Open the menu

Community Grants

On this page: 

About the program

The City of Darwin Community Grants program supports one-off activities and events that benefit the community. 

You can apply for $1000 - $10,000 (excluding GST) for your project.  

You must be a not-for-profit organisation, or auspiced by a not-for-profit organisation. 

There are 2 rounds per year, each providing $50,000 in funding to community projects. 

You will be notified of the outcome within six to nine weeks of the round closing.

Please read the funding guidelines here. 

Currently we only accept written applications via SmartyGrants. If you have any access requirements, please contact the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or email communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au. 

Important dates 

Round 1 - opens 1 March and closes 31 March.  
For projects occurring July to December. 

Round 2 - opens 1 September and closes 30 September.  
For projects occurring January to June. 

Priority areas

  • New projects that benefit the community 
  • Partnerships between community groups and organisations 
  • Engagement and leadership by underrepresented populations/ diverse communities   

Who Can Apply

Who is eligible? 

  • Not-for-profit organisations 
  • Individuals or groups auspiced by a not-for-profit organisation 
  • Registered charities 

Who is ineligible? 

  • Commercial entities 
  • Individuals or informal groups without a not-for-profit auspicing body 
  • Federal, state and local government agencies 
  • Schools 

Other requirements 

Applicants must have: 

  • $20M Public Liability Insurance 
  • Not received other funding from City of Darwin in the same financial year, including sponsorship 
  • Fulfilled the conditions of previous City of Darwin grants by the due date and have no overdue debts 

What activities can be funded? 

Activities that: 

  • Are a new project or initiative  
  • Occur within the time specified for each funding round 
  • Occur within the Darwin municipality - see this map for ward boundaries. Please note, the Darwin Waterfront is not in the Darwin municipality and activities or programs in this location are not eligible for this grant 

What activities cannot be funded? 

  • Existing programs or operational costs 
  • An initiative that has previously been funded by City of Darwin 

If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or email communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au. 

*Auspice – if you are an unincorporated organisation, an individual or a group, you will need the support of an incorporated organisation to act as a sponsor, to be an intermediary for financial purposes. If you need support in connecting you with a suitable organisation please contact us. 

Eligible Expenses

The table below lists some of the common expenses and whether they are eligible. More details can be found in the funding guidelines.

Eligible and TBC expenses
  • Artist/performer fees
  • Facilitator fees
  • Catering costs
  • Equipment hire
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Project specific equipment and materials
  • Project specific administration and wages TBC
Ineligible expenses
  • Project specific capital upgrades
  • Contingency
  • Gifts and prizes
  • Alcohol
  • Insurance
  • Travel and accommodation

Assessment Criteria 

Your application will be assessed in relation to: 

  1. Benefit to the community  
  2. Viability  

These are the questions asked in the application: 

  • Project description
  • Project budget
  • Project rationale - Why do you want to do this project? Who in the Community will benefit? 
  • In what ways is your project accessible and inclusive? 
  • Project plan - What is your plan for achieving your project? 
  • Partnerships - Do you have any confirmed partnerships with other organisations or support from community groups? 
  • Support materials - Do you have any support materials you would like to include that demonstrate your ability to complete this project? 

Apply now

Round 1 opens 1 March and closes 31 March 

Round 2 opens 1 September and closes 30 September 

Before you apply, we encourage you to contact the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or email communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au 

Ready to apply? Visit SmartyGrants to start your application. 

Tips and resources 

When writing your application: 

  • Keep it clear and concise. Use plain language and get straight to the point.
  • Tell us why it matters. Explain the difference your project will make for the community and let your passion come through.
  • Assume we know nothing. Don't take for granted that we're familiar with you, your organisation or your project.
  • Back it up. Attach evidence of community support letters from project partners and anything else that shows why your project should be funded.
  • Budget Carefully. Prepare a detailed and realistic budget and include quotes wherever you can.
  • Ask for feedback. If you're unsuccessful, the Community Development Officer can talk you through why.

Templates 

Sample Budget 

Sample Project Plan - Timeline

Sample Project Plan - By Stage

First Nations protocols 

The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region. You can find information on cultural protocols including information on Welcome to Country by visiting Larrakia Protocols - Larrakia Nation. 

You can find the fees for cultural services such as Welcome to Country by visiting Larrakia Cultural services

Equipment for hire 

City of Darwin has a range of free and affordable equipment for hire, including: 

  • Promotional Banners
  • Fun and games for children 
  • Sound equipment 
  • Smoothie bikes 

Here you can find more information about equipment for hire.

Accessibility 

Here you can find an Accessible and inclusive events checklist. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve applied for a grant before. Can I apply again?

Yes. However, you should only apply for funding if it is for a new initiative.

Can my organisation submit more than one application?

