How to get funds for your community project.
Council’s grants team run workshops and support sessions to help not-for-profit community groups submit strong applications for grant funding.
The first Sunshine Coast Council Major Grants round for 2026 is opening soon! Now is the time to get grant ready!
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the grants program strengthens the valuable contribution community groups and volunteers provide for our community.
“If you and your community group haven’t applied for Council funding before and don’t know how to start, Council’s grants team run workshops and drop-in sessions throughout the year to help you submit a strong application, starting in February,” Cr Law said.
“The team can help you write your application and find the grant that will work best for your not-for-profit group.
“Those groups that have applied previously and missed out, I encourage you to give it another go and reapply.
“Reach out to Council’s grants team about your application, attend a workshop or drop-in session and let the team provide you with advice and feedback to strengthen your next application.”
Are you eligible?
Funding is available for a range of local community organisations. Whether you’re a community development organisation, creative arts group, heritage society, local community hall group, industry group, chamber network or sporting group, or another eligible not-for-profit organisation,
Council funds projects, activities and events that benefit the Sunshine Coast community.
Which grant fits best?
Knowing which grant or grant category you should apply for can be confusing. Council’s Grants Team can help you find the right grant funding fit for your project.
Support sessions
Networking evening
The Grants team is holding the first networking evening for 2026 on Thursday, 12 February, 5.30pm at the Maroochy RSL.
Learn about Council’s Community Grants Program and hear from other local and regional funding bodies, including the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Unitywater, Stockland, the Buderim Foundation, and Maroochy RSL.
Stay after the session to enjoy a light refreshment and connect with other local community groups.
This event is free, but places are limited. Register on Council’s website grants page.
Grant Writing Workshops
Council workshops will help to build capacity and skills in developing a sound grant application and to provide details of our grant programs. You can attend in person or via a webinar hosted with Microsoft Teams.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Wednesday 4 February | 10.30am - 12pm | Namba Meeting Space, Nambour |
| Thursday 5 February | 10.30am - 12pm | Belvista Meeting Place, Caloundra West |
| Tuesday 10 February | 10.30am - 12pm | Kawana Forest Meeting Place, Meridan Plains |
| Tuesday 17 February | 12 - 1pm | Online webinar |
| Wednesday 18 February | 10.30am - 12pm | Coolum Civic Centre, Coolum Beach |
Visit Council’s website for more details and to book your spot.
Drop-in sessions
Pop into one of our free 'drop-in' sessions before, or while the Major Grant round is open. No appointments necessary, first in, first helped.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Thursday 29 January | 10am - 12pm | Kawana Library, Buddina |
| Monday 23 February | 10am - 12pm | Maleny Library, Maleny |
| Thursday 26 February | 10am - 12pm | Library+, Caloundra |
| Thursday 5 March | 9am - 12pm | City Hall, Maroochydore |
Visit Council’s website for more details.
Stay in the know
To receive information about upcoming grants and funding opportunities, and for details of our free Council Grant Writing Workshops or Webinars, sign up to our Grants and Funding eNews.
Can’t get to a drop-in session or workshop? Please contact Council’s Grants Team via email at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Many organisations offer grants including government departments, corporations, foundations and trusts. To access the free Sunshine Coast Funding Finder, check out our other funding opportunities page.