Alexandrina Council’s Heritage Grant program provides financial support for a variety of heritage related projects across the Alexandrina region, contributing towards achieving the objectives outlined in Council's Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030. Council recognises the importance of retaining the charm and character of our township and rural environments for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
Applications were accepted from 12 noon on Monday 4 May until 3pm on Monday 15 June 2026 and have now closed.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of August 2026.
What type of activities will be funded?
Council is seeking to fund a range of heritage related projects that contribute towards creating a Liveable, Green and Connected Alexandrina and support our communities to thrive through the preservation, protection and promotion of the unique heritage of the Alexandrina region.
Projects should focus on one or more of the following five themes:
| Heritage Tourism | Enriching or improving a heritage experience by helping visitors develop a strong sense of understanding and appreciation of a place or region. |
| Conservation Practice | Conserving a heritage building or place to retain its cultural significance by way of preservation, restoration or reconstruction. |
| Adaptive Reuse | Sympathetically and creatively repurposing a heritage building or site to help ensure its survival and continued use while still retaining its heritage value. |
| Heritage Gardens and Fencing | Enhancing the character of a heritage building or place by maintaining or restoring garden elements with historic significance |
| Historic Research | Undertaking local historic research, documenting and sharing it with the wider community through a variety of audio-visual mediums. |
Guidelines
Potential applicants are encouraged to read the Heritage Grant Guidelines to get an understanding about the grant eligibility, application and assessment process, and important information.
How to apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Council’s Senior Policy Planner on 8555 7000 to discuss their proposal as well as read the grant guidelines before commencing the application process.
Applications must be made by completing the online Heritage Grant Application Form, accessed via the SmartyGrants website linked below.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not-for-profit incorporated community groups or legal entities with comparable status, as well as unincorporated not-for-profit community groups or individuals* auspiced by an appropriate incorporated entity. Businesses with an ABN and individual property owners are also eligible to apply.
*Individuals may require auspicing by an incorporated community group or comparable legal entity depending on the type of project to be funded. Individuals seeking funds for projects of a non-commercial nature which do not include any interaction with or activity involving members of the public do not require auspicing.
Grants of up to $2,500 are available for eligible entities. The total funding pool allocated to the Heritage Grant program in 2026-27 is $20,000, subject to Council's adoption of the Annual Community Plan 2026-27.
Yes, a minimum funding request of $1,000 applies to all applications.
Funded projects must be completed by 31 December 2027. Recipients must sign a Grant Funding Agreement prior to funds being processed which will outline the full terms and conditions of funding. A Grant Evaluation and Acquittal Report must be completed within two months of project completion. Non-compliance may affect eligibility for future grant funding.
SmartyGrants has a comprehensive online Help Guide for Applicants which should assist with most queries regarding the application process. If you’re still having difficulty, please call Council’s Grants Officer for further assistance on (08) 8555 7000.
You do not need to have development approval in place at the time of applying, although your application will be strengthened if you do. Applications will be accepted for projects that require development approval, provided the approval is sought and obtained before works commence. However, applicants must identify whether approvals are required and be able to provide evidence of approval, or written confirmation that approval is not required, before funding is released.
Depending on the nature of your project, you may need:
- Development approval under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016
- Approval for works to a Local Heritage Place
- Event permits (for exhibitions, public events or heritage tourism activities)
- Landowner consent, including for works on Council-owned land
- Compliance with building, environmental or safety regulations
All approvals must be obtained prior to commencing the funded activity, and applicants are responsible for identifying and securing relevant approvals.
If your project requires development approval, applications must be lodged through the PlanSA portal. In some circumstances, development assessment fees paid to Council may be refunded or waived in accordance with Council’s Development Assessment Fee Waiver and Refund Policy. Applicants should discuss their proposal with Council’s Senior Policy Planner early to confirm approval requirements.
Funding offers may be made conditional upon approvals being obtained by 31 May 2027. If approvals are delayed, refused, or cannot be met within the required timeframe, the funding offer will lapse. Grant recipients must notify Council as soon as circumstances arise that may affect their ability to meet funding conditions. Changes to project scope or timelines require written Council approval.
Heritage Awards
If you are successful in being awarded a grant in the Heritage Grants category, your project is most likely eligible for a heritage award. To nominate a project and for further information please head to the Heritage Awards page on our website!