On this page:

Overview

  • Open

The $22 million Community Development Fund is designed to support the implementation of opportunities identified by communities in their Local Development Strategy.

It aims to maintain the momentum for the economic transition built up through the Local Development Strategy program and continue the development of new industries and opportunities.

Allocation of the funding available will be through two funding streams.

The Community Development Fund is open until 30 June 2026.

Funding streams

The fund is being delivered as a contestable fund, where projects are assessed against merit criteria to identify those projects that can be supported.

The fund will use two funding streams.

Who is eligible?

Funding Streams 1 and 2

Applications for both funding streams will be considered from a community or industry group including:

  • an incorporated community organisation
  • local government authority
  • a business and industry cluster or network
  • non-profit organisation
  • chamber of commerce, business association, education and research organisations.

Funding Stream 2 only

Applications for Funding Stream 2 will also be considered from:

  • Private sector businesses
  • Additionally, where applications under Stream 2 are for infrastructure projects that will create investment and jobs, applications may be considered from:
    • utility and services providers
    • water corporations
    • local government authorities
    • incorporated not-for-profit organisations that operate as a business.

How to apply

Ensure eligibility

  1. Read the application guidelines carefully to establish the proposed project’s eligibility
  2. Read the grant agreement terms and conditions for the funding offered
  3. Discuss the proposed project with a Community Transition Coordinator who can provide advice on the guidelines:

Once a DEECA Community Transition Coordinator has confirmed the project's eligibility to progress, a link to the Expression of Interest form will be provided to the applicant.

Stream 1 applications do not require an Expression of Interest to be submitted and will be provided with a link to submit an application.

Prepare and submit an application

Once eligibility is confirmed and an Expression of Interest accepted, potential applicants will be provided a link to submit an application by a Community Transition Coordinator.

Applications should clearly and succinctly describe the project by detailing:

  • the proposed activity or project objective and outcomes
  • the proposed activity or project plan, including timelines, deliverables and governance arrangements
  • the demonstrated community support for the proposed activity or project
  • how the proposed activity or project demonstrates value for money and assists the community to transition and generate future economic growth and jobs
  • project budget
  • how the proposed activity or project aligns with the Local Development Strategy
  • resource requirements
  • potential proposed activity or project risks and how they will be managed
  • evidence of endorsement by the Local Development Strategy Leadership Group, or community endorsement if a leadership group has not been established
  • evidence of any relevant permits or approvals required to deliver the proposed activity or project.

Applicants who have not previously applied to the Fund (except for exempt organisations such as Local Government Authorities and universities) must provide audited or accountant prepared financial reports for the last three years before their application.

This should include Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and any Notes to the Accounts. Where the latest financial report is more than 6 months old, a current Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet must be supplied.

Applicants may also be required to provide this information when submitting future applications.

The DEECA Community Transition Coordinator can assist applicants to understand the documents required and advise on other options if they cannot provide annual reports and audited financial statements.

Key dates

Round 3 Expression of Interest close: Wednesday 21 January 2026

Round 3 applications close: Monday 2 February 2026

Community Development Fund Round 1 recipients

Community Development Fund Round 2 recipients

Frequently asked questions

Page last updated: 04/07/25