Grants & Community Funding
Financial support for arts, culture, community projects, events, and infrastructure in Mareeba Shire. Discover grants, how to apply, and tips for successful applications.
RADF - Regional Arts Development Fund
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and cultural development. RADF provides grants to artists, arts workers, and community organizations to develop skills, create new works, and deliver arts activities that benefit the community.
Grant Amount
Up to $10,000
per project (most grants $1,000-$5,000)
Who Can Apply?
- Individual artists & arts workers
- Community groups & not-for-profits
- Schools & educational institutions
- Must be Mareeba Shire resident/based
What Can Be Funded?
Projects & Activities
- •Workshops, masterclasses, artist residencies
- •Public exhibitions, performances, festivals
- •Creation of new artworks (visual arts, music, theatre, dance, writing)
- •Community arts projects & public art
- •Arts skill development & professional development
Eligible Expenses
- ✓Artist fees, tutors, workshop facilitators
- ✓Materials, supplies, equipment hire
- ✓Venue hire, insurance, public liability
- ✓Marketing, promotion, printing
- ✓Travel & accommodation (within Queensland)
What's NOT Funded?
- ✕Ongoing operational costs, administration, wages
- ✕Purchase of capital equipment (e.g., computers, cameras – hire OK)
- ✕Projects that have already started or been completed
- ✕Fundraising activities (unless arts-based with clear community benefit)
- ✕Religious or political activities
Application Deadlines & Process
RADF grants are assessed quarterly. Typical deadlines are early March, June, September, and December. Check the MSC RADF page for exact dates.
Download Application Form
Available on MSC website or request from Council
Complete Application (allow 2-3 weeks)
Provide project description, budget, timelines, evidence of planning, letters of support
Submit by Deadline
Email or deliver to Council. Late applications not accepted.
Assessment (4-6 weeks)
RADF committee assesses applications. May request clarification or budget adjustments.
Notification & Funding Agreement
Successful applicants sign funding agreement, complete project, submit acquittal report with receipts.
Past Successful RADF Projects
Mareeba Heritage Museum Public Art Project
$4,500 grant for Indigenous artist to create large-scale outdoor sculpture telling local Djabugay stories
Kuranda Amphitheatre Music Festival
$8,000 for free community music festival featuring 15 local and regional musicians
Youth Theatre Production Workshop Series
$3,200 for professional theatre practitioner to deliver 8-week workshop series with final public performance
Photography Masterclass with Visiting Artist
$2,800 for renowned photographer to deliver weekend intensive workshop for 20 local photographers
Community Partnerships Program
Mareeba Shire Council's Community Partnerships Program provides funding and support for community-led projects that enhance the wellbeing, liveability, and social connection of residents. This program complements RADF by supporting broader community development projects beyond arts and culture.
Funding Categories
- Minor Grants: Up to $2,000 for small projects, events, equipment
- Major Grants: $2,000-$10,000 for significant community infrastructure or programs
- In-kind Support: Council plant, equipment, staff time, or materials
Who Can Apply?
- Incorporated community groups & not-for-profits
- Sporting clubs & recreation groups
- Schools, P&Cs, parent groups
- Environmental & conservation groups
Examples of Funded Projects
BMX Track Lighting Upgrade
$8,500 for LED floodlights enabling night training and events
Community Garden Establishment
$4,200 for raised beds, irrigation, tools, and signage
Senior Citizens Hall Ceiling Fans
$1,800 for installation of 6 ceiling fans for summer comfort
Application Process: Similar to RADF. Applications assessed by Council community development team. Contact Council on 1300 308 461 to discuss your project before applying. Pre-application meetings highly recommended.
Tips for Successful Grant Applications
1. Start Early & Do Your Research
Good applications take time. Start at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline. Read the guidelines thoroughly, review past successful projects, and ensure your project aligns with the grant's objectives and eligibility.
2. Contact Council Before Applying
Book a pre-application meeting or phone call with Council's grants officer. They can advise on eligibility, suggest improvements to your project design, clarify budget questions, and review drafts. This significantly increases your chances of success.
3. Demonstrate Community Benefit
Assessors want to see clear evidence that your project will benefit the Mareeba Shire community. Include:
- • How many people will participate or benefit?
- • Which community groups will be involved?
- • What need or gap does your project address?
- • Letters of support from community members, organizations, or Council
4. Provide a Realistic Budget
Your budget must be detailed, itemized, and realistic. Include:
- • Quotes or estimates for all major expenses
- • Evidence of in-kind contributions or volunteer support
- • Other funding sources (grants, fundraising, sponsorship)
- • GST included where applicable
Don't inflate costs or underestimate – assessors have experience and will spot unrealistic budgets.
5. Show Organizational Capacity
Demonstrate your group can actually deliver the project. Include resumes/bios of key people, evidence of past successful projects, governance documents (if applying as organization), and risk management plans for larger projects. First-time applicants should start with smaller projects to build track record.
6. Follow Instructions Exactly
Use the official application form. Answer all questions. Provide all required attachments. Meet word limits. Submit by the deadline. Applications that don't follow instructions may be rejected without assessment.
External Grant Sources
Beyond Council grants, numerous Queensland Government, Australian Government, and philanthropic funding sources are available to Mareeba Shire groups and residents.
Queensland Government Grants
Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF)
Up to $35,000 for community groups, sporting clubs, and not-for-profits. Equipment, infrastructure, programs.
justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-benefit-fundingGet in the Game Grants
Sport & recreation infrastructure, equipment, and participation programs for clubs and councils.
qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegameQueensland Rural & Industry Development Authority (QRIDA)
Loans and grants for primary producers, rural businesses, disaster recovery.
qrida.qld.gov.auAustralian Government Grants
Stronger Communities Programme
Up to $20,000 for community infrastructure (halls, playgrounds, equipment). Apply through your federal MP (Kennedy electorate).
communitygrants.gov.auVolunteer Grants
$1,000-$5,000 for volunteer-involving not-for-profits to purchase equipment, uniforms, training.
communitygrants.gov.au/grants/volunteer-grantsRegional Arts Fund
Federal arts funding for regional artists and organizations. Larger projects than RADF ($10k-$50k+).
arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/regional-arts-fundPhilanthropic & Corporate Grants
Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Wide range of grants for rural/regional communities. Environmental, social, infrastructure projects.
frrr.org.auBendigo Bank Community Grants
Local branch in Mareeba offers community grants to local groups. Contact Mareeba Community Bank branch.
Our Community / Funding Centre
Searchable database of 2,000+ Australian grants. Subscription service with free trial.
fundingcentre.com.auCouncil Grant Support
Mareeba Shire Council's Community Development team can help you navigate grant applications, provide letters of support, and offer advice on project planning.
Letters of Support
Council can provide letters of support for grant applications to external funders. Allow 2-3 weeks. Contact Community Development team to request.
Pre-Application Advice
Book a meeting or phone call to discuss your project, review your budget, and get feedback on your application before submitting.
Project Planning Help
Council can advise on permits, insurance, risk management, volunteer recruitment, and project delivery to strengthen your application.