Northern Territory funding opens for community organisations

A new round of major grants are now available to support not-for-profits through the Northern Territory’s Community Benefit Fund.

These grants are a fantastic way for community organisations to increase their capacity and to build on and invest in the important work that they do for Territory communities.

In 2022-23, 362 community organisations and not-for-profits shared more than $17 million in grants, and the Territory Government is aiming to build on this success in 2024.

Among the organisations supported last year with funding were the Alice Springs Cricket Association who received $116,000 to install new Oval Lights and $225,000 was granted to support Tangentyere’s Art Centre renovations.

This round of Community Benefit Fund Grants includes:

• Major Community Grants: funding of up to $250,000 is available to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities to Territorians.

• Community Event Grants: funding of up to $250,000 is available to conduct major community events for the benefit of Territorians.

• Vehicle Gifting Grants: available to assist not-for-profits improve business operations and transportation requirements.

• Gambling Amelioration: funding to support the promotion of community awareness and education in respect of problem gambling.

RSPCA Northern Territory Operations Manager, Charles Giliam shared “The NT Government’s Community Benefit Fund has enabled much development of our shelter over the years, including contributing to our veterinary clinic and now our on-site Education and Training Centre. Without this financial support, RSPCA NT would not have been able to develop this key infrastructure that supports us to broaden our services and help more animals in need.

“Our newly completed on-site education and training centre will see us broaden our ability and partner with other organisations such as Happy Paws, Happy Hearts. Instead of taking trained pets to people, Happy Paws, Happy Hearts will bring socially isolated people to animals in need, a win-win for two complex social challenges. The facility will also support increasing education activities with our free schools program, RSPCA AWARE, already in operation across the Northern Territory.”

Over the past five years, more than $55 million has been invested back into our communities through the Community Benefit Fund, supporting local organisations and boosting services, while also continuing to support growth to the Territory’s economy.

The grants are additionally an important source of funding for gambling related research and amelioration programs focused on ways to reduce gambling related harm.

Applications for the Major Grant round are now open, with applications set to close on 28th February 2024

Further information about the Community Benefit Fund Grant Program, including how to apply, can be found here. 

Image. Credit: Alice Springs Cricket Association