2026-27 Sponsorships

Before you apply

Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Department of Communities.

Before commencing your application, please read the Sponsorship Program Guidelines. The guidelines outline:

• the purpose and objectives of the Sponsorship Program

• eligibility requirements and funding conditions

• the assessment criteria and evidence required to support your application

• eligible activities, expenses, reporting and acquittal requirements

The questions in this application form are designed to help you address the assessment criteria outlined in the Sponsorship Program Guidelines. To support the assessment of your application, provide clear and relevant information against each criterion, including examples or evidence where appropriate. Only applications that meet the eligibility requirements and adequately address the assessment criteria will progress to assessment.

Is Sponsorship the right funding option?

Sponsorship supports activities, events, projects and initiatives that align with the Department of Communities' strategic priorities and deliver positive outcomes for Western Australian communities.

Before applying, consider whether your proposal:

• aligns with the objectives of the Sponsorship Program

• demonstrates a clear and measurable benefit for the intended community or target audience

• represents value for money and sound use of public funds

• can be delivered successfully within the proposed timeframe

Preparing your application

To complete your application, you should have:

• a clear description of the proposed activity, event, project or initiative

• evidence of the community need, issue or opportunity being addressed, where available

• details of the expected outcomes and benefits, and how success will be measured

• a budget outlining project costs, funding sources and any partner contributions

You can save your application and return to it at any time before submitting.

Assessment

Applications are assessed against the assessment criteria outlined in the Sponsorship Program Guidelines.

When preparing your responses, ensure you clearly explain:

• what you propose to deliver and why it is needed

• who will benefit and the outcomes you expect to achieve

• your organisation's capacity to successfully deliver the proposal

• how the requested sponsorship funding will be used and provide value for money

Providing clear, concise and evidence-based responses will assist the assessment process.

Before you submit

Before submitting your application:

• ensure all questions have been completed and reviewed

• confirm your budget information is accurate and complete

• upload all required supporting documentation

• verify that the information provided is current and correct

Once submitted, applications cannot be amended unless requested by the Department of Communities.

Using the online application system

The information below explains how to use the online application system and addresses many of the common technical questions applicants have when preparing and submitting an application.

We recommend reviewing this information before you begin, particularly if this is your first time using SmartyGrants.

Topics covered include:

• navigating and completing the application form

• saving and returning to a draft application

• uploading attachments and collaborating with others

• reviewing and submitting your application

Understanding these requirements before you start can help avoid common issues and ensure your application is submitted successfully.

Navigating the form

A form navigation panel is displayed on every page of the application form. This panel allows you to move directly to any section of the application at any time.

You can also use the Next Page and Previous Page buttons located throughout the form to move between pages.

We recommend saving your application regularly as you work.

Saving a draft application

Your application will automatically save whenever you:

• click Next Page

• click Previous Page

• select another page from the form navigation panel

If you wish to leave the application before it is complete, select Save and Close and log out.

You can return to your draft application at any time before the closing date.

To access a saved application:

1. Log in to SmartyGrants.

2. Select My Submissions.

3. Locate your draft application.

4. Select the application to continue working on it.

Downloading a copy of your application

You can download a PDF copy of your application at any stage.

To download a PDF:

• open the application from the My Submissions page and select the PDF icon, or

• while completing the form, select the Download PDF button on the Review and Submit page

Both draft and submitted applications can be downloaded.

Uploading supporting documents

You may be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. Supporting documentation should be relevant and directly support the information provided in your application.

Before uploading documents:

• ensure files are saved and accessible on your device

• allow sufficient time for individual files to upload

• note that files can be up to 25MB in size

• where possible, keep files below 5MB to improve upload speed and performance

Collaborating on an application

Multiple people may contribute to an application provided that:

• a SmartyFile Organisation has been established; and

• only one person edits the application at a time

To avoid losing information, all collaborators should save their work regularly.

Submitting your application

Before an application can be submitted:

• all mandatory questions must be completed

• all validation errors must be resolved

• all required attachments must be uploaded

• the application must be reviewed for completeness and accuracy

When ready, select Submit on the Review and Submit page.

After submission:

• a confirmation page will be displayed

• a confirmation email containing a copy of the submitted application will be sent to the registered email address (or submission owner if collaborating)

If you do not receive a confirmation page or confirmation email, you should assume that your application has not been submitted.

If required, check your junk or spam folder before contacting the Department.

You can also confirm the status of your application through My Submissions.

Session time-out

For security purposes, SmartyGrants will automatically log users out after 20 minutes of inactivity.

To help prevent loss of information:

• save your application regularly

• move between pages periodically while working

• respond to session timeout notifications when prompted

• use the save functions before stepping away from your device

A warning message will be displayed approximately 90 seconds before your session expires, allowing you to extend your session or log out.

If no action is taken, your application will automatically save before the session ends.

For this reason, regular saving is strongly recommended, particularly when preparing longer responses.