Community Grants and Funding Opportunities

Please note that while we update our lists of available grants reguarly, this is not a comprensive list and closing dates and details should be varified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

If you have been affected by the recent bushfires, a list of available grants and assitance is available on our dedicated Bushfire Assistance page.

Regional Growth Fund (NSW Government)

Closing date: Varies

Value: Unspecified

Run By: NSW Government

Further Information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/regional-nsw/regional-growth-fund/

The Regional Growth Fund will invest in projects that facilitate regional development through six funds. These funds aim to enable essential infrastructure, support arts and culture, enhance and build sporting infrastructure, improve regional voice and data connectivity, invest in our mining-impacted communities, spur job creation and deliver local infrastructure.

Applications will be open to local government, regional organisations, industry and other community organisations.

The six funds are:

• Regional Sports Infrastructure
• Stronger Country Communities Fund
• Resources for Regions
• Regional Cultural Fund
• Connecting Country Communities
• Growing Local Economies

Small Grants for Rural Communities

Closes: Various

Value: Up to $5,000

Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

Further Information: http://www.frrr.org.au/cb_pages/grants.php

The Small Grants for Rural Communities is the longest running and broadest program FRRR offers, opening twice per year.

It is a great example of a collaborative program supported by various partners which has the flexibility to address issues that make a difference to the sustainability of rural, regional and remote communities.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities  in rural, regional or remote Australia. Priority is given to communities of 10,000 or fewer. Applicants must be not-for-profit community organisations with an ABN or incorporation certificate.

Australian Communities Foundation

Closes: Various dates

Value: Dependant on grant

Run by: Australian Communities Foundation

Further Information: www.communityfoundation.org.au/grants/

ACF is committed to helping build healthy and resilient communities. To achieve this, ACF supports a range of charitable organisations and projects each year. Grants are made domestically and internationally through Australian registered charitable organisations for specific projects, or for purposes that support the ongoing activities of those organisations.

With over 250 sub-funds, ACF provides over 500 grants annually that broadly fall into the following categories: arts and culture, community development and advocacy, community services and welfare, disability, training and employment, environment, health and medical research, education and overseas aid and development. Within these categories, target groups are also supported, including Indigenous communities and refugee/asylum seekers.

ACF also administers a number of specific scholarships and awards to promote educational achievement.

Google Ad Grants

Closes: Applications are ongoing

Value: Up to $10,000 per month

Run By: Google

Further information: www.google.com.au/grants/

Google Ad Grants is the nonprofit edition of AdWords, Google's online advertising tool. Google Ad Grants empowers nonprofit organisations, through $10,000 per month in in-kind AdWords™ advertising, to promote their missions and initiatives on Google search result pages.

Quick Response Grants

Closing date: Ongoing

Value: Up to $1,500

Run By: Regional Arts NSW

Further Information: http://regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/qrg/

Made available under the Regional Arts Fund allocation for NSW, Quick Response Grants offer funding of up to $1,500 for regional artists, arts organisations and communities to respond to unique arts opportunities that present themselves at very short notice. The program is intended to:

• support professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers involved in community programs that will increase their knowledge, skills and experience
• support skills and or arts development for individuals and groups in regional communities through the employment of arts and cultural workers to conduct workshops, seminars and forums.

‘Quicks’ are offered on a quarterly basis. There is no deadline for applications, which may be made as required, although applications are processed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Applicants MUST speak to the Funding Manager at Regional Arts NSW before applying (see contact details below). Decisions will be advised within 5 working days of receipt.

Jetstar Flying Start Programme

Current Round Closes: 31st of March  2020

Value: $30,000 consisting of $15,000 cash grant and $15,000 of Jetstar flights

Run By: Jetstar

Further Information: www.jetstar.com/au/en/flyingstart

Jetstar's Flying Start Program invites community groups and organisations across Australia to apply for a grant to fund a project that will enrich the lives of people in their local community.

Entry is open to not-for-profit community groups and organisations of any size, who are seeking funding to help enhance the lives of people in their local community; and can be classified into one of the following categories:

• Charity
• Educational and Health Organisations
• Arts Group or Organisation
• Sporting Group or Organisation

The community group or organisation should have a specific project in mind for how the grant will be used to benefit their local community.

Grants will be awarded twice a year.

James N Kirby Foundation Small Grants

Opens: 1st of November each year

Closes: 14th of Febrary each year

Value: $3,000 to $15,000

Run By: James N Kirby Foundation

Further Information: www.kirbyfoundation.com.au/eligibility-criteria/how-to-apply/

The James N Kirby Foundation provides grants that impact not only towards the future educational and technical development of young Australians, but also on the health and welfare of many Australians in need as well as The Arts and The Environment. Since its inception, the family has continued to contribute funds and to date has donated nearly $21 million across a broad charitable spectrum, and is committed to distributing approximately $1m in grants each year.

