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Central Coast Council is committed to supporting local organisations, community groups, and events that make our region vibrant and inclusive.

The Community Grants Program, guided by Council’s Community Grants Policy and associated guidelines, delivers funding across three streams:

  • Community Development Grant Program
  • Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program
  • Community Support Grant Program

These programs help build community capacity, foster local initiatives, and enhance the sustainability of community-based organisations.

What are the key changes?

  • Community Grants Program budget

    Reallocate approximately 15% of the total existing Community Grants Program budget to a re-established Sponsorship Program. The proposed reallocation aims to better support recurring events and activities, while maintaining overall community funding.

  • Re-establish Sponsorship Program

    If Council approves reallocating part of the Community Grants Program budget, the Sponsorship Program will be revived to offer multi-year funding for organisations running major, recurring events on the Central Coast. This aims to attract and grow events that boost the region’s economic growth and vibrancy, with measurable returns on investment. The program, suspended in 2020 due to financial challenges, will be supported by a dedicated budget from the grants program.

  • Updated limits and eligibility criteria

    • New limits and eligibility criteria, including limits to commercial lease subsidies, research/studies, and digital platform maintenance.
    • Organisations can submit up to four Community Support applications per year (currently, there is no limit).
    • Minor infrastructure is now defined as up to $7,500 in value (currently, there is no monetary value).

Why are the changes proposed?

The proposed updates to the Community Grants Policy and Guidelines are designed to deliver several important benefits for our community:

  • Improved support for recurring events and activities:

By introducing a dedicated Sponsorship Program, organisations running annual events will have greater stability and opportunities for growth.

  • More sustainable funding for community organisations:

The changes aim to make funding more reliable and accessible, helping local groups plan and deliver impactful projects.

  • Better alignment with Council’s strategic goals and community needs:

Updated eligibility and assessment criteria ensure that funding is distributed fairly and supports initiatives that reflect our community’s priorities.

  • Increased transparency and clarity in eligibility and assessment criteria:

Clearer guidelines and criteria make it easier for applicants to understand the process and for Council to demonstrate fairness in decision-making.

These changes are informed by feedback from stakeholders and a review of current funding patterns, with the goal of making community funding more effective and responsive to local needs.

Make a submission

To share your feedback on the draft policies and guidelines, you can:

  • View the draft policies and guidelines in the document library section of this page
  • Read the FAQs
  • Complete the online submission form (below)
  • Email: engageme@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
  • Write to Council: PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259

Submissions close 13 November 2025.

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