Community Grants Program

Bellingen Shire Council offers a series of small community grants that are delivered and administered under Section 356 of the NSW Local Government Act 1993.

Two grant rounds are offered each financial year which is limited to Council's yearly budget of $50,000 across three grant funds:

Creative Placemaking Fund: Up to $5,000
Community Support Fund: Up to $2,500 or $5,000 if the project demonstrates a high level of community benefit
Community Event Sponsorship Fund: Up to $5,000

Important Dates

Round 1 2025/26: Closed

Round 2 2025/26:

Open - Wednesday 10 September 2025
Close - Wednesday 8 October 2025
Notification of outcome - Thursday 20 November 2025

Grant information sessions

Urunga Library - Wednesday 17 September 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Bellingen Library - Wednesday 17 September 2025, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Dorrigo Library - Thursday 18 September 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Drop in to a session to receive guidance and support for your application. This is a valuable opportunity to refine your ideas, ask questions, and receive advice to strengthen your submission.

If you can't make a Grant information session it is strongly recommended you contact the Community Development Officer to discuss the application process and/or your proposed activity before making your application - call (02) 6655 7300 or email community@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Make sure you read the Grant Guidelines below for each fund before applying. Guidelines contain important information about who can apply, eligible activities and expenses, required documents and assessment criteria.

Creative Placemaking Fund

The Creative Placemaking Fund is a small grant program that aims to invigorate and activate public spaces through art by taking a unique and creative approach that encourages participation in arts and cultural activities. These activities may include invigorating street furniture, public sculpture, murals, laneway transformation or musical performance. The Creative Placemaking program is open to all members of the community.

Please read the guidelines before making an application:Creative-Placemaking-Fund.pdf(PDF, 10MB)

Community Support Fund

The Community Support Fund is a small grant program that aims to support local community activities that achieve broad community benefit. Open to not-for-profit organisations, registered charities and social enterprise, eligible projects and activities might include programs for seniors or youth or small infrastructure projects or equipment to support community activities.

Please read the guidelines before making an application:Community-Support-Fund.pdf(PDF, 3MB)

Community Event Sponsorship Fund

The Community Event Sponsorship Fund is a small grant program that supports local community events. Open to incorporated not-for-profit organisations, social enterprise and registered charities, events should aim to foster partnerships between community organisations, target regions outside the Shire and be innovative and creative.

Please read the guidelines before making an application:Community-Event-Sponsorship-Fund.pdf(PDF, 27MB)

How to apply

Applications can be made through Council's online grants management portal.

Apply now

FAQ's

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, registered charities with an ACN and Social Enterprise.

Organisations need an ABN and Public Liability Insurance of $20 million of applicable to the activity.

Individuals are eligible for the Creative Placemaking Fund only.

If you are not one of these types, see our FAQ - What is an auspice arrangement?

Applicants and activities must be located in the Bellingen Shire LGA.

Council is the landowner, do I need their permission?

If your project involves construction, installation or upgrading a building, facility or equipment that is Council owned, leased or managed then you must seek approval from the Group Leader, Technical Services at council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au or 6655 7300 and may be required to complete a Property-Owners-Consent-application.pdf(PDF, 207KB)

If you are planning on holding an event on Council land, you may need approvals such as development consent, road closures, or activity permits. Speak with Council’s Duty Planner early, as some approvals can take up to four months.

The Duty Planner is available by phone on (02) 6655 7300 or in person:

Bellingen Council Administration Building: Tuesdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Dorrigo Library: Thursdays, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

IMPORTANT

It is the applicant's responsibility to seek approval from Council, it is not a part of the grant application process. If you are unsure if your event requires approval or of the steps to take please contact Council.

Can my activity take place on private property?

Activities can take place on private property but it must be accessible to the public.

It is the applicants responsibility to seek approval from the landowner.

Can I apply for multiple funds?

You may submit an application for multiple projects across the three different funding streams. However, please note that you cannot submit an application for the same project to more than one funding stream.

Do I need to provide quotes?