Applications for Small Grants are open from 1 November to 14 February each year. Applicants will be notified of the outcome within a month of the Board Meeting held in May. It is preferable for applicants to apply earlier in the process rather than leaving it to the last minute at the end of February.

Sisters of Charity Community Grants Program

Current Round Closes: 31st of March 2020

Value: Up to $10,000

Run By: Sisters of Charity Foundation

Further Information: www.sistersofcharityfoundation.com.au/applying-for-grants/about-our-grants/

The Sisters of Charity Foundation provides charity grants of up to $10,000 to organisations that use clever ways to fight poverty, loneliness, suffering and oppression, but struggle to find funding.

National Cultural Heritage Account

Closes: Applications are ongoing on a case-by-case basis

Value: $500,000 is available each year

Run By: Australian Government Department of Communications and the Arts

Further Information: https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/national-cultural-heritage-account

The National Cultural Heritage Account helps Australian public cultural organisations buy significant objects that they could not otherwise afford. Australian cultural institutions can apply for funding. This includes museums, art galleries, libraries, archives, historic buildings, national trusts and local history museums and galleries, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander keeping places for sacred/secret material.

ClubGRANTS

Closes: Various

Value: Dependant on grant applied for

Run By: Club Grants

Further Information: https://portal.clubsnsw.com.au/community/clubgrants/about-clubgrants

Each year through ClubGRANTS, clubs across NSW provide support to tens of thousands of local community organisations, sporting groups, and charities that make a difference in their local area. With more than $1 billion in funding provided since the program’s inception, including a record $100 million in 2014, ClubGRANTS is without doubt one of the largest and most effective grants programs in Australia.

All funding is processed locally and community groups can contact their local clubs easily and at any time for information and advice. ClubGRANTS is also flexible, allowing clubs to provide support quickly, efficiently, and often as soon as a need emerges.

To be eligible to apply, you must be a not-for-profit organisation and provide the following project and/or services: community welfare or social services, community development, community health services or employment assistance activities. You are also eligible if you or your organisation is involved in community or professional sport.

Category 1 funding is allocated on the basis of local government areas, and Local Committees set their own deadlines, which vary from area to area. Opening and closing dates are available on Committee Search listings.

Clubs allocate Category 2 funding and while some clubs set deadlines, most accept and consider Category 2 applications year-round. Category 2 applicants should contact the individual clubs for more information.

Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program

Closes: 30th of March 2020

Value: Up to $150,000

Run By: Department of Vetrans Affairs

Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=405335DD-F299-C712-BC11F7079ABF9F7B

The Australian Government is inviting applications through an open competitive process to apply for grant funding during the 2019-20 financial year under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program (the program).

The program aims to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage and involve people around the nation in a wide range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations. Projects and activities should promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who served have played in shaping the nation.

There are two categories of grants available under the program:
 

Community Grants (STS-CG)

Grants to a maximum of $10,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities.

Major Grants (STS-MG)
Grants between $10,001 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a national, state, territory and/or regional perspective.

The Honda Foundation

Closes: 31st of July 2020

Run By: The Honda Foundation

Further Information: www.thehondafoundation.com.au/about.html

The Honda Foundation is funded by contributions from Honda Australia, private donors and more than 100 dealerships across the country. More than $10 million has so far been donated to hundreds of very worthy causes, including empowering disadvantaged Australians, providing relief for victims of natural disasters and supporting the development of new technologies and research to fight disease.

The Honda Foundation acts as a charitable trust, providing financial assistance to charities and organisations doing amazing work across a range of social and environmental issues. These include:

• Supporting the disadvantaged, disabled or those suffering from illness
• Relief for victims of natural disasters
• Promotion of innovation and new technologies
• The promotion, development and preservation of Australian culture

The Honda Foundation also provides a 12-month Loan Vehicle Program which includes registration, insurance and all servicing costs, and is capped at 20 loan vehicles at any one time.

The Harcourts Foundation

Current Round Closes: 31st of March 2020

Value: Unspecified

Run By: The Harcourts Foundation

Further Information: http://harcourtsfoundation.org/australia/

As the foundation's purpose is “To provide support that helps, grows, and enriches our communities”, they have a clear focus on providing grants to reputable community-based charitable organisations which need funding for projects and initiatives designed to benefit as many people as possible.

