Financial assistance for community groups

THE City of Mount Gambier is now accepting applications for round one of the 2025/2026 Grants and Sponsorship Program.

The streamlined program combines all funding streams into two application rounds each year, providing a more accessible and coordinated approach to support the local community.

The program offers financial and in-kind support to eligible community groups and organisations for projects and initiatives aligned with council’s strategic plan, ranging from community events and infrastructure upgrades to creative arts and signature events.

City of Mount Gambier Manager Economy, Strategy and Engagement Biddie Shearing said council’s Grants and Sponsorship Program is an investment in the vibrancy and wellbeing of our city.

“We’re proud to support initiatives that contribute to a thriving and inclusive Mount Gambier, whether that’s through sporting infrastructure, large-scale cultural events, or local community-led projects,” Ms Shearing said. “This program is about enabling people and ideas that make a real impact.”

Council’s Grants and Sponsorships program assists with funds and in-kind support to host community events and projects, upgrade infrastructure or facilitate art projects in accordance with the Strategic Plan.

Grant categories:

Sport and Recreation Capital Works – Up to $50,000

Support for the development or renewal of sport and recreation infrastructure.

Creative Arts Fund – Minimum total project cost of $3,000

Funding for artists, community groups, and not-for-profits delivering creative public art projects.

Community Strengthening Grant – Up to $10,000

Funds for community projects that support community quality of life, increase the usage of community facilities and/or encourage people to participate in community services and activities.

Community Event Grant – $2,001 to $15,000

Funding for events that attract substantial economic benefit and visitation to Mount Gambier.

Corporate Sponsorship – Over $15,000

Funds for large scale signature events or programs that have the potential to be regionally, nationally or internationally significant.

Quick Response Grants – Up to $2,000

Funds to support small funding programs which were previously open on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

Venue Sponsorship

In-kind support for not-for-profit groups using Council venues for socially impactful activities.

Event Equipment Sponsorship – Up to $500

In-kind support for events with small equipment needs only.

Corporate Sponsorship was approved for the Adelaide Guitar Festival to host AGF Mount Gambier as part of round two of the 2024/2025 Grants and Sponsorship Program.

Adelaide Guitar Festival executive producer Sarah Bleby said the grant enables the festival to deliver free, family events and showcase local art and music professionals.

“We are enormously excited to be bringing two exclusive world-class concerts – artists you can’t see anywhere else – as well as a wonderful program of free, family friendly performances to Mount Gambier this coming October,” Ms Bleby said.

“The practical and monetary support from the City of Mount Gambier plays a vital part in enabling us to present a broad range of guitarists from across Australia and beyond in local venues and public spaces. It will be a weekend jam-packed with great music, all celebrating the humble guitar.”

Dwyer’s Boxing Club received a Quick Response Grant earlier this year for the Crater Clash event, a professional boxing event which brings elite fighters from around the world to compete in Mount Gambier.

Club Director Sam Dwyer praised the timeliness of the Grants and Sponsorship Program.

“As the costs of events has increased dramatically in the past five years, we are more and more reliant on sponsorship funding,” he said. “The Quick Response is crucial to our seed funding for our events, and the speed at which we can get the funding is also crucial.

“Due to the nature of timing for event sanctioning, we don’t always fall within the standard grant funding timelines. The flexibility with the Quick Response grant allows us to lock in the event sanctioning and still receive the required support.”

Applications must follow the specific guidelines for each category, available on council’s website – www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/grants

“We encourage applicants to explore the full range of categories to find the right fit for their idea or event,” Ms Shearing said.

“Our aim is to make the process as transparent and supportive as possible. If you’ve got a project that will bring people together, tell your story, and strengthen our city, now’s the time to put it forward.”

Applications are assessed by a panel of councillors and council staff based on pre-established criteria, with recommendations presented to council for final approval.

How to apply:

Download and complete an application form from the Grants and Sponsorship webpage and submit it along with all required attachments via email to [email protected]

For more information call Council on 8721 2555, or visit www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/grants

Applications close Friday, July 25.

Recommendations will be considered at the August 2025 Council meeting, and successful applicants will be notified shortly after.