Quotes for the goods or services you are requesting are strongly recommended. If you cannot provide quotes, please include screenshots of cost estimates. This will help justify the amount you are requesting.

What is an auspice arrangement?

An auspicing body is a legally constituted organisation that accepts legal and financial responsibility for a grant if awarded. If successful, the auspicing body will sign the funding agreement and be responsible for all reporting and acquittal requirements, which must be completed within two months of the project’s completion. All grant correspondence and payments will be directed to the auspicing body. It is recommended that the grant applicant and their auspicing body enter into a written agreement clearly outlining each party’s roles, responsibilities, and permissions, including whether Public Liability Insurance will be provided.

If you need help finding an eligible organisation to act as your auspice please contact the Community Development Officer.

Need help with your grant application?

Access grant application help and resources to learn how to create a successful grant application.

Previous grant recipients

2025-26 - Round 1

Grant Fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Community Arts Council (BCAC)	Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend 2025	$1,985
Community Support Fund	Urunga Surf Lifesaving Club	Enhancing Junior Surf Lifesaving Safety and Participation through New Nipper Boards	$1,902
Community Support Fund	The Full Circle Collective	Dorrigo Conscious Christmas and Kids Clothes Swap	$2,100
Community Support Fund	Urunga Football Club	New Goals and Nets	$2,040
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Rotary Club of Dorrigo	Dorrigo Rotary Valentine's Day Ball	$4,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Taranta Arts Inc	Bellingen Taranta Festival 2025	$3,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Toni Swain - auspiced by Urunga Business & Community	Mylestom Mollusc	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Camp Creative Inc	Camp Creative 40th Community Evening Event Program	$5,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Loving Spoonful Productions auspiced by Full Circle Collective	The Great Fashion Stitch Up	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Gig Big Pty Ltd auspiced by Urunga Business & Community	Urunga Blues by the Sea	$2,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Hayley Egan	Those Before	$1,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Urunga Sail Training Club	Sharing the River Histories Story of the Bindarray Yurruun (Long River) Sail	$2,148
Creative Placemaking Fund	Luke Rhodes & Melissa Seelenmeyer	Guunu Maana: Sharing Songs & Stories	$1,000

2024-25 - Round 2

Grant Fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Dorrigo Plateau Men's Shed Inc	Assistance in purchasing a CNC router	$2,500
Community Support Fund	Kalang Public Hall Land Manager	Kalang Kids Arts day	$1,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Urunga Business and Community Inc	URUNGAlights and Carols 2024	$4,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Dorrigo Dahlia Day Inc	Dorrigo Dahlia Day	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen River Agricultural Society Inc	Bellingen Show 2025	$2,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen River Agricultural Society Inc	E.J. Mantova Art Prize 2025	$1,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Neighbourhood Centre's of the Bellingen Shire	International Women's Day Festival	$2,437
Creative Placemaking Fund	Alisa Bryce	Urunga Mystery Walk	$1,607
Creative Placemaking Fund	Paul Hayes	Urunga Originals	$3,000
		Total	$20,544

2024-25 - Round 1

Grant Fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Urunga Surf Life Saving Club	Enhancing Training at Urunga Surf Life Saving Club	$2,066
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival	Schools Program BRWF	$2,500
Community Support Fund	Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire	Replacing the shade sail at Urunga Neighbourhood Centre	$3,525
Community Support Fund	Purple Card Project	Conscious Christmas on the Dorrigo Plateau	$1,250
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Community Arts Council	Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Youth Orchestra Inc	Peter and the Wolf: Orchestral Magic for Young Hearts	$4,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Taranta Arts Inc	Taranta Festival Bellingen 2024	$1,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Camp Creative	Provision of children’s scholarships	$2,640
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Incorporated	22nd Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival 2024 - Toilet & Shower Hire	$5,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival 2025 - Street	$3,465
Creative Placemaking Fund	OzGREEN	Our River, Our Future	$1,500

