3. Major Grants 2026 - 2027 ($10,001 - $150,000. Requires applicant co-contribution)

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This is a preview of the Major Grant Application 2026/27 - ($10,001-$150,000. Co-contribution required) form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

INTRODUCTION AND ELIGIBILITY

Major grants support not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects, activities, and major resource and equipment purchases that support community strengthening initiatives and enhance the quality of life in the Toowoomba region. Applicant co-contribution is mandatory for Major Grant submissions. 

Funding

  • Major grants allow for funding amounts from $10,001 up to $150,000 (ex GST) given co-contribution requirements are met by the applicant organisation
  • The funding is competitive, and the amount of funding requested cannot be guaranteed (i.e. a partial contribution of the amount requested may be offered).

Key Definitions

  • Auspicing partner - an organisation that agrees to take legal and financial responsibility for the grant on your behalf if you don't have a legal status. If your application is successful, the funds will be paid to the auspicing partner’s bank account
  • Co-contribution - amount of financial and / or in-kind assistance that your organisation needs to provide to be eligible for a major grant. It is calculated based on the funding gap of the project / event
  • Funding gap - calculated as the total cost of a project (ex GST) minus the total amount of external funding sources (grants, sponsorships, donations, etc.) not from Toowoomba Regional Council. Where no external funding exists, the funding gap would equal the total project cost
  • In-kind support - supply of support in the form of assets or labour / services as contribution towards the overall project / event delivery
  • Project / event - Includes any activation, activity, initiative, plant and equipment purchase, maintenance or infrastructure project, whereby, approved funds for the agreed initiative occurs during a defined start date and end date.

Project types

  • Specialised planning project - develops a strategy, plan, framework, or advice to guide future decisions - NOT to deliver the final asset or service itself. The results are usually plans, policies, strategies, masterplans, business cases, frameworks, etc.
  • Delivery project - Implements something tangible or operational - turning a plan into a real outcome. The results are usually assets, services, systems, operational changes, events, etc.

Round dates

  • Opening date - 1 July 2026 (from 12am)
  • Closing date - 12 August 2026 (closing time is 5pm)

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by October 2026.

Please note:

  • Eligible organisations may receive competitive funding for a maximum of two (2) successful applications for the same or similar project / event
  • 'Seed funding' is provided to kick-start new events, projects or initiatives with the view they become self-sufficient beyond this support
  • Once a project / event has received funding in two (2) separate funding rounds, it will NOT be eligible for further funding, even if future applications are submitted by different organisations.

Application information and support

Before completing this application form, please consider the following so that your application process is as streamlined as possible, with a reduced risk of applying despite ineligibility.

  • Read the Community Grants Policy and Community Grants Guideline to ensure you understand all requirements including application eligibility
  • Access the SmartyGrants help guide for applicants
  • Create a SmartyFile profile for your organisation. SmartyFile allows you to add team members or collaborators, assign them each a role, collaborate with your team and view all your submissions in one spot
  • Ensure you 'save progress' regularly while completing this form, as you may be logged out while your application sits idle
  • Ensure the application is free of errors and omissions. You should always 'review' before pressing 'submit'
  • Seek guidance from the Grants and Sponsorship Officer, if required, regarding application form questions. To speak with the Grants and Sponsorship Officer, please call (07) 4688 6444 during business hours.

When contacting us, please quote the application number below.

This field is read only. 

Technical support

Council staff are not technical specialists. If you experience technical difficulties (i.e. you can't submit the form), then you should make contact with the SmartyGrants help desk to help resolve your query. 

E-mail: service@smartygrants.com.au
Phone: (03) 9320 6888 
Support Desk Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm AEST (Monday - Friday).

Understanding your commitment as an applicant

When you apply for a Major grant, you are committing to deliver the project / event as outlined in your application. This includes using the funds responsibly, meeting agreed timelines, and submitting any required reports or updates. It is important to ensure your organisation is ready to manage the grant, if successful.

All applications:

  • must be complete with all the requested information provided
  • will be evaluated and assessed based on the quality, clarity, and relevance of the information provided
  • are funded based on a competitive process and the total funding available
  • will receive formal notification of the outcome of their application
  • must be for a project / event that does not form part of the core business of public and private educational institutions (primary, secondary and tertiary including Parents and Citizens Associations, and Parents and Friends Associations) and demonstrates broader community benefit.

Assessment process

Following submission, each application will be reviewed for eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, appointed assessment panel members will convene to assess and rate each application based on the criteria below. 

Assessment criteria

  • Previous funding history (5%)
  • Co-contribution (10%)
  • Alignment with Council's Corporate Plan Key Priorities (20%)
  • Demonstrated need / evidence and potential for advancement (25%)
  • Capability, capacity and likelihood of success (25%)
  • Locality (15%)

Privacy

Toowoomba Regional Council is collecting and managing your personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) and the Public Records Act 2023 for the purpose of remaining in contact with you, administrating, assessing and awarding community grants. The information provided in this form and supporting documents will be accessed by authorised members of Toowoomba Regional Council. The information provided on your grant application and in any related documentation and discussions may be provided to members of the assessment panel to assist Council in processing your grant application. By submitting an application you consent to Council publishing the applicant's name, project description and amount funded on our website and Council endorsed publications. This information may also be used for promoting Council's grants program. To understand how your personal information is managed, refer to Council’s Privacy, copyright, disclaimer & accessibility guidelines.

By using this form you agree with the handling of your information as described above and in Council’s Privacy, copyright, disclaimer & accessibility guidelines.
If you are unable to agree, you are not eligible to progress further in the application.