Funding up to $35,000 to support not-for-profit community groups to enhance their capacity to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities that benefit Queensland communities.
On this page you will find
What is the Gambling Community Benefit Fund?
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) is Queensland’s largest one-off grants program, providing funding to not-for-profit community groups to enhance their capacity to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities that benefit the Queensland community.
Grants of up to $35,000 (and over, in special rounds) are available for eligible organisations seeking support for equipment, facility improvements, vehicles, community events, and more.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund level of support
- Minimum amount: No stated minimum
- Maximum amount: $35,000
Co-contribution: A co-contribution is not required. However, the Gambling Community Benefit Committee may consider other financial or in-kind support for the project when assessing applications.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund important dates
- Round 127 closes: 28 September 2026
- Funding results are generally announced 4 to 5 months after applications close.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Gambling Community Benefit Fund objectives
This funding opportunity is designed to:
- Support community-based, not-for-profit organisations
- Enhance services, infrastructure, and access to activities that benefit Queensland communities
- Ensure equitable distribution of funding across regions, sectors and community priorities
Projects and expenditure eligible for Gambling Community Benefit Fund support
Organisations can apply for a wide variety of community-enhancing projects, including:
- community events/training
- equipment (including medical equipment)
- facility improvements
- machinery
- printing/publications/marketing
- solar
- vehicles/boats
- workshops/conferences.
Facility improvement requirements
If you’re applying for improvements to a building or land that your organisation does not own, you will need appropriate approval and evidence that your organisation has the right to use the facility.
Requirements may include:
- written approval from the property owner for the proposed improvements
- relevant approvals for works on Department of Education land
- evidence of appropriate tenure or the right to use the property
- for government or not-for-profit owned property, the right to use the property for at least 3 years after the round closing date
- for privately owned property, the right to use the property for at least 5 years after the round closing date
Ineligible Items (will not be funded)
1. Items purchased before approval:
- Anything ordered, paid for, or committed to (including events occurring) before grant approval.
2. Fees for services:
- Grant writing or application assistance fees.
- Project management fees.
3. Certain purchases:
- From a grant writer or their associated businesses.
- Benefiting individuals.
- Alcohol, vouchers, gifts, prizes.
- From overseas suppliers (without prior approval).
4. Operating costs:
- Contingency budgets or costs not yet incurred.
- Recurring/general operating costs.
- Repayment of loans/debts.
- Overseas travel.
- Staff/member social events.
- Facility upgrades tied to retirement living, body corporate, or similar community schemes.
5. Income-generation aid:
- Subsidies or contributions aimed at unlocking other funding.
- Sponsorships.
Items Unlikely to be Funded (approval is rare)
- Salaries and wages
- Rent or lease costs
- Public liability insurance for events
- Administrative costs (e.g. stationery, postage)
- Consumables (e.g. food, petrol, uniforms)
- Catering
- Internal (non-third-party) training
- Prepaid/store cards
Overseas Purchases
- Must buy local wherever possible.
- Overseas purchases require prior written approval, including:
- A quote from the supplier.
- Justification for why the item isn’t available in Australia.
- Unauthorized overseas purchases will result in grant revocation and funds must be returned.
Other Gambling Community Benefit Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Gambling Community Benefit Fund support
An organisation may be eligible if it:
- is an eligible legal entity or applies through an eligible legal entity sponsor
- operates as a not-for-profit organisation
- is based in Queensland or provides services in Queensland
- is registered in the GCBF online grants portal
- has financial records that are less than 2 years old.
Eligible legal entities must also be incorporated or registered under Australian law, have an active ABN and have a bank account in the organisation’s name.
Supplier quotes
Applicants should obtain quotes before applying to understand the cost of the proposed items. Where possible, obtain more than one quote to demonstrate value for money.
Quotes do not need to be submitted with the application, but applicants must be able to provide them if requested during assessment.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund assessment criteria
Applications are assessed by the independent Gambling Community Benefit Committee, which makes funding recommendations to the Minister.
Applications are considered in the following order of priority:
- Essential repairs or replacements for items or facilities directly impacted by a declared natural disaster within the past two years.
- Equipment or facility improvements that enhance community services or infrastructure.
- Vehicles and large mobile assets, such as buses, boats, trailers and machinery.
- Community events and programs, including training, workshops, publications and community initiatives.
- Recent grant recipients, with priority given to organisations that have not received more than $15,000 in GCBF funding within the previous two years.
In addition to the above priorities, the Committee also considers:
- The breadth of community benefit, including whether multiple organisations or groups will benefit.
- Geographic spread, with attention to regional and underserved communities.
- The organisation’s financial position and demonstrated need.
- Value for money and cost-effectiveness of the proposed project.
- The organisation’s capacity and longevity.
- Any financial or in-kind contributions supporting the project.
- The project’s income generation potential, where relevant.
- The number of applications submitted by the same sponsor.
- Alignment with Queensland Government priorities identified by the Minister.
How do I get the Gambling Community Benefit Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Gambling Community Benefit Fund application
Before applying, organisations should ensure the following information and documentation is prepared and up to date:
- Financial records that are less than 2 years old at the round closing date. These may include:
-
- audited financial statements
- the organisation’s latest balance sheet
- latest income and expenditure statement
- financial reports submitted to the organisation’s regulator as part of its latest annual report
- financial reports presented at the most recent annual general meeting or committee meeting.
- Facility improvement approvals, where applicable, including evidence of the right to use the relevant land or building
- Supplier quotes, which should be obtained before applying but do not need to be submitted unless requested
- Supporting documents relevant to the proposed project, such as approvals or evidence of tenure
- Up-to-date organisation details, including contact, address and bank account information.
Applying for the Gambling Community Benefit Fund
Applications must be submitted through the GCBF online grants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund resources
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