Because most of the funding for The Harcourts Foundation is generously provided by Harcourts offices, they will only consider applications from groups for a specific event, project, item, or initiative where Harcourts has an office.

All applications are to be received by the end date of each round. Rounds for 2020 are:

1 January to 31 March
1 April to 30 June
1 July to 30 September
1 October to 31 December

English Family Foundation - Ignitor Fund

Closes: Applications are ongoing
Value: Up to $100,000
Run By: Englisht Family Foundation
Further Information: www.englishfoundation.org.au/ignitor-fund

Under this grant program the foundation are seeking to support Australian social enterprise changemakers who are finding new and innovative solutions to tackle the most pressing issues within their local communities and who are now looking to build capacity to overcome the challenges of taking their concept to scale to be impact investment ready.

The foundation are looking to partner with organisations who have developed their proof of concept and are now seeking ignitor funds to scale to the next stage of their development and demonstrate impact and “investor readiness”. This program could also apply to intrapreneurs in established grassroots charities who are looking to scale the sustainability of their model and diversify their funding sources.

State Heritage Emergency Works

Closing date: Ongoing

Value: Up to $10,000

Run By: NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Further Information: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Heritage/funding/index.htm

To avert immediate risk of further damage caused by unexpected events to the heritage values of a State Heritage Register-listed item or item with a current Interim Heritage Order.

Grants under the  program are open year round subject to available funding and do not require matched funds.

Matana Foundation Grants

Closes: Ongoing

Value: No specified minimum or maximum, most grants are between $1,000 and $10,000

Run By: Matana Foundation

Further Information: matanafoundation.org.au

Matana’s focus is on improving the welfare and wellbeing of young people from severely disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, or whose concerns and issues are not readily funded from other sources.

Recognising that disadvantage takes many forms, we prioritise projects and organisations that address the causes of youth disadvantage by:

• Providing programs primarily targeting school retention and increased education achievement for students who are at risk of dropping out of school or who have already dropped out. The focus is on early identification, customised learning and mentoring.
• Providing programs that target employment skills development, employment and career pathways and transitions into employment.
• Providing programs that target social and community connectedness, personal significance and social and emotional outcomes.
• Providing services in geographical areas across Australia where funding is difficult to source.

Community Broadcasting Foundation - Quick Response Grants

Closes: Ongoing

Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Community Broadcasting Foundation

Further Information: https://cbf.org.au/quick-response-grants/

These grants will help community broadcasters access funding for eligible projects when their regular grant rounds are closed.

Emergencies

• Replacing essential equipment and related expenses to restore basic transmission following an unforeseen event such as flood, bushfire, lightning or theft
• Replacing essential operational equipment and related expenses not able to be reasonably anticipated
• Unexpected changes at your studio or transmission site such as a sudden need to relocate
• A financial loan while an insurance claim is being processed and/or funds are raised
• Other costs associated with maintaining transmission and/or operations not able to be reasonably anticipated.

Opportunities

• A matched funding opportunity for a project
• Other costs associated with a time-limited opportunity

Grants will be considered outside of the normal grant rounds and you will receive advice about the outcome of your application within one week.

The Mazda Foundation

Next Round Closes: 30th of September each year
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Mazda Foundation
Further Information: http://mazdafoundation.org.au/

The foundation provides funding for two priority areas:

1. Children with physical &/or mental disabilities
Projects by community based organisations to support children with physical and/or mental disabilities or their carers, particularly projects seeking to address social isolation experienced by such children and their carers (Not including research projects).

2. Elderly people suffering mental disabilities

Projects by community based organisations to support elderly people suffering from mental disabilities (including dementia) or their carers, particularly projects seeking to address social isolation experienced by such elderly persons and their carers (Not including research projects).

Local Sporting Champions (LSC) Program

Closes: 31st of March 2020

Value: $500-$750

Run By: Ausport

Further Information: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

If successful, applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships as follows:

Base Grant: $500
Applicants travelling 800km - 2000km to their nominated championships: + $100
Applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2000km to their nominated championships: + $200
Applicants residing in a rural electorate: + $50

Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity Grants

Current Events Round Closes: 13th of March 2020

Value: Up to $40,000 depending on grant type

Run By: NSW Government - Multicultural NSW

Further Information: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants/

The Multicultural NSW Celebrating Diversity Grants Program invests in community projects, events and activities that foster community harmony and celebrate cultural diversity as a precious part of our identity and way of life.

