Community Grants and Funding Opportunities

This initiative provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small-related enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk, of financial hardship.

This program is ongoing and is subject to regular and open approaches to market. Funding rounds and approaches have been continually reviewed and adjusted over the years to improve the performance of the program and drive efficiencies to support structural adjustment in the agricultural sector in times of financial hardship.

The objective of the program is to support structural adjustment through transitioning clients out of immediate financial crisis or concerns, assessing business viability to make informed decisions about the future of the business and improving financial wellbeing and resilience through building clients’ financial knowledge and skills, and by referring clients to other professional services.

The ultimate outcome is financially capable agricultural, fishing and forestry businesses that are profitable, financially self-reliant and resilient. Grantees drive these changes through case management and effective and efficient client engagement.

A key performance indicator for the program is that a minimum of 80% of clients receiving services are case-managed and on exiting the service have come to a better understanding of their financial position and have met their goals to make an informed decision outlined in the program outcomes and objectives listed in the program logic.

To be eligible, you must be one of the following entity types:

• Company
• Cooperative
• Incorporated Association
• Indigenous Corporation.

If you are applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust , the Trustee must be one of the eligible entity type as listed above.

To be eligible you must be a legal entity with an Australian Business Number (ABN), have or are able to create an account with an Australian financial institution and be capable of entering into a legally binding and enforceable grant agreement with the Commonwealth.

To support the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) commitment to gender equity, the Equity Governance Grants provide targeted support to women who face systemic barriers to leadership and board participation. While the program is open to all women, priority is given to women from under-represented groups, including First Nations women, women with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse women, LGBTIQ+ women and women living in regional and remote communities. 

The program supports women to access high-quality governance education and development opportunities, equipping emerging leaders with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to contribute effectively at the board table. By prioritising women who have historically been excluded from leadership pathways, the program aims to strengthen decision making, unlock diverse perspectives and support sporting organisations to build more inclusive, future ready boards that reflect the diversity of Australian communities.

To be eligible to apply, an applicant must satisfy all the following criteria:

• Be a woman aged 18 years or over
• While the program is open to all women, priority will be given to women from under-represented groups including:
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and other First Nations women
• Culturally and linguistically diverse women
• LGBTIQ+ women
• Women living with disability
• Women living in regional and remote locations
• An Australian citizen or have permanent residence status
• Currently involved in a paid or volunteer capacity for either:
• A National Sporting Organisation (NSO) or National Sporting Organisation for people with Disability (NSOD), recognised by the ASC,
• Local Club or State/Territory Sporting Organisations (SSO) affiliated with an NSO or NSOD recognised by the ASC,
• The Australian Olympic Committee,
• Commonwealth Games Association,
• The National Institute Network (NIN),
• Australian Sports Foundation.
• Have completed the free Australian Sports Commission Director Education Course – The Start Line at time of application. The course is self-paced, delivered in five modules and takes approximately two hours to complete.
• Not be a current employee of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC)*,
• Not have received WLIS support for governance activities within the last two years.

In addition:

• The selected governance course/training must commence between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.
• The applicant’s supporting organisation is not named on the Workplace Gender Equality Agency website non-compliant organisations list.
• The applicant’s supporting organisation is not named in the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, on its list of “Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme”,

The WLIS Organisation Grants support the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) commitment to gender equity by investing in initiatives that strengthen leadership pathways, elevate women’s visibility and influence, and address the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s full participation in sport. In 2026, the program will prioritise projects that address gendered violence, promote and encourage male allyship, support women and girls from marginalised or under‑represented groups, and elevate the voice and visibility of women in leadership.

These priorities reflect the ASC’s ongoing work to ensure sport is a place where women feel supported and empowered to lead. They also align with broader national efforts to prevent violence against women, strengthen gender equality, and ensure equitable opportunities for all women — including First Nations women, women with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse women, LGBTIQ+ women, and women in regional and remote communities.

Through the WLIS Organisation Grants, the ASC continues to champion a sport system that not only welcomes women, but actively supports their leadership, amplifies their contributions, and recognises the critical role they play in shaping the future of Australian sport.

