Most toy libraries rely on grants and fundraising to support membership fees, especially to purchase toys, and this requires a planned and ongoing approach. Useful support and resources are available through the Institute of Community Directors and grant-finding platforms such as Grant Guru, Grant Connect, the Community Grants Hub, and the Funding Centre. Auspicing arrangements can support grant applications and tax-deductible donations if DGR status is not held. Popular fundraising options include raffles and sausage sizzles, noting that legal requirements vary by state.
Most toy libraries rely on grants and fundraising to supplement membership fees, particularly to buy toys. To ensure a flow of funding from these sources it will require a concerted and planned approach to grants and fundraising. Grants typically offer the potential for a larger financial return, often delivering significant funding through a single successful application, however due to the competitive nature, you may need to submit a number of applications to achieve success. In contrast, traditional fundraising activities such as barbeques or raffles usually generate smaller amounts of income and can require considerable volunteer time and effort relative to the funds raised, but are more predictable in nature. A balanced fundraising approach often includes both strategies to spread risk and workload.
The Institute of Community Directors has some great help sheets, tools and resources on grants and fundraising.
Grants
Grants are funds provided by governments, foundations or other philanthropic organisations for a specific purpose or project. They are usually awarded following an application process and must be spent in line with what was approved, with reporting (called acquittal) required to demonstrate that the funds were used as proposed.
Some useful places to find grants are:
Some grant websites require a paid subscription. Before subscribing, check whether your local council offers free access — most toy libraries can find sufficient grant opportunities without paying for a service. Toy Libraries Australia will share funding opportunities from time to time via our Facebook groups, or directly with geographically specific toy libraries.
Many funders use SmartyGrants to manage applications. Your toy library should set up a SmartyFile to store key organisational details and ensure multiple committee members can access and manage applications. This helps prevent important grant information from being lost if a volunteer moves on, particularly for grants with long reporting periods.
Funders are looking for clear, measurable impact. They want to see how your project will make a meaningful difference, who will benefit, how many people you will reach, and how you will know it has worked. Strong applications clearly link the funding request to community need, outline realistic outcomes, and show how the impact will be sustained beyond the grant period.
Here are some facts from TLA about toy libraries across Australia and their benefits that may support your grant application.
The Toy Library Social Return on Investment report, released February 2025, details the value that Australian toy libraries deliver to their communities, and how this impact can be leveraged by toy libraries in their funding applications.
Auspicing
Auspicing is an arrangement where an established organisation supports a group to apply for grants or receive donations, often by using their legal or tax status, while the group remains responsible for delivering the project.
Toy Libraries Australia may be able to auspices your grant applications you can view our policy below.
The most common reason to seek auspicing from Toy Libraries Australia is if the grant you are applying for requires you to have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to apply.
Raffles
Raffles are a popular fundraising feature but there are various requirements around these fundraisers for each state. To view more around these requirements go here. If you are registered as a charity with ACNC, you may be exempt from state based fundraising requirements.
Sausage Sizzle
Running a sausage sizzle (e.g. at Bunnings) is an easy way to raise funds for a toy library though does take some preparation our planning sheet may help you. If you are holding one at Bunnings please confirm with your contact as to their recommendations for planning amounts.
A sausage sizzle serves two purposes - fundraising, and is also a great marketing tool to raise awareness in the community of your organisation.
Other Fundraising opportunities
Container Deposit Schemes (10c refund for cans and bottles) - varies by state
Providing volunteers for external events such as Agricultural Shows (for ticket booths etc).
Tax-Deductible Donations
Toy Libraries Australia can also accept tax-deductible donations on your behalf if you do not have your own deductible gift recipient status (DGR). This is possible because TLA has DGR status.
Here's how it works:
Encourage your supporters to donate to your toy library at https://www.givenow.com.au/toylibraries/
Supporters make a one-off or ongoing donation and are asked to nominate which TL the donation is for (this is a required field but make sure they know to nominate your TL)
Supporters immediately receive a receipt for their donation that they can use to claim a tax-deduction
TLA receives the donation less card fees (usually 0.26%) at the start of the following month
When we receive payment of your first donation we will get in touch to discuss what you would like to do with it. TLA can apply the donation to your TLA membership/insurance or transfer to Toy Community at no charge. If you want the funds transferred to your TL there will be a $10 admin fee to cover the staff costs incurred in managing the funds transfer.
Just a reminder, the funds must be applied in line with TLA's purpose which is 'to support Australian not-for-profit toy libraries, encouraging families to play and learn together in a sustainable way.'
Many people make significant donations in June before the end of the tax year, so get onto this now. Both individuals and companies can make a donation.
If you need more information or to flag some expected money contact us at info@toylibraries.org.au
Further Learning
Toy Libraries Australia produced content
Social Return on Investment (recorded February 2025, approximately 45min)
Further Reading
Updated:
3 Mar 2026