There are two categories of grants under the Celebrating Diversity Grants Program:

1. Celebrating Diversity: Events

Two rounds are run each year: August – September  and January – February

Each year the NSW calendar is filled with events that celebrate our cultural diversity.  Festivals and events bring communities together, showcase the benefits of cultural diversity and promote social cohesion and community harmony.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for Celebrating Diversity: Events. Applicants are eligible to receive grant funding to cover up to 20% of the total event budget up to the amount of $10,000 annually.

2. Celebrating Diversity: Projects

November – December

Community harmony happens when communities from diverse cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds work together on projects that make a difference.

Grants of up to $40,000 are available for 12-month projects than can make a lasting positive impact on social cohesion at the grassroots level. Celebrating Diversity Project Grants support collaborative relationships with Government and partnerships between community, non-government, educational organisations and the private sector.

Round three:
Celebrating Diversity Grants – Events (funding for events from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020)
Open for Applications from 3 February - 13 March 2020

Veteran and Community Grants

Current Closes: 27 February 2020

Run By: Department of Vetrans Affairs

Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=2BD0FC2B-0FE2-0DF5-A57C7258427B315D

The objective of the program is to maintain and improve the independence and quality of life for members of the Australian veteran community by providing funding for projects that sustain or enhance health and wellbeing.

The intended outcomes of the program are to:

• Deliver projects that are sustainable, financially viable and have an ongoing benefit for members of the Australian veteran community; and
• Deliver projects that increase opportunities for members of the Australian veteran community, associated with social activity and community participation and/or improve health behaviours and support healthy places.

Small Environmental Grant Scheme

Next Round Opens: 1st of April 2020

Value: Up to $10,000

Run By: Wettenhall Environment Trust

Further Information: https://wettenhall.org.au/grants/small-environmental-grants/

Providing support for people undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban.

They are looking for projects around flora and fauna conservation or threatened mammal conservation.

These projects should involve any of the following:

• monitoring, recording and sharing data
• delivering community education
• providing community capacity building (e.g. training)
• research and science

Recreational Fishing Trust

Closing date: Ongoing
Value: $7,500 to $200,000
Run By: NSW Department of Primary Industries

Further Information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/apply-for-funds

When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, recreational fishers are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW. These trusts are overseen by two committees made up of recreational fishers - one for saltwater and one for freshwater.

Anyone can apply for funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, including fishing clubs and
organisations, universities, councils, community groups, individuals and so on. Joint applications are also
encouraged.

Previously funded projects include:

• recreational fishing education
• fishing access and facilities
• research on fish and recreational fishing
• recreational fishing enhancement
• aquatic habitat rehabilitation and protection
• enforcement of fishing rules

CAGES Foundation

Closes: Ongoing until June 2020 - 2 week response time
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: CAGES Foundation
Further Information: http://cagesfoundation.org/how-we-work/

The program provides funding with the intention of empowering community and creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their potential.

CAGES Foundation will intentionally seek to fund DGR 1 organisations with high levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, influence, identity and leadership. The foundation’s principle around self-determination is best enacted through supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisations however they also recognise the need to build skills and capabilities in these organisations and the communities they exist in. They beleive an effective way to do this is to support respectful partnerships between non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations where two-way learning and capacity building at an organisational and community level is intentional.

Tackling Tough Times Together

Current Round Closes: 28th of May 2020

Value: Up to $150,000 depending on the teir applied for
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

Further Information: www.frrr.org.au/grants/tackling_tough_times_together.php

The Tackling Tough Times Together grant program helps communities access the resources they need to support one another through the ongoing effects of the drought.

This program is designed to provide flexible funding to support community-based activities that both help to relieve current stressors and symptoms, and most importantly, build capacity and resilience for the future. Funds could also support activities that engage your local community in being proactive, exploring options and creating something that will stand the test of tough times.

Broadcasting Content Grants

Closes: 10th of March 2020

Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Community Broadcasting Foundation

Further Information: https://cbf.org.au/grants/grants-available/

Content grants aim to support the development, production and distribution of content via Australian community media.

This year they are particularly looking to:

• increase community participation and diversity in community broadcasting and/or
• support creativity and excellence in content production.

Broadcasting Development and Operations Grants

Closes: 10th of March 2020

Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Community Broadcasting Foundation

Further Information: https://cbf.org.au/grants/grants-available/

Development & Operations grants aim to support community media station resilience through core support and support for development projects and necessary infrastructure.

