Club Night Lights Program (CNLP) timeframes

There are 3 rounds of CNLP per year. 2 small grant rounds (open in February and July) and 1 forward planning round (opens in July).

Small grants

Total project cost up to $500,000

The CNLP small grants program targets projects involving a basic level of planning. The total project cost for grant must not exceed $500,000. Grants given in this category must be claimed in the financial year following the date of approval. For projects with a grant request below $2500 it is expected that the applicant should be able to fully fund these.

Forward planning grants

Total project cost over $500,000

The CNLP forward planning grant round targets projects involving a detailed level of planning. The total project cost for the grant must be over $500,000. Grants given in this category can be claimed up to three financial years following the date of approval, depending on the requirements and approved details of the project.

Next funding rounds

2025/2026 February small grants round

January/February 2025

  • Application forms available from local governments (metro area only) and department regional offices (regional WA only).
  • Applications to be lodged at local governments.
  • Applicants should check the closing date with their local governments, as they do vary.

March 2025

  • Applications are assessed by local governments staff and recommendations prepared. Local governments are required to rate and rank all applications they receive in order of priority.
  • Applications presented at local government council meeting.
  • Applications must be lodged at department regional offices by 5pm on the 31 March 2025

April 2025

  • Applications are assessed by department regional managers.

May/June 2025

  • Small Grants Committee considers applications and makes recommendations to the Minister for Sport and Recreation.
  • Minister for Sport and Recreation considers recommendations and grants approvals.
  • Successful/unsuccessful applicants notified.

15 June 2026

  • Grants must be acquitted.
Page reviewed 15 July 2025