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.
View the table below for a summary of available grants currently on offer.
Click here to explore a range of grants and funding opportunities targeted to our business, arts and events communities.
Summary of Available Grants:
| Grant and funding stream | Eligibility | Maximum grant amount | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts and Culture Grants Program | Refer to the Arts and Culture Grants Program page for full eligibility requirements. | Up to $5,000 | July 2026 | 30 June 2027 or when funding exhausted |
| Business Support Program | Green business Small business High-growth business 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. High growth business projects and businesses working collaboratively may receive up to $5,000 plus GST. | 1 July 2026 | 30 June 2027 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. |
| Energy, Heritage and Tree Maintenance Grants | Refer to the Energy, Heritage and Tree Maintenance Grants page for full eligibility requirements. | Amounts vary dependent on grant type. | Open year round | 30 June 2027 or when funding exhausted. |
| Event Grants and Event Sponsorship | Refer to Event Grants & Event Sponsorship Policy and the Event Grants Guidelines of Event Sponsorship Guidelines | Up to $2,000 no matched funding required or $2,001-$5,000 on 50% matched funding basis. Up to $2000 for equipment and infrastructure upgrades for live music venues, theatres, studios, and exhibition spaces. | Open - each grant has specific criteria |
|
| Shop Local Grant Program | Refer to the Shop Local Grant Program page for full eligibility requirements. | 50% match funding basis up to a maximum of $5,000 OR Up to $2,000 no matched funding | July 2026 | 30 June 2027 or when funding exhausted |
| Youth Achievement Grant Program | Youth Achievement funding is available throughout the year. Applicants must be residents of the City of Charles Sturt. | $325 per individual applicant | Open year round | 30 June 2027 or when funding exhausted.Youth Achievement Grant Program |
The Youth Achievement Grant Program aims to financially assist young people who have excelled in their chosen field, and have been selected to participate in sporting, cultural, STEMAL (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Arts & Language), or community activities. The Youth Achievement Grant is offered to eligible applicants under and up to the age of 18.
- young people aged up to 18 years old at the time of the competition/event/activity, 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 young people who have been selected to participate in competitions/events/activities (outlined in the Youth Achievement Grant Program guidelines) at a state, national and international level.
Location | Without concession card | With concession card |
Intrastate | $100 | $145 |
Interstate | $175 | $225 |
Overseas | $275 | $325 |
- Applicant must be a resident of the City of Charles Sturt
- Applicant must be no older than 18 years at the time of the competition/event/activity
- Applicant must be able to provide proof of selection to participate - this can include an official letter of selection, letter of invitation, or relevant supporting documentation.
- Applicant must be participating in an eligible category, as outlined in the Youth Achievement Grant Program guidelines.
- The application must be lodged in adherence to our timeframe requirements - no earlier than 2-months from the start date of the competition, no later than 2 weeks.
Eligibility for funding does not mean your application will be successful. The Youth Achievement Grant Program receives many applications, and funding is limited.
Applicants can only apply once per financial year.