The City of Charles Sturt invites local businesses, artists, arts organisations, musicians, live music venues and residents to apply for funding to develop and deliver new ideas, initiatives or projects in our City.
Community funding and grants support the growth, creativity and vibrancy of our City. We are committed to building a strong, connected community with exciting places, sustainable strategies and economic opportunities.
We also list Expressions of Interest for Public Art commission opportunities throughout the year.
 Business Support Program |  Live and LocalFunding exhausted for 2023-24 |  Arts and Culture GrantsFunding exhausted for 2023-24 |
 Entrepreneur Scholarships |  Grant Guru and Other Funding |  Events and FestivalsFunding exhausted for 2023-24 |
FAQs
Yes, applicants are encouraged to contact our administration officer to discuss your idea and the type of support you are seeking.
Yes, applicants that received funding in 2022/2023 can apply for funding for a new project or initiative delivered in 2023/2024.
Previously funded projects or initiatives will not receive additional funding.
Yes, if the funding application is for a new project that has not received funding under one of the other funding options.
Business Support Program:
Once the agreed scope of works has been completed payment is made directly to the business advisor on the applicant’s behalf.
#shoplocal:
Payment under this program will be made directly to the business within 30 days of receipt of a signed funding agreement and tax invoice. The business agrees to acquit the funds within one month of completing the project, as per the funding agreement.
Live and Local:
Payment under this program will be made within 30 days after the service has been delivered and a tax invoice received from the applicant.
Arts and Cultural Grants Program:
Payment under this program will be made directly to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of a signed funding agreement and tax invoice. The applicant agrees to acquit the funds within one month of completing the project, as per the funding agreement.
The funding program does not support:
- Projects supported by another City of Charles Sturt funding program (including other funding streams within the Economic Support and Stimulus package).
- Competitions, prizes or awards.
- Priority of the program is to activate local businesses, non-council owned venues and public places, therefore, project proposals within City of Charles Sturt venues will be given a lower priority unless the activity offers a unique experience not currently available within the 2022/2023 curated program and/or no other venue is suitable.
- Projects that take place outside of City of Charles Sturt boundaries.
You will need to allocate sufficient time to meet with your business advisor to discuss your needs and to action any outcomes where your input is required.
You may wish to contribute additional funds to the business advisory to achieve further outcomes beyond the program (this is not a requirement).
Support with setting up Facebook and Google advertising can be provided however advisors have different criteria for the actual advertising spend and may request a minimum commitment for the duration of the campaign.
Interactive Map
Explore our interactive map below showcasing how our grants and funding packages made such a significant impact across our City last financial year. Stay tuned as we share progress on funding from this year's funding later in the year.
Summary of available grants
| Grant and funding stream | Eligibility | Maximum grant amount | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Support Program | Refer to the Business Support Program page for full eligibility requirements. | Up to $2,000 plus GST per business and up to $1,000 plus GST for sole traders. Businesses working collaboratively may receive up to a value of $5,000 plus GST | 1 July 2023 | 30 June 2024 or when funding exhausted |
| Live and Local | Refer to the Live and Local page for full eligibility requirements. | Up to $2,000 plus GST for solo, duo or trio performers. Up to $4,000 plus GST for bands comprising of four musicians or more. | 1 July 2023 | Funding exhausted for current financial year. |
| Events and Festivals Sponsorship | Refer to the Events and Festivals Sponsorship Guidelines. | Up to $7,500 for events up to 3500 attendees or up to $15,000 for events over 3500 attendees. | 1 July 2023 | 30 June 2024 or when funding exhausted |
| Arts and Cultural Grants Program | Refer to the two Arts and Cultural Grants program funding streams pages for full eligibility requirements: | Up to $5,000 plus GST (Arts Fund) Up to $2,000 Excl. GST (Neighbourhood projects) | 1 July 2023 | Funding exhausted for current financial year. |
| Heritage Conservation Grants | Support conservation or restoration works to recognised local heritage properties. | $2,000 matched funding | Open year round | 30 June 2024 or when funding exhausted |
| Discretionary Ward Allowance | The grant helps fund programs, activities and minor equipment purchases. Must support Council’s identified priorities in its Community Plan. | $22,000 per ward per financial year | Open year round | Applications received by the first week in May will be considered in that financial year. Applications received after this time will be considered in the next financial year. |
| Under 18s Sports Program Grant | Youth Sports funding is available throughout the year. Applicants must be residents of the City of Charles Sturt. | $2,500 maximum | Open year round | |
| Change Maker Program for Under 30s | Funding for youth with a new idea for a local community activity or identified a community opportunity. | Up to $1,000 per initiative | Open year round | |
| Waste Sorted Community Grants | Funding for not-for-profit community groups or sporting clubs within the City of Charles Sturt who are eager to implement projects that will help them to divert waste from landfill. | Up to $1,000 per community group, club, or not-for profit organisation. | Closed | Applications close 28 April 2023 |
We recognise that young people need additional financial assistance to compete in sports competitions at a state, national and international level. We offer a donation to eligible applicants through the Community Benefit Donation Scheme with the Under 18s Sports Program for individual young people under the age of 18.
- young people aged up to 18 years old at the time of the competition, who are residents of the City of Charles Sturt
- parent/guardian can apply on behalf of the applicant where the young person is under 18 years old
- Read the guidelines.
- Read the policy.
- Complete an application form.
Financial assistance to compete in competitions at a state, national and international level.
Location | Without health care card | With health care card | Ceiling - 10 or more from the same club |
Intrastate | $75 | $120 | $750 |
Interstate | $150 | $200 | $1500 |
Overseas | $250 | $300 | $2500 |
- applicant must be no older than 18 years old at the time of the competition
- must be a resident of the City of Charles Sturt
- have been selected by their State or Club to compete in a state, national or international competition, held either in this state, interstate or overseas (proof of selection must be provided)
Eligibility for funding does not mean your application will be successful. Under 18s Youth Sports Program Funding receives many applications and funding is limited.
Need help?
Customer Contact
8408 1111
council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au