Local government assistance to community organisations

Local governments can give grants directly to community organisations in line with their community grants policy. Where a local government has budgeted money for councillor discretionary funds, councillors may allocate those funds to community organisations for community purposes, in line with the local government’s community grants policy.

Local governments must have a community grants policy that includes the criteria for a community organisation to be eligible for a grant.

This information helps local governments to run their community grants programs. It also helps with how councillors use their discretionary funds under the law and using good practice.

Local governments must follow the local government principles contained in section 4 of the Local Government Act 2009 and the City of Brisbane Act 2010. These principles are:

1. transparent and effective processes, and decision making in the public interest
2. sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services
3. democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement
4. good governance of, and by, local government
5. ethical and legal behaviour of councillors, local government employees and councillor advisors.