Local community groups across the Blackall Range have exciting opportunities to secure funding for their projects, with Sunshine Coast Council offering free grant writing workshops right here in our region.
Whether you’re part of a sports club in Montville, a community group in Mapleton, an arts collective in Maleny, or any other not-for-profit organisation serving our Blackall Range communities, these workshops could help unlock funding for your next big idea.
Free Workshops at Your Doorstep
Council’s Grants Team is partnering with local libraries to deliver FREE 90-minute workshops between 16-31 July 2025. Blackall Range residents can attend sessions at nearby Maleny (17th July) or Nambour (16th July) libraries, making it convenient for our mountain communities to access this valuable support.
The workshops will cover everything you need to know about Council’s Major and Minor Grants, including:
- Eligibility requirements and assessment criteria
- How to plan compelling projects
- Tips for preparing winning applications
- Understanding category priorities
With the Major Grant round opening on 14 July and closing 25 August 2025, timing is perfect to get prepared. Bookings are essential, so secure your spot early.
Register online or see the library staff for more information: library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, Tel:54758989.
One-on-One Support Available
Need more personalised help? Council is also offering drop-in sessions at Nambour Library (3rd July, 14th August) where you can speak directly with Community Grants Officers. No appointment necessary – it’s first come, first served. These sessions run before and during the grant round, giving you flexibility to get support when you need it most.
Beyond Council Grants
The funding opportunities extend well beyond Council grants. Several external funding programs are currently open that could benefit Blackall Range community groups:
Australia Post Community Grants (up to $10,000, closing 7 July) are supporting projects that connect people and improve mental wellbeing – perfect for community initiatives in our close-knit mountain towns.
Nambour Community Foundation (up to $10,000, closing 31 July) supports organisations serving Nambour and surrounding areas, with focus areas including children, youth, Indigenous Australians, and people experiencing various challenges.
For sports groups, Woolworths Netball Grants offer up to $20,000 for facility upgrades (closing 29 August), while the Buderim Foundation provides up to $15,000 for community organisations in their region (closing 1 July).
Creative groups should note the Arts & Disability Initiative funding up to $30,000 for d/Deaf and disabled artists (closing 8 July), and various other programs supporting everything from children’s activities to women’s services.
Stay Connected to Opportunities
Council recommends signing up to the free Sunshine Coast Funding Finder – a comprehensive search engine that alerts you to relevant funding as it becomes available. This tool helps ensure you never miss an opportunity that could benefit your community project.
Get Started
Visit Council’s website for grant writing tips and resources or contact the Grants Team on 5420 8616 or grants@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au (office hours: 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday).
Don’t let funding opportunities pass by – with the right support and preparation, your community group could be the next to bring a fantastic project to life in the Blackall Range.
Additionally, local groups should note that MADCA (Mapleton and District Community Association) also offers community grants. More details are available on their website.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy and timeliness, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the article or the information contained within for any purpose.