Community groups and organisations needing goods, services or expertise to help get their project or event off the ground, can more easily access in-kind support from Armidale Regional Council thanks to a simple, more formalised application system.
“Alongside regular small grant opportunities, council offers community groups and organisations direct in-kind support – support that may be the difference that ensures a great project or event happens,” said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland.
“This in-kind support opportunity is not new, but to help make the process simpler and more transparent, council now has a simple, formalised system in place.”
In‑kind support involves the donation of goods, services, time or expertise instead of cash. This may include access to council equipment like marquees or chairs, venue hire assistance, technical and other advice, waste services, or other resources that help reduce project costs.
“Council has resources that it is able to share with the community to ensure projects are successful at minimal cost to groups and organisations,” said Mayor Coupland.
“And we are keen to support the many programs, projects and events that are so important to our community and to our region.”
Council provides three regular grant streams throughout the year:
• Community Small Grants ($0–$2,000)
• Community Support Grants ($2,000–$5,000)
• Armidale Regional Village Grants (up to $3,500)
Like the grants, in‑kind support will now be offered and assessed at regular intervals also.
Whether it’s a small community event, a village improvement project, a cultural activity or a new service for residents, council’s grant and in‑kind support programs are designed to help community groups, not‑for‑profit organisations, arts and cultural organisations, sporting clubs and local service providers to take advantage of the wide range of Armidale Regional Council support available to help bring their projects and events to life.
According to Mayor Coupland, the response to applications is unlikely to be a straight ‘no’ but may be a ‘not now’. Projects that help to meet the goals of the Community Strategic Plan and Council’s Delivery Plan are prioritised, and in-kind support is offered when council staffing and resources are available.
“We are always happy to consider ways we can support groups, organisations and services to fulfil their projects and events,” said Mayor Coupland.
“Our in‑kind support program is another way we can strengthen community-led initiatives and help great ideas become reality!”
The first in-kind support round will be open from Friday 13 March until Monday 4 May. This round is open to groups or organisations with projects or events occurring during July, August and September 2026.
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