Other Financial Assistance applications are open to any persons, community groups or private gain entities in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act.

The type of projects, events or activities that can be funded under this category, with dollar-for-dollar match funding and meets the eligibility criteria, are:

• Projects and programs for the Hills community
• Heritage projects.
• Events for the benefit of the Hills community.
• Declared natural disaster recovery activity.
• Charity fundraising.

Completed applications will be assessed quarterly by a panel determined by the Mayor or General Manager, chaired by either the Mayor or delegate, minimum of three councillors and an external member such as the audit risk assessment committee, followed by a report to council for endorsement.

Individuals, not for profit community organisations and commercial/private organisations can apply under this category if they match funding (dollar-for-dollar) over $2,501.

What types of projects, events and activities may be funded?

• Community projects, disaster fundraising, and/or events with matching dollar-for-dollar that align with community target areas listed within the annual Operations Plan and meet the eligibility criteria with at least a 50% score.
• Grant funds for expenses and/or equipment must be for the benefit of the intended recipients of the activity and this will need to be clearly articulated in the budget application for Council to assess. The intention of the Council funding is to deliver increased community outcomes for the recipients and should not be used for items such food, event collateral or speaker fees without demonstration that local pro bono experts have been canvassed. This will need to be clearly articulated in the application. 
• Organisations who are disaster or charity fundraising will need to clearly articulate how the funds will be used for the benefit of the end recipient not just administration or other expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible to apply:

• Applicants for the annual Community Grant round must be a recognised legal or corporate entity such as a charity, not-for-profit, deductible gift recipient, nongovernment, or community-based organisation that provides community services and programs where the activity must be carried out within The Hills LGA
• Individuals who are Hills LGA residents, organisations who are disaster fundraising, and private gain commercial organisations can only apply under the Other Financial Assistance Grant Category in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act. Community groups can apply for ad-hoc grants under this category.

Ineligible to apply: 

• Projects that are not located or held in The Hills LGA. 
• Organisations or individuals with outstanding completion reports or acquittals from previous funding. 
• State and Federal Government agencies and their entities (including NSW Government schools, Area Health Services and public hospitals). However, these organisations should consider whether they have an incorporated not-for-profit body (such as a P&C Association or hospital auxiliary) that may be eligible to apply for grants not involving school or government infrastructure.
• Councillors, staff and their immediate family, individuals who are not residents of The Hills LGA. Any conflict of interest may exclude the application from proceeding at Council’s sole discretion.

The following types of projects are not eligible:

• Illegal or immoral activities and political projects as well as projects that duplicate existing programs are unable to apply. Projects that should be funded as a core responsibility from other sources such as State or Federal Government are not eligible.

• Phone: 9843 0322
• Email: grants@thehills.nsw.gov.au