Community Support Program

Applications for the 2026–27 Community Support Program (CSP) open from 1 March to 30 April 2026. 

Supporting our region is part of who we are. Our Community Support Program reflects our long-standing commitment to social responsibility and genuine community partnerships with the people and organisations that help make the ACT and surrounding region a vibrant, connected place to live.  Through the CSP, we work alongside a wide range of local community, cultural, educational, sporting, and fundraising initiatives. These partnerships also help us build water and wastewater literacy across the region.

If your organisation is delivering positive outcomes for our region, we invite you to apply for support through the 2026–27 program.

Key dates

  • Applications open: 1 March 2026
  • Applications close: 30 April 2026
  • Assessment period: May 2026
  • Notification of outcomes: By 30 June 2026 
     
sponsorship application timeline

 

What the CSP supports  

In 2026–27, we are proud to continue our support in the Canberra region. The core values of our CSP - we are nurturing, we value you, and we care - guide how we work with local groups and initiatives.

Our program is designed to deliver meaningful value to the community while supporting Icon Water’s purpose (Delivering essential water services every day). We offer financial and in-kind assistance to:

  • Organisations delivering important community support programs and services
  • Activities that encourage participation and help strengthen community connection.

This year’s sponsorship categories are:

  • Community inclusion and disability
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Liveability and inclusion
  • Affiliated industry, environment, and sustainability
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives
  • Community sports.

The CSP operates annually in line with the financial year, though multi-year sponsorship may be considered.

Assessment criteria

We assess all applications against the following criteria to ensure the Community Support Program delivers meaningful value to the Canberra region.

  • Local benefit — The activity provides clear benefits to the ACT community or surrounding region.
  • Alignment — The organisation and activity reflect Icon Water’s values and commitment to community wellbeing.
  • Reach — The activity supports an appropriate number of direct participants or beneficiaries.
  • Internal benefit — The activity offers opportunities for broad employee involvement or provides value to Icon Water staff.
  • Engagement — The activity creates opportunities to build community understanding of water and wastewater services.
  • Community interest — The activity reflects, supports, and encourages the interests and priorities of the community in which we operate. 

Resources

To help you prepare your application, we encourage you to review the:

How to apply

1. Check your eligibility - Review the CSP eligibility criteria and “What we don’t fund” section to ensure your organisation and initiative align with the program’s purpose and values.

2. Choose the right sponsorship category - Select the category that best fits your project or activity. Clear alignment helps us assess your application accurately.

3. Read the guidelines - Use the Community Guidelines or Sporting Guidelines (depending on your organisation) to understand what information you’ll need to provide and how applications are assessed.

4. Prepare your supporting information - Gather any documents or details required—such as project descriptions, budgets, timelines, or evidence of community benefit.

5. Submit your application - Complete and lodge your application through the CSP online form between 1 March and 30 April 2026.

6. Assessment and review - All applications will be reviewed in May. We assess submissions based on alignment with CSP values, community impact, feasibility, and contribution to the Canberra region.

7. Notification of outcome - Applicants will be notified of the outcome by 30 June 2026. 

Submit your application

All applications for the Community Support Program must be submitted through our online application form. The form will guide you through each part of the application, including your organisation’s details, the activity you are seeking support for, and any supporting information you wish to provide.

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What we don't fund

Sponsorship requests will not be considered if they are:

  • applications from organisations that discriminate against any persons, organisations or groups
  • applications from individuals, including those seeking support for activities such as academic studies or travel
  • organisations or activities that are environmentally negligent or do not endorse sustainable practices
  • organisations or activities which may be deemed likely to promote controversial issues that could damage Icon Water’s reputation (e.g. gambling, tobacco, alcohol or other drug-related sponsorships)
  • providing direct benefit to a political party, political organisation or politicians or candidates running for public office
  • applications from organisations who do not have a positive reputation in the community
  • applications from government organisations and/or infrastructure projects at schools.

Questions

Email us at partnerships@iconwater.com.au or call (02) 6248 3111.