The Johnston Electorate Community Benefit Fund
The Johnston Electorate Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is a small, locally run fund designed to support community-led projects in the Electorate of Johnston. Its purpose is to help grow wellbeing, safety, inclusion, creativity and community connection by providing modest financial support to local groups and initiatives.
Unlike Territory-wide government grant programs, this fund is created and sustained by the community itself. It’s a practical way for the Johnston Electorate Office to put people-powered politics into action and return funds raised through local activities back into the community.
Open Date: March 2026
How the Fund is Raised
The Johnston Community Benefit Fund is primarily funded through:
- Market stalls run by the Johnston Electorate Office
- Sales of cards, artwork, t-shirts and other merchandise
Income from these stalls and merchandise sales does not go to the Johnston Electorate Office. It is directed into the Johnston Community Benefit Fund, to be redistributed as grants or small contributions to local projects.
This model makes the fund:
- Transparent – it’s clear where the money comes from and where it goes
- People-powered – every card sold or t-shirt bought helps fund local community work
- Locally focused – money raised in Johnston is used to support projects in Johnston
What the Fund Supports & Who Can Apply
The Johnston Electorate CBF is designed to support small, practical, community-based initiatives. Examples include:
- Wellbeing and inclusion projects – activities that reduce isolation, support mental health, or create welcoming spaces
- Creative and cultural projects – community arts, music, storytelling, local festivals, or cultural workshops
- Safety and community connection – neighbourhood events, information sessions, or small-scale safety initiatives
- Capability & equipment – modest purchases that help local groups operate more effectively (e.g. basic equipment, materials, or resources)
Who can apply?
- Community groups, clubs, and not-for-profit organisations
- Informal groups that are linked with or auspiced by a recognised organisation
- Projects based in, or clearly serving, people in Millner, Moil, Jingili, Alawa, in the electorate of Johnston
Specific eligibility criteria, funding caps and timelines should be checked with the Johnston Electorate Office, as these may evolve over time.
Why This Fund Matters for Johnston
The Electorate of Johnston is home to a rich mix of:
- Multicultural communities
- Sporting and recreation clubs
- Creative and arts groups
- Environment and community action networks
- Families, elders and young people with strong ties to place
Many of these groups operate on very tight budgets. A relatively small grant can make a big difference – covering venue hire, materials, equipment, or the costs of putting on an event that brings people together.
The Johnston Community Benefit Fund:
- Unlocks small but meaningful projects that might struggle to get larger grants
- Backs local leadership, especially for groups that are volunteer-run
- Ensures that fundraising done at markets and local events directly flows back into community benefit
Fundraising Guidance & Grant Categories
While the exact structure may vary over time, the Johnston CBF can be thought of in terms of:
- Community Grants – small contributions to local projects, events, or initiatives
- Multicultural / Inclusion Grants – support for activities that strengthen cultural connection, language, and inclusion
- Capability & Equipment Grants – small amounts for tools, resources, or equipment
- Creative / Community Events Grants – support for local performances, workshops, stalls, or festivals that build community connection
Typical funding ranges are likely to be in the small grants space (for example, a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars), reflecting the scale of the fund and its people-powered nature.
Tips for a Strong Application
To strengthen your request for support:
-
Describe the need clearly
What problem or opportunity are you addressing? Who will benefit? -
Show the community benefit
Explain how your project will improve wellbeing, safety, inclusion, creativity, or connection. -
Keep your budget realistic and transparent
Provide simple, honest costings that show exactly how the funds will be used. -
Highlight partnerships
If you’re working with other groups, schools, clubs, or cultural organisations, mention them. -
Provide basic evidence
This might be previous attendance, feedback from community members, or a short explanation of why people are asking for this project.
How Justine Davis MLA Can Support Applicants
As the Independent Member for Johnston, Justine Davis MLA and her office can:
- Help connect you with local networks, volunteers, and partner organisations
- Offer guidance on how your project aligns with community priorities in Johnston
- Help share your project’s story once it’s delivered (e.g. in newsletters or social media), amplifying your impact and helping with future fundraising
