Council and other external bodies provide a variety of grant and funding opportunities throughout the year to support community achievement in a number of social, sporting, cultural and environmental initiatives.
The diversity in grant and funding opportunities ensures there is something for everyone who has an idea or program that strengthens our community and our environment.
Donations are made at the discretion of Council and are subject to available funding. Eligibility does not guarantee receiving a donation.
The Community Grants and Donations Summary(PDF, 2MB) gives an overview of our grants and funding program.
How to Apply
Fairfield City Council offers a number of funds to individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations throughout the year to support community achievement in a number of social, sporting, cultural and environmental initiatives.
Donations are made at the discretion of Council and are subject to available funding. Eligibility does not guarantee receiving a donation.
Further information is available from Manager Governance and Legal on 9725 0222.
Applications in writing should be addressed to:
Manager Governance & Legal
Fairfield City Council
PO Box 21
Fairfield NSW 1860
The following details must be included:
- Name of person or organisation
- Contact details including physical and postal address, phone numbers and email address
- Purpose of the donation
- Amount
- An indication of the total expenses/budget for the project and, if necessary, documentary evidence to support the purpose of the donation, e.g. in the case where a purchase of equipment is sought, the inclusion of two written quotes for the desired equipment
- Payment details
- Two references supporting the requesting person/organisation, as well as the need/justification for the donation
If successful in receiving the grant, applicants must provide a receipt of funds received. Applicants must acknowledge Council's contribution at any event or in written documentation associated with it. At the end of the activity, applicants must write to Council with a report on the activity or event (including a photograph if available).
Community Volunteer Fund
The Community Volunteer Fund provides financial support of up to $1,000 to support existing or new community programs by volunteers and community groups within Fairfield City.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 160KB)
Councillors' Donations Fund
The Councillors' Donations Fund provides financial support of between $200 and $2,000 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations based in Fairfield City to support public purpose activities such as charities, economic development or help build communities.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 149KB)
Cultural Event Sponsorship Fund
The Cultural Event Sponsorship Fund provides financial support of up to $2,500 to enable community groups to seek financial assistance towards inclusive cultural events that demonstrate social and economic benefits to Fairfield City.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 48KB)
Language and Cultural Awareness Fund
The Language and Cultural Awareness Fund provides financial support of up to $1,000 for programs, activities or events within Fairfield City that help residents improve or practice their English language skills and/or develops cultural awareness programs.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 241KB)
Mayoral Community Benefit Fund
The Mayoral Community Benefit Fund provides financial support to individuals and community groups for deserving or worthy causes that support the Fairfield community. This fund covers areas where other donation schemes or grants are not suitable or available.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 137KB)
Mayoral Donations Fund
The Mayoral Donations Fund provides small one-off donations of up to $500 to individuals and groups within Fairfield City who build communities and help individuals achieve their full potential.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 149KB)
Mayoral Scholarship Fund
The Mayoral Scholarship Fund provides financial support of up to $2000 for academic, artistic, sporting or special needs to achieve their ambitions in order to realise a demonstrable commitment to the local community.
Provides financial support to persons in need for the purpose of furthering their education or gaining skills to become successful and to make a difference in the community.
Applications open August every year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(PDF, 123KB)
MAYORAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM(PDF, 28KB)
The Community Development Grants Program provides funding to not-for-profit community organisations that are based and/or operating within the Fairfield Local Government Area and/or principally servicing Fairfield residents. There are two rounds (March and September) each year.
Apply on Smarty Grants for the Community Development Grants program below.
Apply today
Download the Community Grants Program Guidelines(PDF, 3MB).
For more information contact Council's Customer Service team on 9725 0222 or email grants@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au.
Community Capacity Building
Community Capacity Building grants support emerging needs within our community and projects that facilitate and build community connections and capacity. It’s a good source of funding to try a pilot or develop an innovative solution.
Opens: 1 March
Closes: 31 March
Opens: 1 September
Closes: 30 September
Disability
People living with disability can be supported in several ways.
Opens: 1 March
Closes: 31 March
Opens: 1 September
Closes: 30 September
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention
For projects and activities raising awareness on issues concerning domestic and family violence prevention. For activities between 25 November and 10 December, supporting International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women campaign and 16 Days of Activism.
