Don’t let the name fool you - a small grant can make a huge difference to your charity or business!
What are small grants?
For most of us, a ‘small’ grant is probably around $1,000 to $5,000, but could be less or more depending on the size of your organisation.
Small grants are available to:
Community groups
Not-for-profit organisations
Social enterprises
Small businesses
Other types of entities.
Some funding providers specifically outline different tiers in their grant programs including:
Small grants
Medium grants
Large grants.
What makes a grant ‘small’?
Small grants offer smaller grant amounts than larger grant programs.
The value of a small grant can vary and is relative to the funding provider and the grant seeker.
For example, one funding provider might consider small grants of $1,000 each and large grants of $10,000 each. Another funding provider might peg their small grants at $20,000 each and large grants at $100k+ each. That’s a big difference from one provider to the next!
As a general rule of thumb, small grants are likely to have:
A lower grant amount available than other streams in the same program
More flexible eligibility requirements
A shorter project length (probably under 1 year)
A shorter decision timeline i.e. successful applicants may be notified quickly
More flexible reporting requirements i.e. acquittal forms may be shorter or have fewer metrics to report on.
Large grants are usually significantly higher in grant value than small grants and provide funding for a longer period.
Should you consider applying for small grants?
You should definitely consider applying for small grants.
These types of grants can help with:
Catalytic change for small community organisations and small businesses
Getting some runs on the board before you apply for larger grants
Building trust and establishing relationships with funding providers
Quick wins for larger organisations with capacity.
Every organisation should keep an eye out for small grants and payments with short application forms and limited (or zero) reporting requirements, including business rebates and disaster relief payments.
Note: you should only proceed with a small grant if the administrative burden of the application and acquittal process isn’t expected to cancel out the benefit provided. If you go after a small grant that could cost you more in the long run, being successful with your grant application will turn out to be a false win.
Small grants for community groups
Community groups are usually eligible for small grants and these grants make a huge impact to these organisations.
Our tip is to consider carefully before you apply for a large grant instead of a small grant in the same program. If your funding request is more than around 30% of your total operating budget, you might be putting your eggs in the wrong basket.
Small grants for large organisations
Sometimes larger organisations choose to ignore small grants because the return on investment is greater with large grants.
Our advice to these organisations is to consider small grant opportunities that don’t require a lot of work - including non-competitive grants and other payments where any organisation who is eligible to apply will be funded.
What small grants are available right now?
If you’re just getting started with grants, check with your local council to see what small grants may be available to you. When you’re ready, consider other tools that can help you find small grants on a greater scale.
For example - members of The Grants Hub have access to search more than 500 grants under $10,000 open for applications right now (not including closed grants!).
Our grants directory includes funding that many community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and small businesses are eligible for, such as:
Government rebates
Disaster payments
Relief payments
Subsidies.
Our grants directory covers funding providers including:
Trusts and foundations
Corporate funding providers
Local government
State government
Federal government
Other funding providers.
We deeply admire the initiative and fortitude of those who bravely ‘have a go’ and are striving to make a difference in their world - which is why The Grants Hub is offering 10 x $1,000 grants this June:
The Grants Hub Make It Happen Small Grants
Provides no strings attached funding to make a real difference to your organisation, wherever you are in Australia.
Closes 20 June 2022 - National
Here are just a few of the other small grants and funding opportunities available, right now:
Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
Supports businesses and not-for-profit organisations to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages growth by reducing the cost of running a business. Eligible businesses or not-for-profits only need to apply for the rebate once, but can submit multiple claims until the full value of $3,000 is reached
Closes 30 June 2022 - NSW
Business Basics Grants Program
Provides support to regional businesses and not-for-profit organisations to increase core skills and adopt best practice in 5 priority areas: training and coaching; website build or upgrades; wrofessional business advice; strategic marketing services; business continuity and succession.
Next round expected September 2022 - QLD
The Awesome Foundation Grants - Melbourne Chapter
Funds community projects that make Melbourne 'more awesome'. A $1,000 grant is awarded on the last Tuesday of each month (submissions close 12pm on the Sunday prior).
Always Open - VIC
Walter and Eliza Hall Trust - Small Grants Program
Financial assistance can be made available for almost any purpose considered necessary for the applicant's health and wellbeing, but the Trust is positioned as a provider of last resort assistance.
Always Open - National
Small Business Hardship Grants
Provides financial support for businesses most impacted by Level 2 public health and social measures that came into effect on 3 March 2022.
Closes 30 June 2022 - WA