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-2025-26.pdf(PDF, 6MB)

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.

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-2025-26.pdf(PDF, 20MB)

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.

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)

IMPORTANT

It is the applicant's responsibility to seek approval from Council, it is not a part of the grant application process. Contact the Community Development Officer if you are unsure of the steps to take to seek approval.

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.

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.

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.

An auspice arrangement is when an unincorporated or independent group partners with an incorporated organisation to apply for a grant. The auspicing body is the incorporated organisation that will take legal and financial responsibility for a grant if awarded. If a grant is awarded, the auspicing body must sign the funding agreement and is responsible for reporting and acquitting the grant within two months of the project being completed. All correspondence and monies will be directed to the auspicing body. It is recommended that the successful grant applicant enters into a written agreement with their nominated auspicing body that clearly outlines each party’s responsibilities and liberties.

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