Community Support and Funding

GRANT CLOSED FOR 2024/25

Up to $2,000

The purpose of these grants is to contribute to community life in Dorset. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for financial assistance towards programs, projects or events that improve the well-being of people living in Dorset.

2024/25 - Round 1 Small Grant Guidelines

2024/25 - Round 1 Small Grant Application Form

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Critical Dates listed in their relevant Guidelines. Make sure to review these guidelines prior to submitting a grant application.

The following is a sample Grant Evaluation Form, which successful applicants have to complete within two months of spending their grant funds. We recommend reviewing this document prior to submitting a Grant Application - Sample Grants Program Evaluation Form

** Community groups wanting to apply for ANY funding stream must first contact Elizabeth Hadley to discuss project eligibility and feasibility. Elizabeth can be contacted on 03 6352 6569 or via email elizabeth.hadley@dorset.tas.gov.au

GRANT CLOSED FOR 2024/25

Up to $15,000, and with matching contribution

The purpose of these grants is to provide community groups and organisations with additional resources for community-driven projects that enhance and strengthen the Dorset community - note, funds must be matched (with a matching dollar value of cash and/or in-kind contribution from the requesting group or organisation). All projects are initiated, planned and implemented by community members, in partnership with Dorset Council.

2024/25 - Round 1 Community Matching Grant Guidelines

2024/25 - Round 1 Community Matching Grant Application Form

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Critical Dates listed in their relevant Guidelines. Make sure to review these guidelines prior to submitting a grant application.

The following is a sample Grant Evaluation Form, which successful applicants have to complete within two months of spending their grant funds. We recommend reviewing this document prior to submitting a Grant Application - Sample Grants Program Evaluation Form

** Community groups wanting to apply for ANY funding stream must first contact Elizabeth Hadley to discuss project eligibility and feasibility. Elizabeth can be contacted on 03 6352 6569 or via email elizabeth.hadley@dorset.tas.gov.au

GRANT CLOSED FOR 2024/25

Up to $15,000

The purpose of these grants is to provide community organisations with funding for projects that are on land owned or managed by Dorset Council. Prior to applying for a Discretionary Grant, please ensure that you have consent from Council for approval of your project.

2024/25 - Round 1 Councillors Discretionary Grant Guidelines

2024/25 - Round 1 Councillors Discretionary Grant Application Form

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Critical Dates listed in their relevant Guidelines. Make sure to review these guidelines prior to submitting a grant application.

The following is a sample Grant Evaluation Form, which successful applicants have to complete within two months of spending their grant funds. We recommend reviewing this document prior to submitting a Grant Application - Sample Grants Program Evaluation Form

** Community groups wanting to apply for ANY funding stream must first contact Elizabeth Hadley to discuss project eligibility and feasibility. Elizabeth can be contacted on 03 6352 6569 or via email elizabeth.hadley@dorset.tas.gov.au

Policy 63 - Event Funding

Note: You may require particular permits and/or licenses in order to run an event or place signage. Please contact Council for more information.

Financial assistance is available to eligible individuals that reside in the Dorset municipal area who have been selected to represent Tasmania or Australia in a national or international sporting elite competition or cultural event. Applicants must meet the criteria listed in Council Policy No. 4.

Policy 4 - Sponsorship of Sporting and Cultural Representatives

To apply click here

Dorset Council provides eight scholarships annually for local community members to further their education. These have been named in honour of the late Mayor Barry Jarvis, who was a strong advocate of education in Dorset.

Applications are NOW OPEN and must be submitted by 5pm, Monday 24 February 2025. Application forms can be downloaded below or obtained from the Council Office. Completed applications should be emailed to development@dorset.tas.gov.au, mailed to Dorset Council, PO Box 21, Scottsdale 7260 or hand delivered to 3 Ellenor Street, Scottsdale.

Barry Jarvis Scottsdale High School Scholarships

These scholarships are intended to assist local students to continue their studies in Grade 11 or 12 at the Scottsdale High School. It is hoped providing additional financial support will help local students reach their full potential here in Dorset.

Five (5) $500 scholarships are available for Grade 11 or 12 students in 2025.

High School Scholarship Application Form

Barry Jarvis Apprenticeship / Traineeship Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to assist a local community member interested in undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship realise their aspirations by providing additional financial support during such training.

One (1) $1,000 apprenticeship or traineeship scholarship is available in 2025.

Apprenticeship / Traineeship Scholarship Application Form

Barry Jarvis University Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to assist a local student with expenses associated with studying at (any) university, providing ongoing financial assistance for three years of their course.

One (1) scholarship is available in 2025, providing $3,000 per year for three years.

University Scholarship Application Form

Barry Jarvis Agribusiness Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to provide additional financial support to a local student enrolled in the University of Tasmania’s Associate Degree in Agribusiness.