Program Objectives:

• Support sport organisations to develop and/or enhance policies, practices, systems and behaviours that lead to a sector that is more equitable and inclusive, particularly in the promotion and advancement of women leaders.
• Provide education and training opportunities for eligible organisations to advance their progress towards their gender equity goals and commitments. These opportunities should be grounded in an understanding of how people’s intersecting identities shape their experiences, including how power and privilege influences those experiences.
• Provide education and training opportunities that help eligible organisations progress their gender equity goals. All education and training should be grounded in intersectional principles, recognising how different identities affect women’s experiences and access to opportunities.
• Address systemic and cultural barriers to inclusion within the sport sector.

To be eligible you must satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Be a national sporting organisation, a national sporting organisation for people with disability, or be a state/territory sporting organisation of a national body that is recognised by the ASC, the Australian Olympic Committee or Commonwealth Games Association.
• Have the commitment of, and a letter of support from the Chair or CEO
• Organisation has no overdue WLIS acquittal or reporting requirements with the ASC
• Have not received a WLIS Organisation Grant through the WLIS program within the last 12 months (Please note: this does not include WLIS Executive Program)
• Organisation is not named on the Workplace Gender Equity Equality Agency website as declined to join or are unresponsive to the scheme.
• Organisation is not named by the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on its list of Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme. 

This grant opportunity is available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in NSW. Up to $250,000 is available to establish Aboriginal‑led Digital Inclusion Hubs under Socio‑Economic Outcome 17 that will deliver place‑based digital community hubs and digital skills uplift programs within NSW. The hub should aim to improve digital access and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in NSW. 

Who can apply: 

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) located in NSW (The definition of an ACCO is set out in Clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap )

• ACCOs that work in the community where a Digital Inclusion Hub will be established 

• ACCOs that are not currently receiving funding to deliver a Digital Inclusion Hub. 

Types of projects funded under this grant:

Digital Inclusion Hub

A Digital Inclusion Hub is a place-based digital community hub that delivers digital skills uplift programs

What services will a Digital Inclusion Hub provide? 

A Digital Inclusion Hub aims to close the digital divide by addressing one or more of the 4 targets under Socio-Economic Outcome 17: access, affordability, ability and media participation. 

Services may include: 

• Establishing place-based Digital Inclusion Hubs in selected metropolitan, regional and remote NSW locations, informed by the findings of Phase 1 (Digital - BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation)

• Delivering digital skills uplift programs tailored to local community needs 

• Promoting digital education and awareness using culturally relevant content and delivery 

• Empowering local digital mentors to lead and sustain community engagement. 

The Regional Community Bands Program supports the work of community bands in regional NSW through an annual program providing small grants to support their activities.

Through on-demand, quick response funding, the program will address challenges in sustaining community bands in regional NSW due to limited access to funding, dispersed populations from which to draw membership and travel required for members to participate.

The intended outcomes of the Program are:

• Increased access to music activities and education in regional communities
• A stable or increased number of active regional community bands across NSW
• Increased community connections in regional communities
• Increased youth engagement and participation in regional NSW community bands.

The Project supports initiatives that provide sustainable, tangible and long-term benefits with positive outcomes for Australian rural, regional and remote communities. In turn this builds capacity, longevity, liveability and connection in the regions in which we operate.

Based on six distinct pillars, the project offers a total of 12 grants, with two tiers of funding at $10,000 and $20,000 per grant.

Each application must align to one of the following pillars.

• Regional skills & workforce development
  For initiatives that build long-term skills, learning pathways and career opportunities, strengthening the future regional workforce.
• Environmental awareness
  For initiatives that enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, restore natural environments through sustainable land and water management.
• Innovation
  For initiatives that introduce new technologies, systems or training that strengthen agricultural productivity, foster ag tech learning and adoption.
• Healthy bodies and minds
  For initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and minds, raising awareness and support for mental health and/or long-term health outcomes.
• Encouraging diversity
  For initiatives that promote belonging, inclusivity, cultural participation, and equitable access, enabling regional communities to thrive.
• Safety first
  For initiatives that strengthen safety, emergency response capability, through essential training, equipment, infrastructure or preparedness programs.

