The newly revised 2026-2027 Small Grants Program Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) is now open.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 28 September, 2026.

Each financial year Council invites eligible organisations to apply for financial assistance under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993. In 2026, Council resolved to merge the Community and Sports Small Grants, Arts and Cultural Small Grants and the Access Incentive Grant to create one more accessible and seamless Grants Program.

Key changes for organisations to note under the new program include:

• A stipulation that applicants must be not-for-profit, incorporated and community-based organisations or registered charities that are local, or provide a service to the Gunnedah Shire.
• Removing restrictions that made community groups or organisations already receiving other financial assistance from Council ineligible.
• The introduction of minimum and maximum funding allocations for each application. The level of funding available is dependent on the project but can be a minimum of $500 (GST exclusive) and up to $5,000 (GST exclusive).
• Nil requirement for co-contribution has been articulated.
• Ineligibility for requests to use the Section 356 grants to waive the cost of Council facilities or services.

Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate benefit to the organisation but also the broader community.

Eligibility

• Not-for-profit, incorporated, community-based organisations or registered charities that are local or provide a service to the Gunnedah Shire.
• Projects that have not commenced, or been completed, prior to notification of the grant outcome.
• Grant sought must be for projects of a non-recurrent nature.
• Successful applicants are only eligible for funding once every two (2) financial years.
• Applicants are only eligible to submit one application in each annual grant funding round.

Policy

Applicants are encouraged to read the new Small Grants Program under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Policy before they submit an application.

POLICY - Small Grants Program Under Section 356 of Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) - Adopted 12 August 2026.pdf

Forms

2026-27 S356 Small Grants Program - Application - FILLABLE.pdf

2026-27 S356 Small Grants Program - Declaration of Expenditure - FILLABLE.pdf

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au