Grant funding available for local community organisations

Penrith City Council is opening two grant funding programs in May and is inviting local non-profit organisations and community groups to apply. Applications are now open for grants under the ClubGRANTS program, and Community Assistance Program (CAP) grants. 

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said both programs will enable funds to be distributed to local organisations who play a significant role in supporting the needs of the community. 

“The grants will allow community organisations to plan and run events and projects that benefit our community, it helps the organisations themselves build the kinds of skills, resources and networks that allow them to grow,” Cr Hitchen said. 

“Often these organisations do a lot with very little and enrich the lives of many, often working together with other community groups to achieve better outcomes for the people of Penrith City.” 

CAP Grants 

Council’s annual Community Assistance Program (CAP) offers grants of up to $1,500 for local non-profit community groups to use toward projects that strengthen the community, address community needs and improve opportunities for participation in Penrith City.  

Focused on supporting local non-profit community groups to meet community needs, CAP is a great opportunity for local volunteering and community groups to receive help in getting their worthwhile ideas off the ground.  

Community groups can use CAP to:  

• Connect to their local community   
• Deliver programs differently   
• Expand or adapt their services for new and growing needs   
• Purchase resources   
• Develop their skills   

Projects are prioritised according to the eligibility and assessment criteria. To be eligible for funding, projects must:  

• be delivered by community based non-profit organisations  
• be one off activities (suitable for one off funding)  
• be of direct benefit to Penrith City residents  
• encourage participation by Penrith City residents, including disadvantaged community members (in line with Council’s Access and Equity Principles). 

Round opens on Monday 30 May until Friday 8 July.  

ClubGrants 

Each year clubs across NSW provide support to tens of thousands of local community organisations and charities that make a difference in their local area. Penrith Category 1 ClubGRANTS is a community development funding program sponsored by local Registered Clubs and administered by Penrith City Council.  

To be eligible, applicants must be a not-for-profit organisation with projects that address specific community welfare and social services, community development, health services and employment assistance activities, as well as projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people. 

In 2021, ClubGRANTS committed over $546,000 to 30 organisations in the Penrith LGA for the delivery of 31 projects. These projects increased community wellbeing and supported a diverse range of groups across the community.   

Round opens on Monday 16 May until Friday 17 June.  

For information, eligibility criteria and applications for CAP Grants and ClubGRANTS visit penrith.city/grants