Application guidelines
Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal organisation, community group, sporting club, or local council located in the Torres Strait or NPA.
Demonstrate community support for the activity.
Have or be willing to establish an ABN (or be auspiced by an organisation that does).
Agree to comply with GBK funding agreement conditions, including reporting and acquittal requirements.
What we can fund
Projects must support the program objectives and focus on getting people active, connected and involved in community life.
Grants can be used for:
Sporting and active lifestyle programs that encourage participation, inclusion and teamwork
Healthy eating and nutrition projects, such as community gardens, cooking classes or healthy food workshops.
Mental health and social wellbeing activities, including men’s and women’s groups, youth initiatives or peer support networks.
Cultural wellbeing programs that connect health to culture, language, art or traditional practice.
Community-led learning and capacity building, such as short training sessions, mentoring or events that build confidence and skills.
What we cannot fund
Grants cannot be used for:
Activities for commercial profit or private gain.
Retrospective costs or reimbursement for past projects
Purchase of vehicles or land.
Excessive catering (more than 10% of total budget).
Repayment of debts or loans.
Projects that duplicate existing funded programs in the same area.
Grant applications for multiple communities
Organisations can apply for funding for one or more communities, but must show:
that each community supports the project, and
how the activity will deliver benefits in each place where funding is requested.
Where an organisation applies for multiple communities, the application should clearly show:
The budget breakdown for each community
The local partners or people involved in delivering activities
How the project will make sure funding is shared fairly and benefits are spread locally.
Priority will be given to projects that involve local collaboration and genuine participation from each community listed in the application.
To apply, you will need the following:
Project summary and objectives
Budget and expenditure plan
Evidence of community support (e.g. letters, minutes, or photos)
Quotes or estimates (if relevant)
Contact details of key project leaders
All applications are to be submitted online through the GBK SmartyGrants portal.