Overview

Woollahra Council has set out a vision for a thriving, sustainable and resilient community that will benefit future generations.

Our annual Grants Program helps us work towards this vision by offering grants to local community projects and new initiatives. The grant categories include:

  • Community and Cultural Grants
  • Environmental Grants
  • Placemaking Grants
  • Business Sector Support Grants

In 2023, we adopted a new policy and guidelines to help guide and provide a framework for the allocation of Council's grants. Over the past two years, the program has offered a total of $516,343 to 98 projects.

We have recently reviewed the Policy and Guidelines and are now asking the community for feedback.

The draft Grants Policy and Guidelines include new and updated elements such as:

  • New guidance for grant applications that are primarily for markets
  • Commitments under Council’s Child Safe Policy
  • Clarification of project expenses that are not eligible for funding (including staff salaries, payroll expenses and political purposes)

We invite you to complete the feedback form below by Thursday 23 October 2025.

Draft Grants Policy and Guidelines

The updated draft Grants Policy covers:

  • The program's overarching principles
  • A clear framework on how Council seeks, assesses and governs the allocation of its grants
  • Eligibility requirements
  • An outline of the process
  • How the program aligns with Council's strategy and goals
  • Related definitions for terminology
  • Relevant legislation relating to the Grants Program

The updated draft Grants Guidelines cover:

  • The application process
  • The general selection criteria
  • Selection criteria relating to each grant stream.

Find out more about our Grants Program.

To ensure the continuous improvement of Council's Grants program, Council reviews the policy and guidelines every two years.

We have received feedback from Councillors, Council staff, the community and grant applicants. This feedback has helped to shape our latest draft Grants Policy and draft Guidelines Policy.

We provided a report to Council on 24 September 2025 and Council approved the documents to be exhibited for public feedback.

We are now inviting the community to share your feedback on the draft documents.

After the public exhibition period, we will review all feedback and make any required amendments to the Policy and Guidelines. A final report for adoption will be presented to Council.

Have your say

We want to hear from our local community. We invite you to share your ideas and feedback via one of the following methods:

  • Online: Please complete the survey form below.
  • Email: we also accept feedback via email direct to records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au quoting reference: Woollahra Council Grants Program Review 2025
  • Mail: Letter addressed to the General Manager at Woollahra Council, PO Box 61, Double Bay NSW 1360

Feedback closed 11.59pm on Thursday 23 October 2025.