Community Assistance Program

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) supports non-profit community based organisations with funding for grants and sponsorships towards projects and events that enhance the region’s well-being.

Council offers assistance to eligible organisations through six categories. Each program has its own set of requirements and processes, as well as time frames for funded projects and events.

Australia Day Community Event Grants

This program provides funding to support community organisations and groups to deliver Australia Day celebration event services, programs and activities that benefit the community and encourage connectedness. 

Amount: $3000 max per event

Eligible Events: Australia Day Projects

Community Development Grants

This program provides funding to support community organisations and groups to deliver services, programs and activities that benefit the community.

Amount: Up to 100% of project costs. $1,000 maximum

Eligible Projects:

  • workshops,
  • professional development or training courses,
  • consultants, speakers or expert advisors,
  • program or service development,
  • equipment or resources (excluding items that benefit members such as jersey, personalised sporting equipment)

Community Local Events Sponsorship

This program is a sponsorship arrangement to assist in the delivery of events that provide community development outcomes for the broad community and tangible benefits to Council through enhanced corporate image and/or revenue potential.

Amount: Up to 100% of project costs. $2,000 maximum

Eligible Projects:

  • community festivals, fairs and celebrations,
  • sporting carnivals and competitions (excluding school-run events),
  • performances and entertainment activities,
  • open days,
  • commemorative events.

Community Facilities Insurance Support

Purpose: This program provides financial support to assist community organisations with the cost of maintaining insurance cover on pre-approved rural community facilities below:

  • Alton Downs Hall Association
  • Bajool School of Arts Committee
  • Bouldercombe Hall
  • Gogango Recreation Hall
  • Kalapa Hall and Sports Committee
  • Ridgelands Hall
  • Stanwell Hall
  • Upper Ulam Recreation and Sporting Association
  • Westwood Hall
  • Wycarbah Hall and Sports Association

Amount: Funds up to $500

Community Regional Events Sponsorship

This program is a sponsorship arrangement to assist in the delivery of large events that attract a significant portion of attendees from outside the Region and provide community development outcomes for the broad community and tangible benefits to Council through enhanced corporate image and/or revenue potential. These events have a noticeable economic impact from the visitation to the region.

Amount :Up to 100% of project costs. $10,000 maximum.

Eligible Projects:

  • Community festivals, fairs and celebrations,
  • sporting carnivals and competitions (excluding school-run events),
  • performances and entertainment activities, 
  • State, Interstate and National events. 

Environmental and Sustainability Grants

This program encourages community-led environment and sustainability initiatives that align with and deliver on the objectives of Council’s Sustainability Strategy.

Amount: Up to 100% of project costs. $3,000 maximum.

Eligible Projects: Projects that align with Council’s Sustainability Strategy including:

  • education, awareness and capacity-building activities,
  • equipment or resources that support local programs,
  • practical community projects and hands on activities that support local environment and sustainability outcomes,
  • targeted energy, water or waste management improvements. 

Round Timeframes

  • Round 1 – Opens 22 May 2023. Closing 03 July 2023.
  • Round 2 – Opens 15 January 2024. Closing 26 February 2024.
  • Australia Day Grant – Opens 23 September 2023. Closing 03 November 2023. 

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be operating within the boundary of Rockhampton Regional Council's Local Government Area providing local projects and events that bring about positive outcomes for the community.

An organisation cannot receive funding from multiple assistance programs for the same project.

View the fact sheet for full eligibility criteria and guidelines.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the relevant application form for the Community Assistance Program from which they are seeking funding. 

The completed application form must include supporting documentation and any other evidence required. Submit applications via emailIf you have any questions, contact Community Services on 07 4936 8368 or via email.

After the round closing date, Community Services will assess your application. Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome within eight weeks of the round closure.

CAP Newsletter Updates

Subscribe to our bi-annual newsletter to receive updates on the Community Assistance Program including outcomes from each round, feedback on events and activities and more. 

Past Recipients

Round 1 2023/2024

  • 2023 APRA National Finals Rodeo
  • ASSIUC Recognition Celebration Events - 160 Years of ASSIs
  • Capricorn Animal Aid
  • Cathedral Parish of St Joseph - The Lights of Christmas 2023
  • Chaplain Watch Inc Litter Reduction and Education Campaign
  • Legacy Rockhampton and CQ Combined Services Dinner Outreach Transport 
  • Mount Morgan Wattle Day Festival
  • Multicultural Australia Upcycle Village Fair 
  • Narnia Kindergarten and Preschool Association Inc - New Desktop Computer 
  • RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Colour Me Capricorn Rockhampton 
  • Rockhampton City Band Celebrates 150 Years of Music 
  • Rockhampton Flexible Learning Centre Eco Warriers Sustainable Action 
  • 2023 Annual Rockhampton Bird Sale
  • Rockhampton Girl's Grammar School P&F Association Inc Recycling Hero Composting Project
  • Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club Inc - Qld Enduro State Championships
  • Rocky City Amateur Swimming Club Inc Rocky City - Container Collection Fundraising
  • Rocky City Amateur Swimming Club Inc Rocky City - November Major Night Finals Meet
  • St Mary's North Rockhampton Parents and Friends Native Bee Hive
  • Waraburra Primary P & C Association Gracemere Community Fair
  • Wycarbah Hall & Sports Association Group Fitness Class At Wycarbah Hall

View more information about recipients.