LOCAL sporting clubs, community groups, not-for-profits and businesses have received fresh guidance on funding opportunities at a Bayside Grants Forum hosted by Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook and State Member for Lytton Joan Pease.
The forum attracted organisations from across the Bayside keen to learn more about available grants and how to prepare stronger applications.
Attendees heard about funding programs offered through Federal, State and local governments, as well as philanthropic, corporate and community organisations.
Ms Cook encouraged groups to regularly check GrantConnect, the Australian Government’s central platform for current and upcoming grants, to identify opportunities relevant to their work.
The forum highlighted the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, which offers up to $10,000 for local community projects and between $10,001 and $150,000 for major projects recognising the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel.
Also discussed was Queensland’s Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants program, which opened on August 31 and offers grants of up to $100,000 for projects supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities, participation and stronger community connections.
Brisbane City Council’s Lord Mayor’s Community Fund was also identified as a source of support for ward-based community projects and events, sporting equipment and facility improvements.
Community Bank Victoria Point and Wynnum Manly opened its 2026 Community Grants Program on September 1, with applications closing on October 31.
The Wynnum Manly Leagues Club Major Community Grants Program was also highlighted as a funding avenue for schools, sporting clubs, charities, kindergartens and community groups.
Ms Cook has also released a Bonner Community Grants Summary, compiling Australian Government, Queensland Government and non-government funding opportunities in one document.
