The Small Grants Program offers financial support to a wide variety of project types that benefit the Alexandrina Council region and help to achieve Council’s strategic objectives, up to the value of $1,000.
Council's 2026-27 Small Grants Program opens for applications at 9am on 1 August 2026.
What type of activities will be funded?
The type of activities to be funded varies depending on whether a grant is being sought for a community project or an individual project.
Community Groups
Council is seeking to fund community-led projects that contribute towards creating a Liveable, Green and Connected Alexandrina and support our communities to thrive. Applications are invited from community groups to support projects, events or activities that align with objectives identified in any of the following Council plans:
- A2040 Community Strategic Plan: Our plan to thrive 2020-2040
- Climate Emergency Action Plan
- Better Together - A Plan for the Future: Community Wellbeing Action Plan 2022-2026
- Environmental Action Plan 2030
- Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030
Individuals
Applications are invited from individuals under 25 years or living with a disability residing within the Alexandrina Council area to undertake personal development opportunities within one of the following three categories:
- Arts, Culture, Music and Dance
- Sport and Recreation
- Community Participation and Leadership
Guidelines
Potential applicants are encouraged to read the Small Grants Program guidelines prior to commencing an application.
Download Small Grants Program guidelines for Community Groups here.
Download Small Grants Program guidelines for Individuals here.
How to apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Council’s Grants Officer 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 Small Grants Program Application Form, accessed via the SmartyGrants website link below.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within four weeks of the end of the month in which their application was submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility depends on which stream you are applying to. Applicants to the "Individual Stream" are invited from young people under 25 years or people of any age living with disability. Applicants to the "Community Group Stream" are accepted from not-for-profit community groups, charities or comparable organisations.
The total funding pool allocated to the Small Grants Program in 2026-27 is $20,000.
Grants of up to $1,000 are available for eligible community groups, and grants of up to $400 are available for eligible individuals.
No, there is no minimum funding request.
Funded projects must be completed within six months of funding receipt. 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.