Containers for Change WA has developed a range of free fundraising resources to help community groups and organisations make the most of the 10¢ container refund scheme.

Groups can register for a Containers for Change member number and receive refunds from containers they collect, or share their member number so supporters can donate their refunds directly to the organisation. The fundraising guide also suggests partnering with local businesses and collecting containers at community events as other ways to build support.

Free resources to help you get started

The WA Fundraising Brandhub brings together practical tools that groups can use to set up and promote their fundraising, including the Containers for Change Fundraising Guide, posters and signage, social media tiles, videos and case studies.

The Fundraising Guide walks organisations through the process from registering a member number and choosing how to collect containers through to promoting the initiative in their community. It also includes tips for setting up collection bins and examples of how other WA organisations are using Containers for Change to raise funds.

Explore the fundraising resources.

Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) has introduced two new giving options through its Community Charity Trust that aim to make structured giving more flexible and accessible.

One of these, Future Fund Plus, may be particularly relevant to incorporated associations and other community organisations planning for their longer-term financial sustainability

What is Future Fund Plus?

Future Fund Plus allows charities, social enterprises and incorporated associations to establish an endowment fund through Australian Communities Foundation.

Importantly, ACF says organisations do not need to hold DGR1 endorsement themselves to establish a Future Fund Plus.

The fund can receive tax-deductible donations, including donations from structured giving vehicles, with funds able to be accessed for activities that align with eligible DGR1 charitable purposes.

In practical terms, this may create another fundraising pathway for eligible organisations that don’t currently have their own DGR1 status.

What could this mean for peer support groups?

For incorporated peer support organisations, particularly those exploring new ways to strengthen their long-term sustainability, Future Fund Plus may be worth investigating.

Rather than fundraising only for immediate activities or operating costs, an endowment is designed to build funds over time and support an organisation’s longer-term work.

It may also provide an avenue for eligible organisations to benefit from tax-deductible giving without obtaining DGR1 endorsement themselves.

This doesn’t mean that every organisation or activity automatically becomes eligible for tax-deductible donations. There are requirements around the purposes for which funds can be used, and groups interested in the option should speak directly with Australian Communities Foundation about their circumstances.

What about Named Fund Plus?

ACF has also introduced Named Fund Plus, which is primarily designed for individuals, families and groups wanting a structured way to give.

People can contribute to their fund, receive an immediate tax deduction and decide later where those funds will be directed.

ACF says the expanded model can support eligible activities undertaken not only by registered charities, but also by grassroots groups, associations, social enterprises and community initiatives.

For the peer support sector, this potentially creates more opportunities for community-led organisations and initiatives to benefit from philanthropic giving.

Is it worth exploring for your organisation?

If your organisation is incorporated, doesn’t currently have DGR1 endorsement, or is looking at ways to diversify fundraising and build greater financial sustainability, the new arrangements may be worth learning more about.

Australian Communities Foundation provides further information about eligibility, establishment and how each fund operates on its website.

Depending on what your group is planning, funding is available for small-scale initiatives, Aboriginal-led community projects and community events.

Quick Response Grants

The City of Albany’s Quick Response Grant program provides small grants of up to $1,000 for proposals that fall outside the City’s annual Community Funding Program.

Applications can be submitted at any time, with applicants advised of the outcome within two weeks of submitting their application.

Funding available: Up to $1,000
For activities delivered: 1 August 2026 to 30 June 2027
Applications: Open now

Indigenous Project Funding

Grants of $1,000 to $5,000 are available to support Aboriginal-led community projects and activities.

The program focuses on Aboriginal-driven initiatives that contribute to reconciliation and promote healing within the City of Albany.

Applicants must discuss their proposed activity with the City of Albany Community Development Team before submitting an application and should read the program guidelines carefully.

Funding available: $1,000 to $5,000
Applications opened: 3 August 2026
Applications close: 30 August 2026
Projects delivered: 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027

Community Events Grant

Planning a community event in Albany?

The Community Events Grant provides sponsorship of up to $5,000 for community-driven events. The program focuses on events that demonstrate community engagement, strong planning and the potential for growth and sustainability over time.

Funding available: Up to $5,000
Applications opened: 3 August 2026
Applications close: 31 August 2026 at 4:00pm
Events delivered: 1 January to 30 June 2027

Find out more and apply

Albany groups and organisations interested in applying should read the relevant City of Albany guidelines and eligibility requirements before preparing an application.

The grant supports community events that encourage participation, strengthen local connections and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive Mandurah community. Applications open at the start of August and remain open until available funding has been allocated.

At a glance

Funding available
Up to $3,000

Who can apply
Eligible not-for-profit organisations located within the City of Mandurah.

Applications
Open from 1 August until available funding is exhausted.

Notification timeframe
Applicants can expect to hear the outcome within approximately four weeks of submitting their application.

What can the grant be used for?

The Community Event Support Grant helps eligible organisations deliver community events that create positive local outcomes.

Funding may be used for costs such as:

• promotion and advertising
• first aid
• traffic management
• waste management
• portable toilets
• shade shelters and temporary infrastructure
• venue hire at City of Mandurah facilities
• security

Who is eligible?

Applications are open to eligible not-for-profit organisations located within the City of Mandurah.

To be eligible, the event must:

• be held in a public space or City-owned facility
• be additional to the organisation’s usual activities
• provide benefits to the local community and local businesses
• align with the City of Mandurah’s Strategic Community Plan.

Only one event per organisation will be considered during each financial year.

Before you apply

The City recommends preparing your application carefully and including supporting documentation such as supplier quotes.

Applications are assessed as they are received, so submitting a detailed application with all required information can improve your chances of success.

Need more information?

Applications are submitted online through SmartyGrants.

For full eligibility requirements, application guidelines and contact details, visit the official Community Event Support Grant information or contact the City of Mandurah Events Team on (08) 9550 3840 or email eventsteam@mandurah.wa.gov.au.