Community Assistance Program

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) supports non-profit community based organisations with funding for grants and sponsorships towards projects and events that enhance the region’s well-being.

Council offers assistance to eligible organisations through six categories. Each program has its own set of requirements and processes, as well as time frames for funded projects and events.

Australia Day Community Event Grants

This program provides funding to support community organisations and groups to deliver Australia Day celebration event services, programs and activities that benefit the community and encourage connectedness. 

Amount: $3000 max per event

Eligible Events: Australia Day Projects

Community Development Grants

This program provides funding to support community organisations and groups to deliver services, programs and activities that benefit the community.

Amount: Up to 100% of project costs. $1,000 maximum

Eligible Projects:

  • workshops,
  • professional development or training courses,
  • consultants, speakers or expert advisors,
  • program or service development,
  • equipment or resources (excluding items that benefit members such as jersey, personalised sporting equipment)

Community Local Events Sponsorship

This program is a sponsorship arrangement to assist in the delivery of events that provide community development outcomes for the broad community and tangible benefits to Council through enhanced corporate image and/or revenue potential.

Amount: Up to 100% of project costs. $2,000 maximum

Eligible Projects:

  • community festivals, fairs and celebrations,
  • sporting carnivals and competitions (excluding school-run events),
  • performances and entertainment activities,
  • open days,
  • commemorative events.

Community Facilities Insurance Support

Purpose: This program provides financial support to assist community organisations with the cost of maintaining insurance cover on pre-approved rural community facilities below:

  • Alton Downs Hall Association
  • Bajool School of Arts Committee
  • Bouldercombe Hall
  • Gogango Recreation Hall
  • Kalapa Hall and Sports Committee
  • Ridgelands Hall
  • Stanwell Hall
  • Upper Ulam Recreation and Sporting Association
  • Westwood Hall
  • Wycarbah Hall and Sports Association

Amount: Funds up to $500

Community Regional Events Sponsorship

This program is a sponsorship arrangement to assist in the delivery of large events that attract a significant portion of attendees from outside the Region and provide community development outcomes for the broad community and tangible benefits to Council through enhanced corporate image and/or revenue potential. These events have a noticeable economic impact from the visitation to the region.

Amount :Up to 100% of project costs. $10,000 maximum.

Eligible Projects:

  • Community festivals, fairs and celebrations,
  • sporting carnivals and competitions (excluding school-run events),
  • performances and entertainment activities, 
  • State, Interstate and National events. 

Environmental and Sustainability Grants

This program encourages community-led environment and sustainability initiatives that align with and deliver on the objectives of Council’s Sustainability Strategy.

Amount: Up to 100% of project costs. $3,000 maximum.

Eligible Projects: Projects that align with Council’s Sustainability Strategy including:

  • education, awareness and capacity-building activities,
  • equipment or resources that support local programs,
  • practical community projects and hands on activities that support local environment and sustainability outcomes,
  • targeted energy, water or waste management improvements. 

Round Timeframes

  • Round 1 – Opens 26 May 2025. Closing 11 July 2025.
  • Round 2 – Opens 01 December 2025. Closing 02 February 2026.
  • Australia Day Grant – Opens 22 September 2025. Closing 03 November 2025. 

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be operating within the boundary of Rockhampton Regional Council's Local Government Area providing local projects and events that bring about positive outcomes for the community.

An organisation cannot receive funding from multiple assistance programs for the same project.

View the fact sheet for full eligibility criteria and guidelines.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the relevant application form for the Community Assistance Program from which they are seeking funding. 

The completed application form must include supporting documentation and any other evidence required. Submit applications via emailIf you have any questions, contact Community Services on 07 4936 8368 or via email.

After the round closing date, Community Services will assess your application. Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome within eight weeks of the round closure.

CAP Newsletter Updates

Subscribe to our bi-annual newsletter to receive updates on the Community Assistance Program including outcomes from each round, feedback on events and activities and more. 

Past Recipients

Round 2 2024/2025

  • Extreme Trampoline CQ - Extreme Trampoline CQ's 2025 - Autumn Classic & Qualifying Meet & Winter Classic
  • Gracemere Bowls Club - Gracemere Open Carnival
  • Capricorn Helicopter Rescue - Colour Me Capricorn
  • Ridgelands Campdraft & Rodeo Assoc Inc - Ridgelands Campdraft
  • Rockhampton Tennis Assoc - 100th Town & Country Teams Country Tennis Carnival
  • Regional Womens Network CQ - An Evening with Julie Cross - Australia's Most Entertaining Keynote Speaker
  • Stanwell Progress Assoc Inc - Stanwell Mothers Day Cent Sale
  • AFL Queensland - AFL Capricornia "Festival of Footy"
  • Glenmore Bulls AFC - Sir Doug Nicholls (Indigenous) AFL Round
  • UnitingCare Community - Lifeline - Lifeline Bookfest
  • RockyStart Inc - Romp In The Park
  • Australian Barrel Horse Assoc - Gracemere Hotel ABHA Capricorn Coast Classic
  • Mount Morgan Golf Club - 2025 Qld Ladies Sand Green Championships
  • Rockhampton Cycling Club - Rigarlsford Park Cyclocross - State Titles Preview
  • Rockhampton Golf Club Inc - Ian Weigh Toyota Rockhampton Pro AM
  • Fulfilling Dreams Inc - Playground Showdown FIBA 3 x 3 Quest Basketball Tour
  • Sri Lankan Assoc of Central Qld Inc - Sri Lankan Night
  • Parkhurst State School P & C - Parkhurst State School 125th Celebrations
  • Central Qld Animal Society Inc - Rockhampton Community Pet Wellness Event: Desexing & Microchipping Drive
  • Softball Queensland - Under 18 Men's State Championships