Grants & sponsorship

Council provides assistance in the form of cash and/or hiring of Council venues and resources to eligible community groups and organisations for cultural, social, sport, sustainability and economic development initiatives.  Some arts & cultural grants are also available for individuals.

Note

  • Limited funds are available through a competitive process.
  • Applications are determined according to funding criteria and merit.
  • Applicants must use the correct form and follow the grant guidelines.
  • Applicants are to contact Council officers prior to submitting an application form. (Refer to grant information below for relevant contact details.)
  • Submission of an application is not a guarantee of success.
  • Before submitting an application, event organisers are responsible for confirming the venue, programming the event, obtaining all relevant quotes (including venue hire, labour, staffing, security and technical requirements) and securing all necessary permits, licences, insurances and other relevant approvals. This may include an Application for Temporary Entertainment Event ( PDF, 0.55 MB )

SmartySearch grant finder

SmartySearch is a free platform with access to a nationwide database of grants for not-for-profits, businesses, individuals, schools and more. This grant finder helps connect you to funding opportunities across the Cairns region and beyond.

SmartySearch

Council grants

Council's grants are listed below. Refer to each grant for eligibility criteria and information on how to apply.

Community Partnerships

Open
Events
Up to $25,000
This grant assists community groups and organisations to deliver events, activities and programs that enhance the lives of local communities.

Arts and Cultural Assistance (Individual)

Open
Arts and Culture
$500 - $5000
Council can provide in-kind assistance (not cash) for local community arts and cultural programs and activities that make a positive creative contribution to the region.

Arts and Cultural Assistance (Organisations)

Open
Arts and Culture
$500 - $5,000
Encourages the development of local community arts and cultural programs and activities and fosters opportunities for local arts and cultural activities that make a positive creative contribution to the region. Venue hire and resources only – not cash.

Arts and Culture Partnerships (Community organisations)

Open
Arts and Culture
$500 - $10,000
A capacity building grant for the development and presentation of new arts and culture works.

Arts and Culture Partnerships (Individuals)

Open
Arts and Culture
$500 - $10,000
A capacity-building grant to assist individual professionals and emerging artists to develop and present new work.

Councillors' Discretionary Funds (capital works)

Open
Capital Works
$100,000 per elected member
The Mayor and Councillors have discretionary funds that can be allocated to Capital Works of Council, for a community purpose.

Go Clubs Essentials

Closed
Community, Sport and Recreation
Max $5,000
This grant provides services that can be delivered by Council that support improved asset management initiatives (maintenance) including turf remediation.

Go Clubs infrastructure Assistance Grant – Cairns Celebrates 150 Years

Closed
Community, Sport and Recreation
$1,500 - $25,000
To assist local sport, recreation, arts, culture and community organisations with the development of improved facilities.

Industry and Economic Development Fund

Open
Economic Development
Up to $15,000
The Industry and Economic Development Fund aims to support local collaborators and organisations with the development and delivery of innovative projects that will have industry and economic benefits to the Cairns Regional Council area.

Major Events Sponsorship

Closed
Events
By negotiation
Council may sponsor major events to maximise regional benefits. Major event sponsorship proposals are competitive. Proposals are assessed against other regional opportunities.

Nature-based Learning Grant

Open
Sustainability
Max $2,000
This annual grant offers Cairns schools up to $2000 to assist with student excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics Rainforest and other environmentally focused experiences.

RADF Major Round

Closed
Arts and Culture
Up to $12,000
The Cairns Regional Council Major Grant Round is broad, encompassing and includes all arts streams. This category offers support towards projects and programs that create vibrant arts and cultural experiences.

RADF Small Arts Grant

Open
Arts and Culture
Up to $500
The Small Arts Grant offers grants of up to $500 for artists to access a wide range of resources to support their arts practice such as art materials, a catalogue, etc.

RADF Individual Professional Development Grant

Open
Arts and Culture
$1,500
This grant provides local artists with funds to attend professional development opportunities. Grants are capped at $1,000 for opportunities within Queensland and $1,500 for interstate and international travel.

RADF Flame.Arts Access – Leg Up Grants

Open
Arts and Culture
Up to $1,500
The Flame.Arts Access Program aims to create pathways to practice, career development and employment opportunities for artists who are often under-represented. Embedding a strategic and targeted focus to ensure tailored engagement by people with disability, young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creative practitioners.

Revegetation of Natural Areas

Open
Community, Sport and Recreation
Up to $20,000
This program provides funding to establish re-vegetation of natural areas to improve the native habitat, enhance natural areas and improve biodiversity.

Sustainability and Climate Action Grant

Open
Sustainability
Max $5,000
This annual grant offers non-profit organisations up to $5000 for projects that deliver emissions reduction, environmental conservation or climate change resilience.

Economic Event Partnerships

Closed
Events
N/A
This grant has been replaced by the Major Event Sponsorship program.

Major Events

Closed
Events
N/A
This grant has been replaced by the Major Event Sponsorship program.

Cairns Festival RADF Grant Round

Closed
Arts and Culture
Up to $10,000
Calling all artists, arts organisations, community groups, and youth and disability services! Join us in transforming the Cairns Festival into an international arts event with immersive and surprising experiences. Apply for funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to support your project.

Request for Proposals: Go Clubs Security Infrastructure Project 2026-27

Closed
Community, Sport and Recreation
$5,000 - 35,000
Go Clubs Security Infrastructure Project 2026-27

Last Updated: 6 June 2025

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