Twice each year these grants are open to not-for-profit incorporated organisations who can establish their need for a funding contribution to projects which would benefit the Noosa community.

The Climate Change Project Grant is available for applications from eligible not-for-profit organisations for projects which:

• Contribute to achieving net zero emissions for Noosa Shire by 2026
• Contribute to Council and the community building resilience to the impacts of climate change
• Assist Noosa Shire transition to 100% renewable electricity
• Increase the awareness, education, capability, and capacity of Noosa residents to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts

How much funding is available?

The  minimum  grant  amount  from  Council  is  $1,000  and  maximum  grant  amount  is  $30,000. 

Applicants are expected to contribute to projects wherever possible to satisfy the assessment criteria of providing ‘value for money’. Other funding sources may include: 

• Grants from other funding bodies – refer to Council’s More Grants and Guidance website page. 
• Sponsorship, donations of cash, materials, or expertise 
• In-kind or volunteer labour valued at a minimum of $44 per hour

The Climate Change Response Grants seek to support initiatives that accelerate community-led climate action at the local level. These grants are intended to mobilise the community, support vulnerable people, provide initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable Noosa. This is a new category of grants available from Council and it is envisaged that a variety of projects/programs will be put forward for consideration that could include, but not limited to:

• Education programs to build the capacity of the community to take action on climate change
• Pilot programs to trial emission reduction initiatives which are applicable to the wider community
• Studies to investigate how the community can reduce its household or business emissions
• Events to promote existing and emerging technologies to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change
• Sector specific programs to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change

The grant program is available to organisations who are seeking a financial contribution to a project which will benefit the residents of the Noosa Shire community and who:

• Are a legal not-for-profit organisation as defined by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) which are:
  • An incorporated association
  • A company limited by guarantee
  • A non-trading/non-distributing co-operative
  • An Indigenous corporation
• Comply with all governance and financial requirements of the State and Commonwealth as at the closing date for the grant program
• Have an active ABN
• Have a bank account in the name of the legal entity.

If not eligible the applicant may apply under an eligible auspice (administrator). The auspice organisation will take legal and financial responsibility for the grant and the project being delivered. See the section on auspicing below.

All applicants (including the auspice) must have:

• Appropriate insurances and adhere to sound Workplace Health and Safety practices
• No debt to Council, or have entered into scheduled payment arrangements that is being adhered to and
• Met obligations of agreement conditions for any previous Council grants.

Who cannot apply?

This grant program is not available to:

• Commercial businesses or business trusts
• Individuals
• Government agencies or departments of local, state or federal government
• educational, political or religious organisations, or primary health care providers, where the application is for the organisation’s core business
• Parents and Friends Associations, or Parents & Citizens Associations
• Kindergartens, Pre-school and day care centres
• Not for profit organisations with a liquor-licensed supporters/associated club that commercially trades seven days a week

Projects not eligible for funding

• Any projects conducted for commercial profit
• Any project conducted for the purpose of raising charitable funds for a third party.
• Events sponsored by Tourism Noosa except where the applicant can show there is a significant direct benefit to residents/environment/emissions
• The core business of educational, medical or religious organisations, or activities aimed primarily at economic development
• Items or services purchased or any project activities which happen outside the project delivery period.

• Phone: 07 5329 6437
• Email: grants@noosa.qld.gov.au