This year they are particularly looking to support initiatives that build the capacity of community broadcasting stations in the areas of:

• governance / strategic planning development
• operations
• technical and/or
• community engagement

Active Kids Vourchers

Closes: December 2020

Value: $100 per child
Run By: NSW Government Office of Sport

Further Information: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/activekids

Active Kids is a program to help NSW families meet the cost of getting their kids into sport and active fitness and recreation activities. The initiative aims to reduce barriers to participation and help change the physical activity behaviours of children and young people in NSW.

Every child (4.5 - 18 years’ old) enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12 is eligible. This includes those who are home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW.

Sisters of Charity Foundation

Closing date: 31st of March 2019
Value: up to $10,000
Run By: Sisters of Charity Foundation

Further Information: https://www.sistersofcharityfoundation.com.au/applying-for-grants/

Each year we provide grants up to $10,000 for community projects and programs. These grants are aimed at helping groups who make a huge difference for those in need, but struggle to find funding through other avenues. They may be ineligible for government assistance, or be too small or lacking the right market appeal to attract the attention of larger organisations, but their causes are no less worthy and their needs are no less real.

Creative Kids Vouchers

Closes: December 2020

Value: $100 per child
Run By: Service NSW

Further Information: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher

The Creative Kids Rebate can be put towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition fees for creative and cultural activities such as music lessons, language classes, coding and digital, visual and performing arts.

Be Connected - Building Digital Skills

Next Round Opens: February 2020

Value: $2,500 to $15,000 depending on number of people supported
Run By: Good Things Foundation on behalf of the Australian Government
Further Information: https://www.beconnectednetwork.org.au/grant-program/bds-grants

Building Digital Skills grants help organisations to continue delivering their Be Connected digital literacy programs. All Be Connected Network Partners who have registered 24 people on the Be Connected Learning Portal (12 people if you’re in an outer regional, remote or very remote area) can apply for a Building Digital Skills grant.

There are six different contract sizes to apply for, depending on how many people you're able to support. Contracts range from $2,500 to $15,000. Funding can be spent on anything that will help you support older Australians to complete 2 courses or 10 activities on the Be Connected Learning Portal.

Youth Employment Program

Closing date: Ongoing
Value: Support for individuals and businesses
Run By: NSW Government Department of Industry

Further Information: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry-in-nsw/assistance-and-support/smart-skilled-and-hired/youth-employment/program

Smart, Skilled and Hired helps young people and local businesses in NSW.

Young people can become work ready or kickstart a fulfilling career by connecting to training, mentoring, work experience placements, and other support to build their skills and experience.

Local businesses that provide opportunities for young people benefit from access to job-ready employees with the skills and training they need for their businesses.

The program is open to young people (15 to 24 years) and businesses in Western Sydney, the Central Coast and Hunter, New England/North West and the North Coast.

Dreamstarter - Scholarships

Closes: Ongoing

Value: Unspecified

Run By: ING

Further Information: https://campaigns.ing.com.au/Dreamstarter/Apply-scholarships#tab-top-position

ING are looking for change makers working on an early-stage business that will create positive social impact through trade of a product or service. They know that growing a dream into a sustainable and impactful business requires passion and dedication but also knowledge and skills that you may not yet possess.

Dreamstarter Scholarships exist to support you on that journey by providing the funding you need to participate in learning programs that provide the skills, knowledge and networks for you to develop or grow your social business.

Dreamstarter - Grants for Growth

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Unspecified
Run By: ING
Further Information: https://campaigns.ing.com.au/Dreamstarter/Apply-grants-for-growth#tab-top-position

Dreamstarter Grants for Growth provides ING Dreamstarter Alumni with access to funding to accelerate the growth of their businesses and increase their positive social impact. Because they understand that opportunities don't always appear at a time when grant applications are open they have created an ‘always open’ program, so that ING Dreamstarters can apply for a financial boost at a time that suits them.

Impact Investment Ready Growth Grant

Closes: Ongoing rounds through the year
Value: Up to $140,000
Run By: Impact Investing Australia
Further Information: https://impactinvestmentready.com.au/

The Impact Investment Ready Growth Grant provides impact businesses and mission-driven organisations with grants of up to $140,000 for business, financial, legal and other capacity building support from providers to secure investment.

Growth Grants were created in recognition of the potential for impact investing to change the way Australia addresses social issues and the important role that access to capital can play in delivering better outcomes for people and communities. They support enterprises that are high growth, can deliver positive social outcomes and have the potential to secure capital investment.

Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital

Current Round Closes: 24th of March 2020

Next Round Closes: 30th of June 2020
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rurual and Regional Renewal
Further Information: https://www.frrr.org.au/grants/Strengthening_Rural_Communities

The Strengthening Rural Communities program gives small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds that can benefit and help secure their future prosperity. Grants are available for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

Applications from not-for-profit organisations in communities of fewer than 15,000 people are prioritised, particularly those communities whose size, remoteness and relative access to services, funding, and resources present particular ongoing challenges. The Strengthening Rural Communities program accepts applications any time. FRRR considers applications and makes grant distributions on a quarterly basis.

Youth Employment Program

Closes: Unspecified

Value: Support

Run By: NSW Government Department of Industry

Further Information: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry-in-nsw/assistance-and-support/smart-skilled-and-hired/youth-employment/program

Smart, Skilled and Hired helps young people and local businesses in NSW.

Young people can become work ready or kickstart a fulfilling career by connecting to training, mentoring, work experience placements, and other support to build their skills and experience.

Local businesses that provide opportunities for young people benefit from access to job-ready employees with the skills and training they need for their businesses.

The program is open to young people (15 to 24 years) and businesses in Western Sydney, the Central Coast and Hunter, New England/North West and the North Coast.

IGA Community Chest

Closes: Ongoing

Value: Unspecified

Run By: IGA

Further Information: https://www.iga.com.au/community-chest/

Every day across the country* IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. It could be in response to a major event like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s.

Thriving People and Places

Closes: Ongoing

Value: $20,000 and over for NSW applicants

Run By: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation

Further Information: http://vfff.org.au/apply/guidelines/

VFFF aspires to a stronger and brighter future for people and places experiencing disadvantage, enabling them to reach their educational, social and economic potential and build thriving communities by making grants to charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

The foundation has a strong focus on supporting regional areas, with 59% of funds approved in thge 2018 financial year being for work in regional areas.

The Copland Foundation Grants

• The study, management, conservation, acquisition and interpretation of relevant historic architecture,
• The provision of education programs, whether for staff of such museums, institutions, societies, organisations or for the general public,
• The purchase of art works and/or other artefacts, to be identified on public display by the purchaser as a gift from the Copland Foundation.

Qantas Regional Grants

• The extent to which the applicant directly services a regional community need and demonstrates a measurable socioeconomic impact.
• The extent to which the applicant can maximise local community benefits in regional Australia with the Qantas Regional Grants Program funding.
• The extent to which the project or activity will celebrate and highlight the work of the applicant and help boost the profile and strength of the applicant for the future.
• The ability of the applicant to demonstrate innovation in their project strategy, goals and mission, and how these align to improving their service offering and increasing regional impact.

Infrastructure Grants

• Arts & Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Disaster Readiness & Community Infrastructure: $10,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Sport & Recreation:  $100,000 to $300,000 available per project

Increasing Resilience to Climate Change

Closes: 28th of February 2020 (Extended)
Value: $10,000 to $30,000
Run By: AdaptNSW
Further Information: https://climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/adapting-to-climate-change/community-grants

The NSW Government is investing in community-led adaptation projects that deliver positive social, environmental and economic outcomes, while supporting community participation, preparation and resilience to climate change impacts. By better understanding the impacts of climate change on our environment, communities and lifestyles, we can prepare and adapt for the future. Resilience to climate change impacts can be increased through collaborative, community-driven adaptation activities.

The Community Grants program has been established to support projects that help communities to take action and manage climate change impacts by being able to better plan, prepare for, and respond to heatwaves, storms, floods, drought and bushfires, to increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change.

It provides funding for local communities to address climate change impacts in their region. The grants program is funded through the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund, with a total of $600,000 available for the program. Incorporated non-government and not for profit organisations, land councils and aboriginal corporations are eligible to apply to manage and/or administer the grants.

Grants In Aid

Closes: 27th of February 2020
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs
Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=478E0177-08D4-B684-7E018BF9ED73BA4B

The program aims to fund discrete projects or activities by national ex-service organisations (ESOs) that address a specific problem or issue and will achieve a clear benefit to the ex-service and Defence community.

The intended outcomes of the program are to encourage co-operation and communication between the ex-service community, ESOs and the Australian Government and assist ESOs to:

• support their branches, sub-branches and affiliated organisations in performing compensation or wellbeing advocacy or other welfare work
• advance the objectives of all ESOs more generally, including improved co‑operation and communication between national bodies, branches, sub‑branches and affiliated organisations on repatriation and military compensation matters.

Community Futures Grant

Closes: 1st of March 2020 (Extended)
Value: $25,000
Run By: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
Further Information: https://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/grants/community-futures-grant/

Provides an opportunity for community-minded people to be awarded up to $25,000 in funding for a community project in their local area. The RASF invites ideas that deliver strong community benefits and result in enhanced economic and social outcomes for your community. Projects that involve collaboration between people in your town and deliver sustained and broad community benefits will be highly regarded. Applicants will be passionate about rural and regional NSW, and have a good understanding of any issues affecting their community.

