Across Australia, poker machines serve a valuable function, providing funding to various community initiatives. Groups in Queensland can apply for this funding via the Community Benefit Fund, and there is one month left to send in applications. The Community Benefit is still relatively new, as it has replaced a number of different funding programs.

Recently, the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund (JCCBF), Breakwater Island Casino Community Benefit Fund (BICCB), Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund (RHCCBF) and the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) were all offered separately. Now, funding is offered through one single funding program that is available for all community groups throughout the state.

Community groups in Queensland can apply for grants worth up to $35 000. There is over $50 million up for grabs, so many groups across the state will be able to benefit from this generous program. In order to a group to be eligible for funding, they must meet certain criteria. Applicants must not have for-profit objectives and they must be registered with CBFU as a legal entity or sponsored organisation.

For more information on eligibility, view the Community Benefit Funding guidelines. There are certain items that are given priority when allocating funds. These include initiatives that allow for the applicant to generate income, have been affected by natural disasters in the past two years, meet government priorities and provide benefit to more than one organisation.

Priority is also given to groups that have not received funding in two years, and applications that will fund the purchase of new equipment or facility upgrades. Funding is unlikely to be granted for salaries, administration costs, rent, catering, consumable items, training that is not provided by a third party and sponsorships.

Items that are completely ineligible include: staff social events, gifts, grant writer fees, debt repayment, overseas travel costs and auspice fees. The deadline for applications is 31 May at midnight. You can obtain an application form here.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.