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 all year

These grant streams are open until the budget is exhausted.

Destination Activation Grant - Major Event Attraction

OPEN 1 SEPTEMBER

Funding for iconic or major festivals and events in 2027 that attract visitors, support tourism growth and increase overnight stays within destination McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast.

Destination Activation Grant - Encore Winter Activations

OPEN 1 SEPTEMBER

The ENCORE Winter Activation Grant supports collaborations between local businesses, associations, and creatives for activations planned during the 2027 winter (low) season.

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.

Quick Response: Pathways

FULLY EXPENDED - OPEN AGAIN JANUARY 2027

Up to $1,500

Small amounts of funding to support residents to pursue their passion.

FULLY EXPENDED - OPEN AGAIN JANUARY 2027
Up to $2,000

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

Annual grants

These grant streams open once a year.

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.

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.

Community Facilities Development Fund

CLOSED
Up to $10,000

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

Community Events and Festivals

CLOSED
Up to $10,000

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

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.

Triennial grants

These grant streams open once every three years.

Partnerships Program

CLOSED, OPENING 2028/29
Up to $20,000

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

Commemorative Event Fund

CLOSED, OPENING 2028/29
Up to $12,000

Financial support for RSL delivered commemorative community events.

Set yourself up for success

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

Read the critical information for your chosen funding streams, including the relevant grant guidelines and the Grants & Funding Partnerships Framework(PDF, 489KB)
Speak to a council officer. We want to help you succeed in delivering projects, activities and events that are aligned to our Community Vision 2034
Take a look at our Grant writing made simple guide(PDF, 212KB)

Grant support

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

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	Nikki.Palmer@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Youth	Jenna.Bloom@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	Amanda.Atlee@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.