In addition to the six pillars above, there will be two People's Choice grants, for a maximum of $10,000 each. This open criteria grant will be voted for by Elders employees.

The NSW Government has established the ARC - Local Priorities Stream 3 with funding of up to $10 million to expand the activities of community organisations that contribute to the wellbeing, social or economic participation of residents.

The objective of the Local Priorities Stream is to expand the activities of community organisations that contribute to the wellbeing, social or economic participation of residents.

Eligible applicants are:

• incorporated not-for-profit community organisations
• Local Aboriginal Land Councils
• incorporated Aboriginal community organisations (i.e. initiated by, controlled and operated by Aboriginal people and/or governed by a board or committee of Aboriginal people)

Eligible applicants must:

• have an ABN
• have, or be able and willing to purchase, at least $20 million public liability insurance
• be located in NSW
• not be insolvent, bankrupt or subject to ongoing legal proceedings
• declare in the application form that the applicant is not aware of any issues which could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government.

Applicants must provide evidence that they are an incorporated entity by providing either an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Australian Company Number (ACN).

Eligible organisations that are unincorporated must provide evidence that they are registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) or another Act.

Eligible projects that can be supported by a Local Priorities grant:

• will need to demonstrate how the project contributes to the wellbeing, social or economic participation of local residents consistent with the program objective at 1.3
• will enable organisations to remove barriers, expand, enhance or provide new activities for participation by more people or a wider range of people
• can include expenditure related to infrastructure, equipment, salaries (new, temporary only), services or maintenance of existing infrastructure/assets.

Eligible projects can include establishment of new community organisations with a primary focus on activities that contribute to the wellbeing, social or economic participation of residents.

Projects must be able to meet the project delivery timeframe listed in the Key Information.

The Telstra Footy Grants is designed to financially assist initiatives that can support Community Clubs affiliated to the AFL to strengthen the base and secure the future in three key strategic areas:

• Grow and assist volunteer capacity.
• Grow and diversify participation.
• Improve club environments and experiences.

Whether it’s upgrading to an electronic scoreboard, upskilling volunteers or introducing new initiatives to attract more participants, Telstra Footy Grants aims to provide tangible support for clubs and alleviate the challenges they may face.

NSW is home to thriving and diverse LGBTQ+ communities. They are the sum of resilient First Nations communities, diverse cultural and religious communities, are people of all ages and abilities, and stronger as a community when we embrace and celebrate this diversity.

Funded by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and delivered by ACON, the Diversity Days Grants program provides small grants of up to $1,000 to support local LGBTQ+ groups and communities to deliver inclusive activities for Diversity Days. The program aims to increase awareness and celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity in priority settings across NSW.

Objectives of the Diversity Day Grants

• Increase visibility and celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity in priority settings in NSW
• Foster social connection and friendship by supporting activities that bring people together
• Foster local leadership by supporting development of community led activities
• Foster collaboration between LGBTQ+ communities, service providers, Councils, and other local groups.

Priority given to

• Activities that are led by and engage LGBTQ+ First Nations communities, multicultural and multifaith communities, people with disabilities, and older LGBTQ+ people
• Activities that increase awareness of the diversity in LGBTQ+ communities and/or create spaces for diverse groups within the LGBTQ+ community
• Activities held in priority settings of Rural, Regional and Remote NSW, as well as Greater Western Sydney
• New applications from LGBTQ+ groups without regular sources of funding

Example activities

• Activities that increase awareness of diversity such as culturally significant celebrations or religious ceremonies
• Activities that foster social connection such as community events, arts, and recreation activities
• Informative activities that explore LGBTQ+ diversity such as panel events or awareness campaigns
• Activities that increase LGBTQ+ visibility such as a Council flag raising events or community stalls

Eligibility - Who can apply:

• Individuals, community groups, businesses, not-for-profit organisations
• Applicants based in or who plan to deliver their activity in New South Wales
• Applicants may submit one application only. Multiple applications from the same group or organisation will not be accepted.
• Applicants who have an Australian Business Number. If you don’t have an ABN, then you will need to submit a completed ‘Statement by Supplier’ form.