2023-24 - Round 2

Grant Fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Gleniffer Community Association	Digital Piano Purchase	$1,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen River Agricultural Society Inc	E J Mantova Memorial Art Prize 2024	$2,202
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen River Agricultural Society Inc	Bellingen Show 2024	$3,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Arts Council of the Dorrigo INC	Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition "Being Here Now"	$2,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Improvised Music Collective Inc	BIMCI 2024 Music Performance Season	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce	Dorrigo Dahlia Day	$1,130
Creative Placemaking Fund	The Art Space Urunga	Brush Strokes	$2,391
Creative Placemaking Fund	Hayley Egan	MotherSong Picnic	$1,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Paul Hayes	Urunga Originals	$3,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival Incorporated	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival 2024	$2,385

2023-24 – Round 1

Grant Fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Community Playgroup / Playgroup NSW	Bellingen Community Playgroup Renewal Project	$1,000
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Community Arts Council	One Enchanted Evening	$430
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival Schools Program	$2,500
Community Support Fund	Country Women's Association of New South Wales - Urunga Branch	Upgrading the meeting room furniture at the Urunga CWA rest rooms	$1,255
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Muse	Bellingen Muse	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Camp Creative	Camp Creative Scholarship program	$1,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Housing Matters Action Group Inc	Housing Forum - Working together to unlock housing solutions	$1,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Urunga Business and Community	URUNGAlights	$4,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Incorporated	Festival fencing	$2,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival 2024	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Country Women's Association of NSW - Dorrigo	Senior's Week Sconversation	$500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Taranta Festival Inc	Taranta Festival	$1,500
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Youth Orchestra Incorporated	2023 Schools Concert	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Community Arts Council	Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend	$1,748
Creative Placemaking Fund	Anneliese Hauptstein	Spray It Loud: Amplifying Youth Voices through Stencil Art	$2,650
Creative Placemaking Fund	The Bellingen Valley Historical Society	Display Cabinets for Bellingen Museum	$2194

2022-23 - Round 2

Grant fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Dorrigo and Guy Fawkes Agricultural Association Inc	Fence Panels for Dorrigo Showground	$3,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Youth Orchestra Inc	Schools Concert 2022	$2,400
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival Inc	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival 2023	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Arts Council of the Dorrigo Inc	Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition 2023	$1,215
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce	Day of Dahlias	$1,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Urunga Business and Community Inc	Urunga Rail Centenary	$1,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival Inc	BRWF Street Performances and Youth Activities	$2,110
Creative Placemaking Fund	Gumbaynggirr Wenonah Head Aboriginal Corporation	Wenonah Head Indigenous Art Welcome Posts	$4,500
Creative Placemaking Fund	Urunga Sail Training Club	Weaving the Story of Bindarray Yuruun (‘Long River’ in Gumbaynggirr language)	$3,500
		TOTAL	$20,725

2022-23 - Round 1

Grant fund	Organisation	Activity	$
Community Support Fund	Mylestom Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association	Activities to support seniors in Mylestom	$1,400
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival	Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival Schools Program	$3,740
Community Support Fund	Urunga-Mylestom Chamber of Commerce	Urunga Bicycle Racks	$2,000
Community Support Fund	Bellingen Public School P&C Association	Bello Children's Fete	$1,500
Community Support Fund	Urunga Public School P&C Association	Learning on Country with Landcare and Bellingen High School	$1,700
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen RSL Country Club (trading as Bellingen Golf Club)	Bellingen Shire Golf Classic	$1,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Camp Creative Inc	Camp Creative 2023	$3,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Improvised Music Collective Inc	Local Band Showcase at BIMF 2022	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival Inc	Marquees for 20th Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival	$2,000
Community Event Sponsorship Fund	Bellingen Community Arts Council Inc (auspice organisation)	Bellingen Muse 2022 - Festival Fiesta	$2,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Bellingen Community Arts Council Inc	Bellingen Shire Arts Trail	$935
Creative Placemaking Fund	Dorrigo Preschool Association	Community Mural Project	$3,000
Creative Placemaking Fund	Urunga Public School	Connecting to Gumbaynggirr Culture	$3,000
		TOTAL	$27,275

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