Grants
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You will need to APPLY NOW in the June 2025 Round if you need grant funding to deliver a project or event over the next 18 months – this includes events and activities to be held in 2025 and 2026.
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You will have the opportunity to reapply for future funding when the Community Grant Program reopens.
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Grants may be considered part of your income in a financial year and may be subject to tax. You must determine and take into consideration any GST responsibilities you may be liable for. We suggest you consult your financial adviser. Adding a GST component to your application budget will not be accepted as part of your funding.
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If an applicant has applied within the Community Support Grant and the application has been declined the applicant is able to submit a new application for the same project in a subsequent round.
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No. If you have an overdue grant acquittal you will not be eligible to apply for any further grants until you the Grants team deem you have sufficiently acquitted.
Related Pages
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Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program
A joint initiative between Central Coast Council, Delta and the local communities, this funding program is designed to improve community infrastructure and services in Chain Valley Bay, Gwandalan, Mannering Park and Summerland Point. -
Central Coast LGA ClubGRANTS
The ClubGRANTS scheme in the Central Coast's Local Government Area is funded by local registered clubs to provide community support through a Local Committee. -
Community Development Grant Program
Grants to help deliver projects and activities that foster a sense of community, build capacity within our community and enhance the quality of life for local Central Coast residents and more. -
Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program
Grants to support community 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. -
Community Support Grant Program
Provides support for the community to deliver activities that require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support. -
Façade Improvement Support Program
The Façade Improvement Support Program provides financial assistance to businesses and commercial property owners located in key town centres to improve their building facades and accessibility to their premises. -
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).