The Creative Nations Program supports First Nations artists, cultural workers, organisations and communities through their artistic expressions that continue to sustain and strengthen First Nations arts and culture in NSW.

This funding could:

• enable the creation and presentation of new work and the ability to access resources and expertise for individual artists projects or artistic/professional development
• create more employment and professional development opportunities for First Nations artists and cultural workers
• invest in First Nations led organisations and help cultural workers become leaders
• enable the sharing of First Nations stories and truth telling
• support personal and community wellbeing and economic development.

Who can apply

Individuals: 

• First Nations applicants must be 18 years or above 
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful) 
• Currently living in NSW (minimum12 months) 

Groups or other entities that do not have legal status: 

• Applicants must be First Nations and 18 years or above, have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful)  
• Majority of members must currently be located in NSW (for the past 12 months) 
• Unincorporated groups must have a written/ signed agreement between all members outlining roles and responsibilities, and their acceptance of the proposed project. 

Organisations or entities that do have legal status (such as companies, associations, partnerships, and other incorporated entities):

• must be First Nations led organisations operating in NSW for the last 12 months
• The person submitting the application must have the authority to act on behalf of the organisation/entity 

This funding focuses on professional development for individual artists and arts and cultural workers to enable participation in skills development opportunities, workshops, courses and creative sector conferences and networking events.

This funding could: 

• enable career development for artists and arts and cultural workers 
• support opportunities that develop cultural leadership capacities, skills and knowledge 
• promote professional networking and collaboration 
• helps individuals build the skills, wellbeing and resilience needed to thrive in their work. 

Who can apply

Individuals:  

• Applicants must be 18 years or above  
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful)  
• Currently living in NSW (minimum12 months). 

If successful, all applicants must provide details of an active ABN with a nominated bank account or provide details of a funds administrator.  

• Individuals must have a sole trader ABN or private company ABN (only if the individual is the sole director) or a funds administrator and a nominated bank account.  

Funding requests must: 

• not be more than 95% of project income 
• be realistic and supported by the application and budget. 

Types of projects funded under this grant

The project is your professional development activity. It must be a clearly defined arts and cultural activity. It must benefit individual NSW artists or arts and cultural workers. It must provide professional and/or skills development opportunities to advance their careers. 

These activities might include: 

• research, training, coaching, or mentoring, or 
• attending workshops, conferences, nationally or internationally. 

This funding supports individuals, groups and organisations that are led by and/or support ACFP Strategic Priority Area communities to develop and deliver a diverse range of arts and cultural experiences.

The program targets the Strategic Priority Areas:

• First Nations stories and communities
• Broad and inclusive communities and content
• Broad and inclusive communities refers to the wide diversity of NSW people including First Nations communities, people of non-English speaking background, those from cultural and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities, and those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It also refers to our regional communities outside the cities as well as the unique communities in our urban environments.
• Accessibility and Equity
• Accessibility and equity refer to the inclusion of people with disability or who are d/Deaf. When considering equity, you may wish to include areas of accessibility (physical, financial, economic and social), to ensure there are as few barriers as possible to engagement with your project.
• Western Sydney and/or regional NSW; and
• Next generation of creatives and audiences
• includes young people aged between 18-25, as well as emerging artists, and arts and cultural workers who are generally in the first five years of their creative practice or profession, regardless of age. 

This funding could:

• enable the development, creation and presentation of work designed, led by and/or for artists, arts and cultural workers, groups and organisations in NSW who are included in the Strategic Priority Areas.
• strengthen communities through equitable access to arts and cultural experiences. 
• provide capacity building opportunities and strengthen the diversity of cultural leadership within the NSW arts and culture ecosystem.
• increase the visibility of work developed and created for and by prioritised NSW artists, arts and cultural workers, and audiences.
• strengthen the creative ecosystem through collaborations and partnerships.
• support access to resources and expertise for artists and arts and cultural workers to grow their careers.
• contribute to personal and community wellbeing, and economic development.