One (1) scholarship is available in 2025, providing $2,500 per year for two years.

Agribusiness Scholarship Application Form

L-R: A'jana Smith, Jordan Harris, Adara Hall, Isaac Watts, Halle Walters, Abby Singline, Rachael Watson, Ben Cresswell and Callum Lancaster pictured with Dorset Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw

Absent: Warrick Hall, Rowan Johnson, Nicholas Cresswell

Barry Jarvis Scottsdale High School Scholarships

These scholarships are intended to assist local students to continue their studies in Year 11 or 12 at Scottsdale High School. It is hoped providing additional financial support will help local students reach their full potential here in Dorset.

In 2024, the successful recipients received $500 each towards their education expenses.

Five scholarships were awarded to the following recipients:

Rachael Watson, Abby Singline, A'jana Smith, Jordan Harris and Adara Hall

Barry Jarvis Apprenticeship/Traineeship Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to assist a local community member interested in undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship by providing additional financial support during such training.

In 2024, Isaac Watts was the successful recipient. Isaac completed Year 10 at Scottsdale High School in 2023 whilst doing a school based apprenticeship, working 2 days a week and then continuing his schooling for the other 3 days. Isaac is currently undertaking his apprenticeship in Electro technology as an Electrician with Joe’s Electrical in Bridport. Isaac is very committed to his apprenticeship and makes the most of every opportunity that comes his way. To be able to achieve the great Year 10 school results and awards that he received while working 2 days a week are testament to his dedication. Isaac is pleased to be able to continue to live and work in his local area. Isaac will receive $1,000 in financial support.

Barry Jarvis University Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to assist a local student with expenses associated with studying at (any) university, providing ongoing financial assistance for 3 years of their chosen course.

In 2024, Halle Walters was the successful recipient. Halle is undertaking a Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments at the University of Tasmania in Launceston. After Halle completes her initial 3 years, she is planning on completing her masters which will be an additional 2 years of study. Halle is a hardworking and determined young lady, who has always strived to succeed with her study which has contributed to the amazing results she has obtained through her high school and college education. Halle is very involved in the Dorset community and demonstrates strong leadership qualities through her involvement with local sporting clubs. After graduating, Halle plans to continue living in Dorset and run her own business. Halle will receive $3,000 per year for 3 years to assist with her educational expenses.

Barry Jarvis Agribusiness Scholarship

Due to the high standard of applications received, and no applications received for the Agribusiness Scholarship, the Commissioner decided to disperse these allocated funds amongst five of the apprenticeship scholarship applicants. Ben Cresswell, Callum Lancaster, Warrick Hall, Rowan Johnson and Nicholas Cresswell will all received a one-off payment of $500.

Ben Creswell – Ben is undertaking an apprenticeship in Fitting and Machining at Branxholm Fabrications.

Callum Lancaster – Callum is an apprentice Boilermaker at Branxholm Fabrications.

Warrick Hall - Warrick is undertaking an apprenticeship in Carpentry with local builder Jason Gillespie.

Rowan Johnson - Rowan is currently undertaking his apprenticeship in Mechanical Aeroskills with Tasmanian Air Maintenance - Flinders Island Aviation.

Nicholas Cresswell - Nicholas is undertaking an apprenticeship in Carpentry with local builder Jason Gillespie.

Council often receives requests for letters of support to accompany funding applications. Letters of support assist with strengthening applications and ensure that Council is aware of the project so that assistance and support can be provided if and when needed.*

*Landowner permission eg. a letter from Council, is a mandatory part of some funding applications

Note: A Letter of Support does not constitute Council approval for the project.

If the project is to be conducted on Council Land, facility, and/or assets then you will need to complete an Application for Permit to Carry Out Works on Council Land, Facility and/or Asset. Check out Other Licenses/Permits for more information.

REQUEST A LETTER OF SUPPORT

Prior to undertaking works on council managed land, facilities, and/or assets a permit is required.

Examples:

- installing lights or scoreboards at Council owned sporting facilities

- mounting a defibrillator to a Council facility

- mounting solar panels on to a Council facility

- Erecting signage in a park or on a building or asset

- Installing a memorial bench or seat (or attaching a plaque to an existing bench or seat)*

*See Cemeteries for details on installation of plaques at Council managed cemeteries

APPLY FOR A PERMIT TO UNDERTAKE WORKS ON COUNCIL MANAGED LAND, FACILITIES AND/OR ASSETS (See Other Licences/Permits)

To receive regular information on a range of grants available to community organisations, subscribe to the grant alert email service by emailing csrgrants@dpac.tas.gov.au

External Grants and Funding Opportunities:

Check the links below for external grants and funding opportunities that may be relevant to your business, organisation or group.

Grant Alerts

GrantConnect

Business Grants