Yes, but only one can possibly be funded.

How much money is available?

There is $100,000 in the Community Grants pool each year, made up of two rounds of $50,000. 

What’s the maximum I can apply for?

The maximum grant amount is $10,000 (excluding GST).

Can I apply again for funding for a project that has previously received funding?

Only if you are applying for a new initiative as part of that project. Organisations can’t be funded for exactly the same initiative more than once.

Can I apply again for funding for a project that has previously been unsuccessful?

Yes, but call for some advice first so that you know why it wasn’t successful the first time.

My organisation hasn’t sent in the acquittal (final financial report) from our last project. Can we still apply?

To be eligible for a new grant, your organisation needs to have sent in the acquittal. Please speak to the Community Development Officer if you have any questions about this.

Can I get funding for general expenses for my organisation?

No, grant funding is for the expenses of a project, not organisational costs.

Can I apply for money for wages?

Yes, but only the wages for the project, for example, facilitator wages to run a workshop.

Can I apply for a grant as an individual?

Only if you are aupsiced by a not-for-profit organisation. Contact the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au if you are unsure. 

When will I know if I have been successful?

Applicants will be notified 6-9 weeks after the round closes. 

​Do you accept handwritten or video applications?
Currently all applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants, in typed English. If you have any access requirements in relation to this, please contact the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au and they will assist you. 
What if I’m late with my application?

The system will not allow you to submit beyond the closing time and date. We cannot accept late submissions.

Can I get advice about what to apply for and what to write?

Yes, call the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or email communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au.

Any upcoming information sessions will be advertised on our social media. 

The guidelines say that projects should be sustainable. What does that mean?

This means that projects either need to start and end during the funding period or that there is a way they can continue after the funding has been spent.

Are the eligible expenses listed in the guidelines the only eligible expenses?

The funding guidelines are a general document that cover all City of Darwin’s funding streams. There are more eligible expenses than are listed, such as project-specific transport, venue hire and childcare. Contact the Community Development Officer on 08 8930 0300 or communitygrants@darwin.nt.gov.au if you are unsure.

Previously successful grants

Round 1 Community Grants Program 2026/2027

  • Cementworx Community Theatre, Darwin Community Arts Inc (Gunamidirra Workshops Performance)

  • Sahul & Sunda Arts Ltd (Living Motifs - Botanical Batik Workshops and Art Walk)

  • Multicultural Multigenerational Mainstream Dance Association (M3 Dance) (NT Street Dance Festival)

  • Dementia Alliance Darwin(Dementia Awareness: Walk, Jog, Connect )

  • Nigerian Association Northern Territory Australia (Cultural Identity Lab: Youth Dialogue Series for Multicultural Belonging)

  • Netball NT Inc (Community Netball Carnival)

Total: $50,000

Round 2 Community Grants Program 2025/2026

  • Y Northern Territory (Youth Led Video Podcast)

  • St John's Ambulance Australia NT Inc (Four custom built medical response bags for St John NT volunteer vehicles)

  • Foodbank SA NT (Three events to promote launch of Mobile Food Hub)

  • Happy Yess (Industry event series designed to pair First Nations performers with local artists to gain skills in live music production)

  • Tamil Association of the Northern Territory Inc (Tamil Harvest Festival that includes traditional practices and demonstrations)

  • Indian Association of the Northern Territory Inc (Indian cultural event - Festival of Colours - a vibrant and inclusive community event)

Total: $50,000

Round 1 Community Grants Program 2025/2026

  • Disability Sports Northern Territory (Abilities Unleashed Multi Sport Days)

  • Playgroup Association of the Northern Territory (St John's Caring for Kids First Aid Course for families)

  • Brother to Another LTD (Brother to Another Holidays Program)

  • Bus Stop Films (Bus Stop Films Inclusive Filming & Showcase Darwin 2025)

  • Darwin Triathlon Club (International Men's Day MultiSport Event)

  • Top End Pride (NT) Inc. (40 Years of Pride community event)

  • Northern Territory Cricket (2025 Multicultural Cup)

  • Speedcubing Australia Inc (Northern Territory Rubik's Cube Championship 2025)

Round 2 Community Grants Program 2024/2025

  • Football NT – will host the Refugee World Cup, an annual event celebrated on Australia Day where over 1000 Darwin locals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse attributes come together to play football.

  • Workforce Plus – will create a sensory community garden, an inclusive and accessible outdoor space designed for people with dementia and people with disability. 

  • Desexing Assistance and Community Support – will host Doggy Desexing Month in conjunction with vet clinics across the NT, supporting the community in desexing and microchipping their pets.

  • Sugarbag Incorporated – will host the Sugarbag Festival Block Party, a free arts and culture all-ages event that provides a platform for the community to come together and celebrate local talents. 

