Council Grants
The Rural City of Murray Bridge grants program offers a variety of funding opportunities that support community organisations and individuals deliver a range of projects, programs, events and activities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups to take advantage of the funds allocated by Council to support innovative projects, which contribute to the empowerment and development of the community.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge Grants Management Guidelines can be found here
Applications are made by completing the relevant online Application Form, accessed via the SmartyGrants website. For further information about the application process, read the relevant grant’s guidelines prior to applying and contact Council's Grants Officer to discuss your project ideas.
SmartyGrants Now Live – Apply for September Grants
Our Council has introduced SmartyGrants, a new online platform designed to make applying for Council funding easier, more accessible, and more efficient.
SmartyGrants is a trusted grants management system used by councils and organisations across Australia. The platform provides a simple and user-friendly way for community members, groups, clubs, and organisations to apply for and manage grant opportunities in one central location.
September Grants Program Now Open
SmartyGrants – Frequently Asked Questions for New Users
1. How do I create a SmartyGrants account?
Answer:
Click Register on the SmartyGrants login page and complete the required details, including your name, email address, and password. Once registered, you'll receive a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to activate your account before logging in.
2. I've forgotten my password. What should I do?
Answer:
Select Forgotten Password? on the login screen and enter the email address associated with your account. SmartyGrants will send a password reset link to your email. If you don't receive the email, check your junk/spam folder.
3. Can I save my application and come back to it later?
Answer:
Yes. SmartyGrants automatically saves your application when you click Save Progress. You can log out and return at any time before the closing date to continue working on your application.
4. Can more than one person work on an application?
Answer:
Yes. You can share access to your application with colleagues by using the Invite Participant or Collaborate feature (where enabled by the funding organisation). This allows multiple people to contribute to the same application.
5. What file types can I upload as supporting documents?
Answer:
Most programs accept common file formats such as PDF, Word, Excel, and image files (e.g., JPG, PNG). File size limits may apply, so check and ensure your documents meet the specified requirements.
6. How do I know if my application has been successfully submitted?
Answer:
After submitting, you should see a confirmation message on-screen and receive a confirmation email. The status of your application in SmartyGrants will also change from Draft to Submitted.
7. Can I edit my application after submitting it?
Answer:
In most cases, submitted applications cannot be edited. If you need to make changes after submission, contact Council directly on 85391100. Under some circumstances you may be allowed to be reopen applications before the closing date..
8. Who do I contact if I experience technical issues?
Answer:
For technical issues such as login problems, uploading documents, or system errors, first check the SmartyGrants Help Guide. If the issue persists, contact Rural City of Murray Bridge on 85391100 or council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au immediately and keep records (such as screenshots) of the issue where possible so specific support may be provided for your application process.
9. Do I need to pay to use SmartyGrants?
Answer:
No. Applicants can create an account, complete applications, and submit grant or funding applications through SmartyGrants free of charge. Any costs associated with running the platform are covered by Council.
10. What should I do if I can't upload a document?
Answer:
If you're having trouble uploading a document:
- Check that the file type is accepted (e.g., PDF, Word, Excel, JPG, PNG).
- Ensure the file size does not exceed the maximum limit specified in the application form.
- Try renaming the file using simple characters (letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens) and removing special symbols.
- Save the document and try uploading it again using a different browser if needed.
- If the problem continues, contact Council on 85391100 for assistance before the application closing date.
11. What should I do if I am running out of time before the closing date?
Answer:
If the application deadline is approaching:
- Submit your application as soon as all mandatory questions have been completed, even if you are still finalising non-essential information.
- Ensure all required supporting documents are uploaded before submission.
- Avoid waiting until the final minutes, as high demand, internet issues, or technical difficulties could affect your ability to submit.
- If you encounter a technical issue that prevents submission, contact Rural City of Murray Bridge on 85391100 or council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au immediately and keep records (such as screenshots) of the issue where possible.
Tip: Start your application early and save your progress regularly to reduce the risk of last-minute issues.
Get Started
Visit the SmartyGrants portal to apply and explore current funding opportunities.
🔗 Apply through SmartyGrants:
https://murraybridge.smartygrants.com.au/
For further support, please contact Council or attend one of the upcoming SmartyGrants information sessions.
Points To Remember:
Groups within the Rural City of Murray Bridge Council area must initiate the project/event which must take place within our Council area.
All applications are assessed on specific guidelines, which must be met for your funding to be successful.
Applications close in March and September each year.
The applicant must contribute (or get others to contribute) at least the same amount as requested in cash or "in-kind" support.
Applicants must be incorporated, if not, a letter from a suitable incorporated organisation agreeing to receive funds on the applicant's behalf must be attached.