Opens: 1 March
Closes: 31 March
Refugee Week
Held in June, Refugee Week raises awareness about the issues affecting refugees and celebrates their positive contributions to Australian society.
Opens: 1 March
Closes: 31 March
Social Change Through Creativity Grants
Social Change through Creativity Grant Program encourages and supports creative-based projects that include and address issues of importance in the community.
One-off grants of up to $5,000 are available to not-for-profit groups or organisations.
Download the Application Form.
Download the Cultural Plan 2011-2016(PDF, 604KB)
Opens: 1 March
Closes: 31 March
Arts and Culture
The grants are open to all art forms, including film, visual art, music, literature, dance, theatre, digital media, augmented reality, virtual reality, and multi-disciplinary arts with a focus on assisting emerging and professional artists and art organisations in the development and production of work relevant to Fairfield.
Opens: 1 September
Closes: 30 September
Harmony Week
Held in March, Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and address racial discrimination.
Opens: 1 September
Closes: 30 September
Youth Week
Held in April, Youth Week is a national celebration of young people, organised by young people for young people. Youth Week activities aim to provide fun and free activities for young people, and opportunities for young people to be involved in the planning of the event.
Opens: 1 September
Closes: 30 September
Rapid Response
Community Capacity and Youth Rapid Response grants are for emerging needs that require a quick response. It’s important to speak to a relevant Council officer. A link to the funding application will then be provided.
2021 Fairfield ClubGRANTS program will open on Monday 1 March and close Wednesday 14 April 2021.
Apply today
ClubGRANTS is designed to ensure that larger registered clubs in NSW contribute to the provision of front-line services to their local communities; and to ensure that the disadvantaged in the community are better positioned to benefit from the substantial contributions made by those clubs. Fairfield City Council has again been appointed by the 10 participating local Clubs to administer the Fairfield ClubGRANTS Program for Category 1 expenditure on specific community welfare and social services, community development, community health services and employment assistance activities. (Please contact your local Clubs for Category 2 funding expenditure).
Eligible Category 1 expenditure is for projects and/or services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community, and are aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people.
For further details, please contact Council's Customer Service team on 9725 0222.
Completed projects are required to submit a report depending on the funding amount.
Download Funding amount less than $7,500 form(PDF, 707KB)
Download Funding amount more than $7,500 form(PDF, 798KB)
2021 ClubGRANTS Information Sessions
Fairfield ClubGRANTS Information Sessions
The Fairfield ClubGRANTS Information Sessions will be held in person and online at Fairfield City Council Administration Building on Wednesday 10 February 2021.
Session 1: 10am - 12pm
Session 2: 6pm - 8pm
Address: 86 Avoca Road Wakeley 2176, Committee Room 5.
Register to attend either session in person or online here by Friday 5 February.
Heritage Rate Grants provide funding of up to $5,000 for owners of heritage items for minor building alterations.
Applications are open each year from June to August.
Council will financially assist owners of heritage properties listed within Council’s Local Environmental Plan for essential maintenance and repair for minor work between $1,000 and $5,000 per project, on a dollar-for-dollar basis for ’minor building alterations’.
Under special circumstances, where the integrity of a heritage item is under threat due to serious damage resulting from a lack of timely intervention, consideration will be given to a two-dollar-for-dollar arrangement, subject to availability of funds and identified need.
Download the Heritage Rate Grants Policy(PDF, 94KB)
Heritage Rate Relief
The Heritage Rate Relief Program provides financial assistance to owners of heritage items as listed in Schedule 5 Environmental Heritage in Fairfield Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013.
Rates relief is automatically granted to eligible properties at 50% of the general ordinary rate, with a maximum amount of $3,000 per assessment.
For further information email mail@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au or contact the Project Officer - Planning on 9725 0222.
Download the Rates Relief Program Policy(PDF, 168KB)
Grant Writing Workshops
Date: Thursday 25 February | 10am – 12pm & 6pm – 8pm
Venue: Fairfield City Council, Room 5 | 86 Avoca Road, Wakeley (attend in person or join in online)
Register here
Social Change Through Creativity Grants Workshops
Date: Wednesday 24 February & Saturday 27 February | 10am – 5pm
Venue: Cabravale Leisure Centre | 30 Broomfield Street, Cabramatta
Register here