Grants and funding

Got a great idea for your community? The City of Onkaparinga offers a wide range of grants and funding to individuals, community organisations, creatives, events and business sectors.

Our grants program provides funding to support the delivery of projects that build inclusive and resilient communities, in line with our Community Vision 2034 aspirations.

Grants for who?

  • For individuals
  • For community organisations
  • For arts, events and festivals
  • For business, tourism and social enterprises  

Grants open until expended

Quick Response: Pathways – closed

Up to $1,500

Small amounts of funding to support residents to pursue their passion. This includes the participation in skill development, leadership or representative sporting opportunities that they have been selected or self-nominated for.

Thanks to overwhelming interest, our Quick Response Grants have now been fully expended. We’re proud to have supported so many meaningful projects and opportunities for our residents—stay tuned for future opportunities.

Quick Response: Community - closed

Up to $2,000

Small amounts of funding for community organisations and eligible individuals to facilitate connection, social inclusion, access and participation. 

Thanks to overwhelming interest, our Quick Response Grants have now been fully expended. We’re proud to have supported so many meaningful projects and opportunities for our residents—stay tuned for future opportunities.

Destination Activation – opening 1 November

Up to $30,000

Funding to support tourism growth and enhance the night-time and winter economy.

  • Event Attraction: $30,000

    Eligibility includes volunteer-run community groups, not-for-profit organisations, businesses, sole traders, individuals (including artists), and business and tourism associations.
  • Precinct activation: $10,000

    Eligibility includes business and tourism associations, businesses and volunteer-run community groups (auspiced by business and tourism associations). 

Local Heritage Conservation Fund - open

Up to $10,000

Reimbursement for a portion of the cost for conservation work on privately owned heritage places.

 

Sustainability Rebates - open

Cash back for residents to support sustainable household choices. 

Annual grants

Connected and Sustainable Communities – closed

Up to $10,000

Funding to deliver projects that build inclusive and resilient communities where residents are more connected with each other and the natural world. 

Open to not-for-profits, community groups (auspiced), accredited social enterprises, Aboriginal corporations and Torres Strait Islander corporations, creatives/sole traders delivering not for profit projects. 

Community Spaces and Facilities Improvement – closed

Up to $10,000

Funding to support groups to undertake works that will further activate and future proof a public space.

Open to not-for-profits groups with a formal partnership with the council (e.g. lease arrangement) and community-owned sporting facilities.

Community Events and Festivals – closed

Up to $10,000

Funding to deliver events that enhance local culture, celebrate social connection and contribute to the liveability of the region.

Open to not-for-profits, unincorporated community groups (auspiced), sole traders with creative pursuits delivering a not-for-profit project.  

Local Artists – closed

Up to $7,500

Funding to support the creative practice of local talent and increase visibility of artistic diversity across the Onkaparinga region.

Open to individual artists and groups of practicing artists that reside in the City of Onkaparinga, and not-for-profits. 

Local Business – closed

Up to $10,000

Funding to support the growth of small businesses that bring economic opportunities, diversity and innovation to the City of Onkaparinga.

Open to for-profit and registered small businesses based in the City of Onkaparinga.

Triennial grants

Partnerships Program – opening early 2026

Up to $20,000

Funding to support established projects and iconic events that help make the region the great place that it is.

  • Healthy and green communities: open to not-for-profits, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander corporations
  • Vibrant creative communities: open to not-for-profits, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander corporations, trustee of a trust

Commemorative Event Fund - opening 1 October

Up to $12,000

Financial support for RSL delivered commemorative community events.

Open to RSL sub-branches delivering commemorative events within the municipality.

Set yourself up for success  

There are a few things you should do before you’re ready to apply.  

Grant support 

Interested in applying for a grant but unsure of where to start? We’ve got you covered.  

Grant writing workshops

Learn tips, tricks and tools to craft a great grant proposal.  

McLaren Vale Visitor Centre | 19 August 5.30-8.30pm | FULLY BOOKED

Grant drop-in sessions

Got a great idea for your community? The City of Onkaparinga 2025/2026 Annual grants open 21 July.  

Swing by our Grants Drop-In Session to get grants advice. Come chat, brainstorm and learn how we can help bring your ideas to life. No appointments needed – just drop in. 

We recommend reading the guidelines and making a start on your application before attending a drop-in session to get the most benefit from it.

14 August Arts Centre, Port Noarlunga 10am – 2pm
19 August Seaford Community Centre, Beach Room 10am – 2pm

Key council contacts

The below table details key council officers you can speak to. These officers are a great resource that we encourage you to access when you develop your project and grant application.  

For grant specific question or tips on which grant stream is most appropriate for your idea contact a member of the Grants team at 8301 7355 or grants@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.

Priority area Council officer
Arts and cultural development Anna.Hughes@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Community Find your local officer here! Still unsure? Connect with Chris.Martin@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Community festivals and events

Jaimi.Bradshaw@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Nikki.Palmer@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Youth Joshua.Stokes@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Environment Conservation – Nikola.Manos@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Sustainability education – Alexandra.Lea@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Waste education – Lynda.Wedding@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Inclusion Andrew.Brown@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Local business Glenn.Hickling@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Precinct activations

Event attraction

Eulonda.Bolger@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Viv.Collins@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Positive Ageing Judith.Lowe@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Reconciliation Jason.Haskett@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Sport and recreation Kane.Harrison@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Marcus.Maddaford@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

 

Onkaparinga Funding Finder

Use the Onkaparinga Funding Finder - our free grant search tool to help you identify other funding opportunities.

Onkaparinga Funding Finder

Partnering with First Nations communities

When planning a project with First Nations communities it is respectful to consult early and at each phase of the project. Allow time for consultation, as cultural protocols may require discussion before giving a response. Expect to pay for cultural advice, as it is a specialised service. Clearly outline the project's goals and how cultural aspects will shape it. For more information in working with First Nations communities please take a look at our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Looking after our natural environment

A healthy natural environment is foundational to communities. The council will not fund any projects that create significant adverse impacts to the natural environment, including but not limited to:

  • Landscapes: no substantial alteration of natural landforms, vegetation clearing or soil degradation.
  • Waterways: no contamination, redirection, obstruction, or degradation of rivers, streams, wetlands, or groundwater.
  • Airspace: no generation of significant air pollution, noise pollution, or disruption to avian habitats and flight paths.

Projects should minimise waste generation and implement strategies for waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Reach out if you want to discuss in relation to your initiative.

Project stories

Additional resources

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