Infrastructure for local showgrounds and Show Societies are eligible. The improvements must demonstrate that they go beyond benefiting just the local Show Society in running the local Show, but rather enabling broader use by other community groups to run on-going projects or programs.

In the past this grant has carried an age limit of 35 years. This age limit has now been lifted, however the RAS Foundation remains committed to fostering youth leadership and will earmark a portion of the available grant funding to projects driven by young people.

Disaster Recovery Grants

Closes: 24th of May 2020
Value: $10,000 to $100,000
Run By: NSW Government Rural Assistance Authority
Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/disaster-recovery-grants/northern-nsw-bushfires

The Natural Disaster Recovery Relief Grant is available to eligible primary producers, small businesses, sporting clubs and not for profit organisations, following the declaration of a Natural Disaster by the NSW Government, and following the approval of the Australian Government. This assistance measure is only provided in event of Natural Disasters that have severely affected communities, regions or sectors.

There are funds available for:

• Primary Producers
• Small Business
• Not-for-Profit Organisations

Strengthening Rural Communities - Larger Leverage Grants

EOI's Close for the Round 7: 4th of August 2020
Value: $10,001 to $25,000
Run By: Foundation for Rurual and Regional Renewal
Further Information: https://www.frrr.org.au/grants/Strengthening_Rural_Communities

The Strengthening Rural Communities program gives small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds that can benefit and help secure their future prosperity. Grants are available for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

Applications from not-for-profit organisations in communities of fewer than 15,000 people are prioritised, particularly those communities whose size, remoteness and relative access to services, funding, and resources present particular ongoing challenges. The Strengthening Rural Communities program accepts applications any time. FRRR considers applications and makes grant distributions on a quarterly basis.
Through the Larger Leverage grants, small rural, regional and remote communities now have an opportunity to access funding to support more aspirational objectives, think bigger and leverage the ideas, creativity and resources of communities for bigger impacts and stronger, more connected communities.

The Larger Leverage tier is focussed on supporting two types of projects:
a) Projects delivered in remote or very remote communities;
b) Projects that require more financial support in order to enhance the community or organisational capacity and accelerate the outcomes to be achieved.

Expressions of interest (EOI) are required to apply for this tier.

Community Child Care Fund - Special Circumstances Grant

Closes: Unspecified
Value: Unspecified
Run By: Australian Government Department of Education
Further Information: https://www.education.gov.au/cccfspecialcircs

The objective of the CCCF Special Circumstances Grant Opportunity is to support continuity of child care, in particular in disadvantaged or vulnerable communities, where service viability is affected by:

• an unforeseen event or circumstance outside the control of the service,such asa natural disaster or extreme weather event, or
• another event or circumstance,which would result in market failure for the community.

Country Show Sponsorship Packages

Closes: Ongoing for 2020
Value: $5,000
Run By: NSW Government Department of Premier and Cabinet
Further Information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/regional-nsw/drought-stimulus-package/country-show-sponsorship-packages/

Funding is now available to support the costs of organising and running country shows in drought and bushfire impacted areas of regional NSW.

Eligible applicants are show organising committees.

Other requirements:

• The country show must be in regional NSW (outside of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong metropolitan areas) to be eligible for sponsorship
• Applications are limited to one NSW Government sponsorship per show in a calendar year
• Only shows that are going ahead in 2020, or combining with nearby shows, are eligible to receive funding
• If a show has already been cancelled, show organising committees are encouraged to make contact to discuss what other funding support may be available
• Shows that have received other NSW Government funding support to be held in 2020 are not eligible
• Applications for funding must be submitted before the show has taken place. No funding can be approved if the application is made after the show has been held.

Shows that are combining with other shows from the surrounding area may be granted a higher amount if requested. Initially, priority will be given to shows being held in the first half of 2020.

Before and After School Care Equipment and Facilities Grant Program

Closes: 31st of January 2021
Value: Up to $30,000
Run By: NSW Government Department of Education
Further Information: https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/media/documents/basc/Equipment-and-Facilities-Grant-Guidelines-2020.pdf

The Equipment and Facilities Grant Program supports schools and services to fund equipment and facilities that enable new services to establish and existing services to expand. Applicants may seek up to $30,000 (GST exclusive) for their project and applications will be assessed based on the level of demand for the increase in places and how well the proposed project will address the issue.

This is an open –competitive grant program.

