2026 Community History Grants

Welcome to the application form for the Community History stream. Grant funding of up to $5,000 is available to support projects that identify and interpret the Inner West’s historically significant events, places and people. This includes the exploration of activism, politics, architecture, parks, recreation, businesses, economy, cultural activities and places of historical significance.

Grant Guidelines

It is essential you read the Grant Guidelines and Community History grant website for eligibility requirements, funding priorities, assessment criteria and other important information. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Council’s Plans, Policies and Strategies.

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

I confirm that:

• I have read and understand the Inner West Council Grant Guidelines
• I am a resident of or delivering services in the Inner West Council area or offer a project that benefits residents of the Inner West
• I am applying as or on behalf of an individual historian, researcher or archivist; unincorporated community group auspiced by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation; or an incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• I have satisfactorily completed any previous Inner West Council grants and met all contractual obligations
• I have no outstanding debts of any kind to Inner West Council
• I am applying for a specific project (i.e. grants do not offer a permanent source of funding)
• I am applying for a project that meets the Community History grant stream eligibility criteria and objectives
• I can demonstrate my project aligns with Inner West Council's Community Strategic Plan, policies and regulations
• I am only submitting one application to the Inner West Council Grants Program 2026.

• Provide contact details and ABN (or auspice details)
• Prepare a project plan (what you’ll do, why it matters, key dates, and who is involved) 
• Create a budget including income and expenses, with quotes for items over $500
• Attach supporting documents (letters of support, CVs/resumes of key personnel, examples of previous projects)
• Provide evidence of your own/organisation’s legal status (Certificate of Incorporation or Constitution) 
• Submit financial documentation: latest audited financial statement or statement of income and expenditure
• Include Public Liability Certificate of Currency for $20 million for the project duration
• If you have an auspice, include their signed letter of support for your project
• Obtain a Council venue/park booking quote and include in your project budget (if applicable)
• Submit your application via SmartyGrants before 4pm AEST, Friday 15 May 2026.

We do not accept duplicate applications. Applications for the same project that are submitted more than once in a round will only be considered in one stream.

It is recommended all applicants speak with a Council officer to clarify your project ideas, eligibility, and to ensure you are applying to the correct grant stream. 

If you have any questions regarding the Community History grants stream, please contact:

Aleem Aleemullah, Community History Librarian, Inner West Council

Phone: 02 9335 2167 | Email: Aleem.Aleemullah@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

To talk with a free interpreter call: 131 450 ask them to call Council on 02 9392 5000.

• Please provide a response to all relevant questions
• When you have completed all of the questions click on Next Page to view the next page of the form
• Click Save Progress regularly to make sure your changes are saved
• You can jump pages by clicking on the Application Form Navigation area on the right-hand side of the form
• Once you have completed all pages the last page will ask you to Review your application - if you are happy with your responses you can click Submit. If your submission was received you will be sent a confirmation message saying your application has been submitted.