Each grant is capped at $5,000.
Applications apply to events delivered within the same financial year and close in March and September each year.
Successful applications are announced via Council publications. The Grant and Events Sub-Committee meet soon after the closing of each round.
Event grants are now available through Council’s Grants Programs.
Council's Event Grants extend the community’s capability to conduct activities, create opportunities for community capacity building, develop and maintain sustainable community infrastructure and build strong partnerships for community.
Read the Event Grant Guideline for more information.
Points to remember
Two rounds are offered each year. The total funding available is subject to endorsement of Annual Business Plan & Budget.
Applications apply to events delivered within the same financial year and close in March and September each year.
Successful applications are announced via Council publications. The Grant and Events Sub-Committee meet soon after the closing of each round.
Applicants must be incorporated, not-for-profit or business with an ABN and evidence of this must be attached to the application.
Funding is available through three Grant Streams as follows:
- Regional Event, maximum funding $5,000
- Local Community Event, maximum funding $5,000, and
- Strategic Alignment, $5,000 + available (a business case is required to be submitted with the Application)
Applications for funding close on the 1st Friday in March and September each year.
Contact
Events Coordinator
events@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
This funding opportunity aims to provide training and educational opportunities for young people in Murray Bridge who may be at risk of becoming offenders. This fund was established to continue the community work of Zsolt Telkesi to give young people opportunities that they might not have been able to consider without the assistance of this grant fund.
$5,000 will be offered annually to eligible applicants meeting the criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the community grant round closures on the first Friday in March and September.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge will provide funding for environmental projects as part of Council's Community Grants programs and associated event initiatives.
This is a fantastic opportunity for not-for-profit community groups within the Rural City of Murray Bridge to seek funding for environmental projects, events and initiatives such as minimising waste going to landfill, adaptation to climate change, water conservation and revegetation projects.
Council requires funding for projects and events to be in partnership. This can be in the form of cash contributions, grants from other funding bodies or in kind support in the form of volunteer labour or materials.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be offered to eligible community groups subject to them meeting the criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the community grant round closures on the first Friday in March and September.
The Riverfront (Sturt Reserve, Wharf and Farmers Union Reserves) are major Riverfront destination sites perfect for community events. Council encourages activation through greater use for events throughout the year.
This category is targeted specifically at Community Group Riverfront Activation Events.
Grants will be offered to eligible community groups subject to them meeting the criteria. Riverfront Activation Funding is open all year round however applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the community grant round closures on the first Friday in March and September.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application with a Council Grants Officer prior to submission.
For further information on the Sport and Recreation Facility Grants - click here
It is strongly advised that people speak to Team Leader Youth Sport and Recreation Kevin Heyndyk before they begin to fill in the application form to discuss the project eligibility for the Sport and Recreation facilities grant program, on 08 85391127 or k.heyndyk@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
The objective of “Quick Wins” is to encourage community members and organisations to come forward with ideas for “wins” that are delivered by community and that can make a difference in quicker timeframes than more formal programs and strategies delivered by Council.
General all-purpose funding is available in between Community Grand Rounds for needs NOT fitting into other funding streams (including timing).
Quick Win (individual)
Up to $500 is available to support individuals representing the Rural City of Murray Bridge who are either performing, competing or presenting at a state, national or international level or similar.
Please Note: A letter of evidence must be provided with your application from the organisation confirming and supporting the individual application submission.
Quick Win (group)
Up to $2,000 is available for community groups, teams or organisations that require access to funding (in between community grant rounds) for justifiable programs, projects, events or sporting assistance.
Council aims to process applications monthly (except January) and if successful will be transferred in the middle of the month (dependent on Accounts Payable).
Quick Win (Community Owned Halls Building Insurance)
Up to $2,000 is available to assist with building insurance premiums for eligible community groups managing a community owned hall that benefits the wider community.
This community driven “wins” category is targeted specifically at larger Community Projects, Events, Programs and Activities that demonstrate an economic/tourist benefit or meet with a specific community need within the Rural City of Murray Bridge.
Quick Win (major) funding is open all year round (until fully expended), however applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the community grant round closures on the first Friday in March and September. This is likely to assist in delivering quicker turnaround times in decision responses for applicants.
Applicants must discuss their proposal with a Council Grants Officer prior to submission.
If you’re a successful applicant for a Quick Win (major) grant you immediately become ineligible for any other funding within 12 months from date of application and until acquitted.
Contact
Simone Zrna
Senior Community Development Officer
08 85391182
S.Zrna@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
Postal:
PO Box 421
MURRAY BRIDGE SA 5253
