Overview
Community history grants support projects that identify and interpret the Inner West’s historically significant events, places and people. This includes the exploration of activism, politics, architecture, business, culture, economy, parks, places of historical significance, politics and recreation.
Projects include research, archiving, conservation and preservation of significant objects, publications, and exhibitions about social and cultural history (including current activities). Funded projects will build on Council’s physical and digital collection that provides a rich information source to inform and educate current and future generations.
Key dates
Applications close: 4pm AEST, Friday 15 May 2026.
Funding available
Community history grants of up to $5,000 each.
Guidelines
Download the Inner West Council grant program guidelines here (PDF, 2.11MB)
The objectives of the community history grant program are to:
- Build on Council’s Community History Collections (physical and digital) for future and current historians, researchers and generations
- Support original research and interpretation of the area’s history
- Support original research and interpretation of current issues, place, social, people, political and urban changes
The following criteria will be considered in the process of assessing applications:
- Impact and quality of the project and contribution to Council’s Community Strategic Plan and grant objectives
- The relevance the project will bring to Council's Community History Collection
- How the project or outcome fills an identified gap in the Collection
- Applicant’s capacity to deliver the project, including applicant experience, skills and time
- Realistic budget, including all sources of project income and quotes where relevant
Individual applicants who are successful may need to supply proof of identity.
Inner West Council provides grants for projects that have not yet commenced, and in limited cases people who have not yet acquitted a previous grant may be eligible to apply again. In addition:
- Council does fund Parents and Citizen organisations but does not fund projects for schools
- Council only provides support for capital projects in the Environment grant stream, and Council does not provide support for interstate or overseas travel
- Council does not fund political parties or their activities
Applicants are encouraged to speak with Aleem Aleemullah, Community History Librarian on 02 9335 2167 or Aleem.Aleemullah@innerwest.nsw.gov.au before applying. One-on-one support is available to provide grant applicants with advice on your project ideas.
Council uses SmartyGrants administration software to manage its grants program. Applications must be submitted via the Inner West Council SmartyGrants webpage.
Applications must meet the eligibility requirements, and no late applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
For Community history grant enquiries please contact a Council officer on 02 9335 2167.
