Local Government Research and Development Scheme

Funding from the Local Government Research and Development Scheme supports innovative projects that benefit South Australian councils and their communities.

This funding is unique to South Australia. It helps get new ideas off the ground and supports delivery of better practices to strengthen the local government sector over the long-term.

Funding is made available through ongoing strategic allocations and grant rounds.

Annual Business Plan 2026-27

2026-27 competitive grant round

Approximately $1.4 million in funding is available for this grant round, with expressions of interest opening on 5 August and closing on 8 September 2026.

Grant Guidelines 2026-27

Project eligibility

The 2026-27 competitive grant round is for projects with innovative ideas and solutions addressing sector-wide issues for the benefit of SA councils and their communities.

Projects must:

• Align with one or more of the 2026-27 Strategic Research Priorities, and be aligned with LGA's Strategic Plan (PDF 5.0 MB).
• Deliver a demonstratable and ongoing benefit to the local government sector.
• Demonstrate meaningful engagement and collaboration with the local government sector, emphasising the value of collective effort.

Learn more in the R&D Scheme Annual Business Plan 2026-27 (PDF 235.8 KB) and Grant Guidelines 2026-27 (PDF 3.3 MB).

Application process

The 2026-27 grant round EOI process is now closed.

Smarty Grants portal

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application for assessment. Projects approved for funding are expected to begin in early 2027.

EOIs will be shortlisted based on:

• Engagement with the local government sector
• Strategic alignment with Research and Development Scheme priorities
• Potential benefit for local governments.

Information sessions

All information sessions for 2026 have been delivered. Potential applicants are encouraged to view the slides and recording for further information about the grant scheme and eligibility criteria.

View presentation slides

Watch webinar recording

Sign up for updates

Be the first to find out about key stages and updates for R&D Scheme grant rounds.

Get grant round updates

About the Research and Development Scheme

The Local Government Research and Development Scheme (LGR&DS) was created in 1998.

It's a unique scheme which is funded by the Local Government Tax Equivalent Fund. This fund was established under the Local Government Finance Authority Act. The contributions to this fund are made by the Local Government Finance Authority payments equivalent to company income tax.

The principles and purposes of the Scheme are formalised in a memorandum of understanding (PDF 1.4 MB) between the Treasurer and the LGA President.

LGA manages the Scheme through the LGR&DS Advisory Committee. Their role is to monitor the activities of the Scheme and provide advice to the LGA Board of Directors.

Research library

The R&D Scheme has funded hundreds of innovative and transformative projects benefitting of the local government sector.

Explore our library of current and past projects.

Key resources

• Eligibility Policy (PDF 448.4 KB): Detailed eligibility guide.
• Delivery Policy (PDF 1.1 MB): Detail on how the program is administered by the LGA and your reporting requirements.
• Scheme logic (PDF 301.6 KB): Includes the goals and outcomes of the Scheme.
• Memorandum of understanding (PDF 1.4 MB): A formalised agreement on the principles and purposes of the scheme.
• Terms of reference (PDF 203.2 KB): Used by the Advisory Committee to guide their operations and make decisions.

Find out more

To find out more, contact:

Mathilde Thorsen, Projects and Grants Coordinator
Email: lgrds@lga.sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8224 2057