Community Hall Program

Closes: 20th of March 2020
Value: $200
Run By: Essential Energy
Further Information: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/community-halls

Essential Energy’s Community Hall Program aims to give back to the local halls that make up the social fabric of regional, rural and remote NSW and provide a valuable venue for the provision of localised services for their surrounding areas.

Through the program, eligible halls will receive $200 (GST exclusive) in support to put towards general maintenance costs. There will be one application period per year.

NAIDOC Local Grants

Closes: 30th of March 2020
Value: Most grants are $500 to $1,000
Run By: National Indigenous Australians Agency
Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=F6419478-C895-DFCF-560F7E4967E4E4EA

The 2020 NAIDOC Local Grants funding round aims to support activities being held during NAIDOC Week 2020 (5-12 July) that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and continuing contributions to our country and society. Activities should align with the National NAIDOC Theme for 2020, ‘Always was, Always will be’.

This grant round provides funding to organisations to contribute to the costs of local and regional NAIDOC activities across Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous legal entities may apply for NAIDOC funding. Where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations are found equally suitable, preference will generally be given to the Indigenous organisation.

The objectives of the grant opportunity are to promote:

• the expression, engagement and conservation of Indigenous culture
• Indigenous Australians’ participation in the social and economic life of Australia through healing, and strengthening the capability, governance and leadership of Indigenous Australians, organisations and communities, and
• broader understanding and acceptance of the unique place of Indigenous cultures in Australian society.

Regional Event Fund

Closes: 25th of March 2020
Value: Up to $20,000
Run By: Destination NSW
Further Information: www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/business-development-resources/funding-and-grants/regional-event

The Regional Event Fund identifies and supports events in regional NSW that have the potential to act as a ‘cornerstone’ or flagship tourism event for their area by attracting overnight visitation and delivering long-term benefits to the region.

The Regional Event Fund includes two funding streams:

Micro Event Fund
A new stream developed as part of NSW’s 2019-20 bushfire and drought recovery program. The fund supports the delivery of smaller community-based events with limited expenditure budgets in regional NSW areas impacted by drought or the recent bushfire activity. The fund supports events that demonstrate an ability to engage and harmonise their local community, build destination appeal, attract visitors from outside the region and stimulate the local economy.

Flagship Event Fund
Supports the marketing of emerging events in regional NSW to increase their profile and encourage visitation.

Festivals Australia

Closes: 22nd of March 2020
Value: Unspecified - $40,000 Average
Run By: Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=89E4CB9A-D383-98BB-4B9E0DB4A5C36CCA

Festivals Australia provides funding to support individual art projects at festivals or significant one-off community events, such as a town’s centenary celebration or opening of a major new community resource.

Festivals Australia will:

• provide access to a diverse range of high quality, innovative arts projects that grow audiences at festivals across regional Australia
• support partnerships and collaboration across the arts sector
• encourage community participation in arts projects at regional and remote festivals.

The program delivers two funding rounds each year usually opening in February and September. The Minister for Communications,Cyber Safety and the Arts(or his delegate) approves funding under the Program Guidelines.

There is no limit to the amount of funding that may be sought, however the average funding request is around $40,000. Only one project, per organisation, per festival will be funded. Funding is available through annual or multi-year funding agreements subject to available funds. Multi-year funding is only available to support the development and delivery of a single project across financial years.

Moree Community Enhancement Fund

Closes: 13th of March 2020
Value: $5,000 to $25,000
Run By: Moree Plains Shire Council
Further Information: https://www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au/index.php/helping-you-access-information/donations-by-council

Thanks to an annual financial contribution from the Moree Solar Farm Pty Ltd Moree Plains Shire Council is able to offer community, sporting or educational organisations of Moree Plains Shire a chance to propose projects or programs that will have a positive impact on the community or practical solutions to current community needs.

The maximum allocation for the fund is $25,400 which is provided by the Moree Solar Farm as an annual contribution, with the successful applicant(s) having a project which will provide the most benefit to the community and utilise funding purposes that align with one or more areas of the 10 Year Community Strategic Plan.

Individuals or groups wishing to apply for financial assistance are required to complete and submit a Community Enhancement Fund Application Form by no later than 5pm Friday 13 March 2020 to enable the application to be considered.  In accordance with the Community Enhancement Fund Policy, applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

A copy of the Community Enhancement Fund Application Form and Policy are available on Council’s website or can be obtained from the Moree Plains Shire Council, Max Centre, Balo Street Moree during normal office hours or by telephone on 6757 3222. Copies are available at the Moree Community Library and Offices at Mungindi.