The NEW Community Grants Program!

The Shire is excited to be launching the new look Community Grants Program in September 2026.

The grants program has been streamlined into three grant categories to make applying for Shire grants more accessible and impactful for the East Pilbara community and the many organisations who contribute to it.

The new and improved Community Grants and In-Kind Support Grants categories will be available through two funding rounds per year – with the first round open for applications from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026.

Participation Grants will remain open all year round, with only minimal changes to the category features and application process.

To find out more about each category, including how to get grant ready for the upcoming round, check out the new Community Grants Program Guidelines and consider coming to one of our workshop and information sessions in August! To RSVP simply email Pippa at [email protected]

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Community Grants Program Aims 

Through the provision of grants and sponsorships the Shire of East Pilbara aims to:

  • Strengthen the community by supporting a diverse range of activities, projects and initiatives that are responsive and representative of community needs;
  • Build the capacity of individuals, community groups and local organisations to develop and implement sustainable solutions at a local level;
  • Enable community organisations to deliver events and activities that contribute to the objectives of the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan;
  • Encourage increased opportunities for community to come together and celebrate local people, places, cultures, histories and lifestyles;
  • Support projects that deliver social and economic benefits for the local community; and
  • Promote healthy living, wellbeing and life-long learning for community members.

Before applying for a grant it is important to read over the new Community Grants Program Guidelines to ensure that your organisation and planned activities align with the Shire's Grant Guidelines and Eligibility Requirements, as well as the specific Selection Criteria for the grant you are applying for.  

Once you have read over the Guidelines and looked at the grant information below, please contact the Coordinator Grants and Business Development on 08 9175 8027 or via email [email protected] to discuss your project idea and get advice to support your application.

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Community Grant: Small up to $6,000 & Large up to $12,000

The Community Grant is designed to support incorporated clubs, groups, charities and other not-for-profit organisations, to deliver events, activities and programs that provide positive benefits for the East Pilbara community.

There are two funding tiers, the Small tier of $6,000 and Large tier of $12,000, to ensure funding is allocated based on a project’s size, capability and potential for impact, while maintaining a single streamlined application and assessment process.

The program aims allow for a broad range of iinitiatives to be supported, reflecting the diverse nature of our local community and encouraging creative, place-based solutions to local needs.

The Community grant has two funding rounds per year, with the upcoming rounds and assessment timeframes as follows:

  • September 2026 Round: For eligible projects to be delivered between January 2027 and December 2027.
  • March 2027 Round: For eligible projects to be delivered between July 2027 and June 2028.

For detailed information, including recent changes to the application requirements and assessment criteria for each funding tier, please review the Community Grants Program Guidelines.

COMMUNITY GRANT: Next Round Opens 1 September 2026

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In-Kind Support Grant: Up to $6,000 value

In-Kind Support Grants are suitable for not-for-profit organisations requiring financial support to cover the cost of Shire facility use, equipment hire or services, for the delivery of low-cost community programs and events that align with the objectives of the
Strategic Community Plan. To be eligible you must be an incorporated not-for-profit association or ACNC registered charity (or have an eligible incorporated not-for-profit auspice).

In-Kind Support Grants can be used for:

  • Organisations delivering one-off or annual events; or
  • Start-up organisations requiring initial support; or
  • Organisations that require ongoing Shire facility use to deliver their programs and face temporary or long-term financial barriers with covering the costs incurred; or
  • Organisations with costs for Shire services associated with a temporary or short-term initiative. e.g., waste services.

The in-Kind Support Grant has two funding rounds per year, with the upcoming rounds and assessment timeframes as follows:

  • September 2026 Round: For eligible projects to be delivered between January 2027 and December 2027.
  • March 2027 Round: For eligible projects to be delivered between July 2027 and June 2028.

For detailed information, including recent changes to the application requirements and assessment criteria, please review the Community Grants Program Guidelines.

IN-KIND GRANT: Next Round Opens 1 September 2026

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Participation Grant: Up to $700, $1,000 or $1,500 (for state-wide, national or international activities)

Participation Grants are designed to provide opportunities for community members to develop professionally in the areas of arts, culture, sport, education, youth leadership or inclusion at a Regional, State, National or International level.

Individuals can apply for participation grants to support eligible costs for participating in high level competitions, training, conferences or other specialist development opportunities. Clubs, associations, schools or other not-for-profit organisations may also apply on behalf of individuals.

Grants of up to $700 are available for approved participation activities within WA, up to $1,000 for approved national activities, or $1,500 for approved activities overseas.  If more than 3 members of one club, school or association are applying for a Participation Grant, then the maximum allocation for all applicants is $1,500 for the activity. Please note, additional information will be required for national and international applications.

Participation Grants are open for applications all year round. But you must apply with all of the required information at least 1 month before your activity start date.

For detailed information, including the application requirements and assessment criteria, please review the Community Grants Program Guidelines.

Apply now!

PARTICIPATION GRANT: Find Out More & Apply

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Reach out for support!

The Shire’s Grant team are always happy to help, so please reach out if you have any questions or would like feedback and assistance with your application.

Phone the Grants and Business Development Coordinator on 0460 291 551 or email [email protected]

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Check out the Funding Centre

To find out about other funders and grant opportunities that may be suitable for your project, check out the Funding Centre.

The Shire provides access for all community members to this handy grant's lookup portal, where you can search for grants suitable for your organisation and project type. Don't forget to select your organisation type in the eligibility section and filter the search to show WA or East Pilbara grant options. Remember to check the grant program guidelines and selection criteria to ensure a grant is right for you.