Council's Grants Programs

Council values cultural, community and sporting initiatives and events and acknowledges the contributions made by organisations to our community.

To support our community, and to ensure Council maintains a consistent, open and equitable approach for the consideration and distribution of Council funds, a Community Financial Assistance Program was implemented in 2018.  The Program covers three types of assistance.

• A 'helping hand' through the provision of funds for a specific purpose or event up to an amount of $1,000.
• The waiving of fees and charges on properties owned by a local not for profit community groups or organisations.
• Reducing leases and licensing fees on Council owned properties.

The application process to facilitate the provision of this financial assistance occurs throughout the year and is publicised in the local media, through community contact networks and on Council's social media platforms.

At the conclusion of the application submission period completed application forms will be assessed by an Evaluation Panel against an eligibility criteria.

Successful applicants will be required to report back to Council on how the funding was spent.

Application forms for the three different types of Financial Assistance available along with the Community Financial Assistance Policy and the Leasing and Licensing Policy (Council owned or managed land and buildings, including roads), are below.

For more information, please contact Council's Governance Officer on 6861 2335.

Community Financial Assistance Policy and Leasing and Licencing Policy

Parkes Shire Council has adopted in-principle a new Community Financial Assistance Policy and Leasing and Licencing Policy, coming into effect on 01 July 2019.

These new Policies will provide a fair, equitable and transparent process for the distribution of public money.

In-Principle Community Financial Assistance Policy(PDF, 194KB)

In-Principle Leasing and Licensing Policy 

Applications Forms

Community Financial Assistance - General Application Form

Community Financial Assistance - Rates and Charges Application Form

Community Financial Assistance - Leasing and Licencing Application Form

Public Notice of Funding Allocation

Public Notice is hereby given in accordance with section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 of Council's intention to grant $12,516.14 to eleven (11) organisations or community groups via Round 1 of the 2023-24 Community Financial Assistance Program. 

Click here to view form.

PRINTABLE FORM: Please click here for a printable version of this form. Once completed, please return to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or the Administration Centre at 2 Cecile Street, Parkes. 

Parkes Shire Council has joined forces with Northparkes Mine to provide financial assistance grants to sporting groups in the Parkes Shire. In a landmark three-year agreement, Northparkes and Parkes Shire Council will provide a total of $170,000 to be distributed for sporting related projects.

Parkes Sports Council administers the grants with the aim to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities in sport and to improve the sporting infrastructure within the Parkes Shire. The Sports Council is responsible for the care, control and maintenance of sporting fields in Parkes Shire. It also strives to foster active participation of the people of Parkes Shire in all forms of athletic sports.

Northparkes believes that to maintain a strong social license to operate they must have a positive influence on the long-term development of the communities that their operations may impact. Northparkes has sponsorship and donation programs focused on community-based initiatives aimed at building community capacity.

Funding is split between two distinct project types:

1. Participation Projects - that deliver a sport or physical activity participation experience to an identified group of people; and
2. Facility Development Projects - building new or upgrading sport and recreation facilities to support increased participation.

Each year $60,000 in grant funds are offered in two rounds of $30,000 each as follows:

• Round 1 Closing Midnight 30 March
• Round 2 Closing Midnight 30 September

How to Apply:

First, read the guidelines regarding the Sports Grants, which can be downloaded below. Note that the guidelines include a list of items that will and will not be funded under the program. For example, uniforms are now no longer funded. Please check the list when applying to ensure that you submit a complying application.

•  Sports-Grants-Policy-and-Guidelines-11-May-2023.pdf(PDF, 831KB)

Then, complete the online application form below.

Click here to view form.

Note: If this link does not work, try copying and pasting it into your browser address bar.

Help and Assistance

For more information about the Northparkes Mine / Parkes Shire Council Sports Grants or to seek assistance in completing an application, contact Council's Grants Officer on 02 6861 2333 or send an email to grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Honouring the memory of Ron Harrison OAM

Parkes Shire Council is honoured to offer the Ron Harrison OAM Memorial Sports Bursaries.

The purpose of the bursary is to:

1. Perpetuate the memory of the late Ron Harrison OAM, who passed away in 1985, for his contribution to the community of Parkes and district, particularly in the development of sport.
2. Provide financial assistance to sportspersons of the Parkes Shire, particularly those at junior level, who demonstrate the need for such assistance to develop their career.

The winners are announced in December, with a presentation to be made at the Australia Day awards in January.

To nominate, complete the online form below or email the details to sport@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

For more information about the Ron Harrison Sports Bursary, contact Council's Grants Officer on 02 6861 2333, or send an email to grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au.