the grants email list and stay up to date on key program information and dates.

Other grant information

Protection of the Environment Trust Grant

Individuals or community groups interested in undertaking environmentally based projects are encouraged to apply for funding under the Protection of the Environment Trust (POET). Updates on this program will be advertised and posted on this website. Please click here for more information.

ClubGRANTS

The ClubGRANTS scheme in the Central Coast’s Local Government Area is funded by local registered clubs to provide community support through Local Committee.

Applications for the 2026 ClubGRANTS Scheme open on 1 February 2026 and close on 30 April 2026.

For more details, visit Central Coast LGA ClubGRANTS.

All your grants, one searchable platform

The Central Coast Council Grant Finder portal is a comprehensive list of all grant and funding opportunities available for Central Coast businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals.