Grant Opportunities

In support of the Mareeba Shire not-for-profit sector, Council monitors grant funding made available by other organisations.

The grant opportunities below provide key details about a selection of current and reoccurring grants with a community focus.

If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive Community Grant Alerts, please email info@msc.qld.gov.au or contact 1300 308 461.

ABC Future Fund Grants for Indigenous Organisations

Small Event / Activity Grant (up to $2,500), Larger Grant funding is also available

  • Eligibility: Open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations where over 50% of the workforce ownership/management and over 50% of grant beneficiaries are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Focus Areas: On-Country Education, On-Country Care, and On-Country Research & Development. These programs should align with the ABC Foundation’s strategic priorities and have a measurable, lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
  • Purpose: Provides one-off funding for small-scale community events or activities that bring people together and create positive local impact.
  • Application Timing: Available year-round with project funding depending on the availability of the Future Fund. The ABC management committee reviews applications 2-3 times per year.

More Information:  Please visit Future Fund | ABC Foundation Ltd.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF)

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is an initiative to help not-for-profit community groups. Funding is available for projects that benefit Queensland communities.

With more than $60 million available each year funding helps these groups to:

  • improve community facilities
  • buy equipment and vehicles
  • run community programs and events
  • provide services and activities for Queensland communities.

The Queensland Government provides the fund. The Department of Justice manages it.

Innovate with NBN Grants 

Delivered by nbn in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, the program recognises regional and remote businesses and organisations using digital technology to benefit their communities.

Seven $15,000 grants are available across AgTech and Environment; Arts, Culture and Tourism; Education; First Nations Business; Health and Wellbeing; Innovation for Productivity; and Women in Regional Business. One winner will receive an additional $20,000 Champion Award.

Applicants must be based in regional Australia, connected to the nbn network, hold an ABN and a corresponding Australian bank account, and apply in one category.

Applications close 12 October 2026

For more information visit: Innovate with nbn Grants Program | nbn

Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Bank – Bendigo Bank Community Sponsorship Round

Got an idea that will make a difference? Apply today and help create lasting benefits for our community.

The community sponsorship program facilitates mutually beneficial partnerships with eligible organisations in our community.

For more information, please visit https://Communitybankmareebadimbulah.smartygrants.com.au/2026grants

The Touring Queensland Fund is focused on supporting regional communities’ access to high-quality arts and cultural products and events, including music gigs.

  • Up to $100,000 for a single tour of any length or touring program across or up to 12 months. Applicants can apply for up to 50% of project costs.
  • Additional funding of up to $10,000 is available to support costs associated with increasing access for artists and/or audiences with disability

Program objectives

  • Increase arts engagement in Queensland’s regional communities through touring
  • Grow audiences and markets for Queensland artists and organisations through touring
  • Increase access to inclusive and quality arts and cultural experiences

Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal

Strengthening Rural Communities

There are two streams of funding available within the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Program: Small and Vital and Prepare and Recover.

FRRR’s Small & Vital program supports thriving, resilient, and sustainable remote, rural and regional communities across Australia. In particular, priority will be given to projects that:

  • Support communities to implement generational transition;
  • Invest in outback, remote, and less resourced communities;
  • Build capacity and resourcing for a just and equitable energy transition;
  • Support First Nations-led initiatives that strengthen culture, country, economic participation, and reconciliation.
  • More Information: Strengthening Rural Communities — Small & Vital | FRRR
  • Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.

RAF Quick Response Grants, Flying Arts Alliance

RAF Quick Response Grants aim to support arts or cultural projects and individual professional development activities that cannot be funded by other means because of their nature of timing.  Regional artists, arts organisations and communities can apply for funding up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organisations, for expenses such as artist fees, travel costs, materials, venue and equipment hire, insurance and administrative costs.

Quick response grants are open ten times per year not including December or January.  

For more information and access to current grant round, visit: RAF Quick Response Grants – Flying Arts Alliance

Mt Emerald Wind Farm – Community Enhancement Fund

Applications are accepted all year round and reviewed twice a year (post 31 January and 31 July) by a committee comprising local volunteers.

The fund is designed to share the financial benefits of the wind farm with not-for-profit groups, associations and clubs that make a positive difference to the local community.

Organisations with projects within a 50km radius of the Mt Emerald Wind Farm and 40km of the Windy Hill Wind Farm are eligible to apply for a grant from the fund.

For more Information and access to current ground round, visit: Community – Mount Emerald Wind Farm (ratchaustralia.com)

The John Villiers Trust

The John Villiers Trust’s granting is aligned to the strategic goals of building partnerships and strategic relationships with communities.  Funding is available for charitable organisations with DGR status for projects that enhance the wellbeing and development of children and youth in rural Queensland and demonstrates potential outcomes across more than one area of social need e.g. health, social welfare, education, disability. Applications reviewed regularly, no closing dates.

More information: Home – The John Villiers Trust

Wettenhall Environment Trust, Small Environmental Grant Scheme

Grants support projects that enhance and maintain the vitality and diversity of the Australian natural living environment.

Grants between $2,000 and $15,000 are available through the Small Environmental Grant Scheme which supports flora and fauna conservation projects, including monitoring, community education, capacity building and research.

The next round is to be announced.

More information: Wettenhall Environment Trust

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