Placemaking, through place activation, is creating quality places that people want to live, work and play by increasing vibrancy and contributing to a safe and inclusive community. It is a collaborative process that has everyone’s wellbeing in mind.
Successful placemaking relies on the inclusion and active participation of a wide range of community stakeholders – through every aspect of the process, from design, planning and the final delivery.
The Placemaking Grant Program is designed to enable new or expanded place activations by assisting with associated start-up or onetime costs, such as purchase of materials or equipment hire. Grants are not recurring or ongoing and are designed to underwrite the costs of specific expenses.
The program encourages the community to take an active role in the direction of their town and village centres, and deliver enhanced economic, social, environmental and/or cultural benefits to the Northern Beaches community.
Applications for 2025-2026 funding round is expected to be open June 2025.
Key dates for 2024/25
- Thu 27 Jun 2024, 10am: applications open for the 2024/25 program
- Mon 5 Aug 2024, 3pm: applications close
- Nov 2024: notification to applicants and distribution of funding
- Dec 2024 to April 2025: projects delivered
- Thu 31 July 2025: aquittals due
Application Support
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, groups or organisations (for-profit or not-for-profit).
Projects must:
- be open to the public to attend and/or participate
- be located in Town and Village Centres within the Northern Beaches LGA . Other areas not located within town centres that can demonstrate that placemaking activities would directly support the surrounding businesses will be considered.
- provide an opportunity for measurable economic, social, environmental and/or cultural benefits to the Northern Beaches community
- promote the Northern Beaches and contribute to its reputation as a great place to live, visit, work and invest
support and be supported by local businesses and boost the local economy.
For full eligibility and exclusions please refer to the Grant Guidelines
Funding Available
Total Funding Pool $20,000
A grant request can be for any amount but must be able to provide justification for the amount requested within the context of their budget and plan. Grant amounts can be as small as $500 to decorate a shop front or up to $4000 to paint a mural or create a live activation. Grants for larger amounts can be submitted and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants requesting grants for projects that exceed $4000 in costs will need to identify and demonstrate additional alternative funding sources.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed against the funding objectives and the following priority areas
- Places for People – aspire to create welcoming, accessible, and affordable places that foster good health and social interaction.
- Community and Belonging – aspire to care for everyone in the community, making sure that people feel safe, supported, included and have diverse opportunities for a rich cultural and social life.
- Participation and Partnerships – aspire to achieve better outcomes for the community in the long term by tapping into the wealth of local knowledge and expertise that exists within the community.
- Vibrant Local Economy – aspire to create a thriving and vibrant local economy where traditional and new industries are supported.
View the Community Strategic Plan
Activations must be located within Town & Village Centres or in other areas that can demonstrate that placemaking activities would directly support the surrounding businesses.
If you need further support, then you can contact us on:
- Phone: 1300 434 434
- Email: places@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Please refer to FAQs (p18) in our Guidelines for answers to commonly asked questions.
To speak to a Council officer with an interpreter, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Northern Beaches Council on 02 8495 7564.
Resources
Head to our Grant Resources page to see the range of resources available to help make your application the best it can be.