  • Sri Lankan Australian Friendship Association – will host a Sri Lankan New Year Festival aimed at celebrating the rich traditions of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, showcasing Sri Lankan heritage and promoting inclusion and harmony.

  • Indian Orthodox Church Darwin Inc - will host a reconciliation family fest that builds on the free breakfast program for homeless people that the church has run for three years.

  • NTAHC – will run a series of supported social events for women living with HIV to connect over a meal, addressing some of the unique challenges faced by this community. 

  • Variety the Children’s Charity – will celebrate 25 years of supporting teenagers with disabilities with a fun-filled afternoon of activities including art and craft, basketball, dance and music.

Total: $50,000

Round 1 Community Grants Program 2024/2025

  • YWCA Australia (Connected families barista training) 

  • Alliance Francaise de Darwin Inc (French rhyme time and playgroup) 

  • Corrugated Iron Youth Arts Inc (Youth Performing Arts Festival Futures Collide) 

  • Multicultural Seniors Social Club (Multicultural Seniors Evening) 

  • Multicultural Multigenerational Mainstream Dance Association Inc (Afrobeats Dance Project)  Darwin Community Arts (Immerse Interactive Sensory Disability Arts Project)  ARC Waves (Arts, Representation, Community Waves) (Podcast Production Project) 

Total: $50,000

Round 2 Community Grants Program 2023/2024

  • Multicultural Multigenerational Mainstream Dance Association Incorporated (Darwin K-pop Random Dance 50)

  • Neighbourhood Watch NT (Youth and Families Movie Screening)

  • Top End Pride NT Incorporated (Darwin Pride 2024 Pride March)

  • The Korean Association in Australia Northern Territory Incorporated (Northern Territory K-Pop Contest)

  • Darwin Malayalee Association Incorporated (Medamasa Ravu 2024)

  • Crime Stoppers Northern Territory (Pedestrian Road Safety)

  • Menzies School of Health Research (Supporting the wellbeing of First Nations renal patients through social and cultural activities in Darwin)

  • St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Inc (Easter)

  • Wildcare Incorporated (Show bags)

  • Wild North Arts Inc (Wild North Comic Con '24)

Total: $48,000

Round 1 Community Grants Program 2023/2024

  • Two Two One Mental Health Charity (Mental Health Night School - Trauma through a cultural lens)

  • Deaf Connect (Celebrating National Week of Deaf People 2023)

  • Happy Yess Community Arts Inc. (A 'bloody good celebration')

  • Vocalective auspiced by Arafura Wind Ensemble (Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn)

  • Fathima Ilma Ali auspiced by Melaleuca Australia (Arts and Fashion Show 2023)

  • Brother to Another (Brother to Another after hours identity program)

  • Geek Culture Collective NT (Game On)

Total: $50,000

Round 2 Community Grants Program 2022/2023

  • Top End Women's Legal Service Inc. (Be Different-Be Together Inclusive Program)

  • Northern Territory Multiple Births Club (Celebration for Multiple Birth Awareness Week)

  • Northern Territory Working Women's Centre Incorporated (Hidden Heroes Family Day)

  • Arafura Wind Ensemble Incorporated (Celebrating 30 years of community music making)

  • Arts Access Darwin, Darwin Community Arts (Tidal Reflections - a public art project by the Free Space Studio)

  • Vietnamese Community in Australia - NT Chapter (Tet Festival 2023 Celebration - Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

  • St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc. (St John NT Event Health Services Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Upgrade Project)

  • Darwin Men's Shed (Fridge Upgrade / Meal Preparation)

  • Nicole Brown Auspiced by Miyartiwi Dreaming Ltd (Indigenous Activation 2023)

Total $50,000

Round 1 Community Grants Program 2022/2023

  • CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation (Darrandirra Yarning)

  • Variety the Children's Charity Northern Territory (30th Anniversary Bash Free Family Fun @Mindil)

  • Northern Territory Momineen Inc. (Interfaith Eid Family Fun Day)

  • Amazing XR (Amazing VR E-Sports)

  • Darwin Skills Development Scheme Inc. (Artist with Sustainable Future)

  • Darwin Community Arts (Through Our Eyes)

Total: $50,000

Round 2 Community Grants Program 2021/2022

  • Two Two One Mental Health Charity (GO! Nights Cultural Connection)

  • Darwin Men's Shed (Safer Machinery for Members)

  • Melaleuca Australia (Kushona Collective-Men Sewing and Sharing)

  • Hindu Society of NT (Hindu Food Festival)

  • Tangan (Tangan Building a Collective)

  • Corrugated Iron Youth Arts (Nitestreet 2022)

Total: $50,000

Is there anything wrong with this page?Back to top

Help us improve this site

For feedback correspondence