COGS - Community Organisation Grants Scheme
Simple applicationDepartment of Internal Affairs
COGS is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs through local distribution committees. It is the most accessible grant for small community groups, designed for local, volunteer-based organisations.
Grant Range
Most grants between $500 and $5,000
Decision Time
4-8 weeks
Funding Type
one off
How to Apply
online form
What they fund
Who can apply
What they won't fund
What they care about
COGS committees are made up of local volunteers who understand grassroots community needs. They prioritise small, practical projects that directly benefit local communities. They love seeing volunteer involvement and community spirit.
Writing tips
Write like you are talking to a neighbour. COGS committees are local people, not bureaucrats. Be genuine and practical. Tell them what you need and why. You do not need fancy language.
Common mistakes to avoid
Over-complicating the application. Asking for too much money for a simple project. Not being specific about who benefits. Forgetting to mention volunteer contributions.
What makes a strong application
Simple, clear description of a practical community need. Specific numbers (people, costs). Evidence of volunteer involvement. Reasonable budget that matches the project scale. Showing the project matters to real people in the community.
Application structure
Required documents
- • budget or quotes