This funding supports creative development and presentation of new work by individual artists and arts and cultural workers. Applicants are encouraged to drive and develop partnerships with arts and cultural organisations to support their new works.

This funding could:

• enable the development, creation and presentation of new work
• provide access to resources and expertise for artists and arts and cultural workers to enhance or develop skills and grow their career
• facilitate engagement with and access to new work for NSW audiences
• strengthen the creative ecosystem through collaborations and partnerships
• amplify diverse voices and increase equitable opportunities for NSW artists and arts and cultural workers from Strategic Priority Areas
• contribute to personal and community wellbeing, and economic development.

Who can apply

Individuals: 

• Applicants must be 18 years or above 
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful) 
• Currently living in NSW (minimum 12 months) 

Groups or other entities that do not have legal status:  

• The lead applicant must be 18 years or above, have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful)
• Majority of members must currently be located in NSW (for the past 12 months) 
• Unincorporated groups must have a written/ signed agreement between all members outlining roles and responsibilities, and their acceptance of the proposed project.
• Groups, organisations or partnerships with legal status cannot apply – you may be eligible to apply to Cultural Access.  

If successful, all applicants must provide details of an active ABN with a nominated bank account or provide details of a funds administrator. 

• Individuals must have a sole trader ABN or private company ABN (only if the individual is the sole director) or a funds administrator and a nominated bank account. 

Types of projects funded under this grant

The project must demonstrate it has a focus on arts and culture and directly benefits NSW artists, arts and cultural workers and/or NSW communities and audiences.  

It must be a creative development and/or the presentation of new work.  

What costs you can apply for

Costs you need to consider to make sure your project is a success: 

• Paying wages and fees of artists and arts/cultural workers based on 
  • Note: Events or activities receiving funding from Create NSW, must pay at least $250 fee for musicians.  This fee is based on a ‘3 hour call’ as set out in the Live Performance Award and endorsed by the Fair Work Ombudsman. 
• Renting or hiring of space for workshops, rehearsals, shows, exhibitions or presentations  
• Travel and accommodation costs related to your work or project 
• Fees for development opportunities, mentorships and workshops directly related to the research and development of the project  
• Marketing and promotion expenses  
• Costs or materials for the creation of new work  
• Costs to support First Nations protocols and ICIP  
• Costs to support accessibility.  

The ACCO-led ECEC Sector Growth Partnership Program - Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations who are approved Early Learning providers or are seeking to become approved Early Learning providers are encouraged to apply for this EOI. - Successful applicants in this EOI will progress to the next round where they will be invited to provide a full application. Applicants will be required to complete this via this SmartyGrants application by the close date to be considered. Applicants may be required to provide evidence to support their application. Please see Program Guidelines for information of funding streams and eligibility. 

Who can apply

Only Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) are eligible for this program. An ACCO is an organisation: that delivers services, including land and resource management that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people and is:

• incorporated under relevant legislation and is not-for-profit
• controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• connected to the community or communities in which it delivers services
• governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body.  

ACCOs applying for Streams 1 or 2 must have ECEC service approval or have applied for service-approval. 

ACCOs must be an approved ECEC service provider, or have submitted an application for an ECEC service approval that is yet to be determined by the NSW ECEC Regulatory Authority2, to operate one or more of the following ECEC services in New South Wales:

• centre-based day care
• long day care
• outside school hours care
• family day care
• occasional care
• mobile preschool

ACCOs applying for Stream 3 must: 

Provide evidence that your organisation has consulted with the community to seek endorsement for the project. Be facing barriers to ECEC provider approval which may include (but not limited to): land or premises access issues (e.g. resolving crown land complexities).regulatory compliance planning and project scoping Provide evidence that funding will be used to reduce barries for establishment of the project.

The Gordon Darling Foundation is a perpetual public charitable trust, established in 1991 to "support Australia-wide, activities of importance in the Visual Arts."

The Foundation can only provide funding to Public Institutions in Australia. Applicant organisations must have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Individuals wishing to apply for funding for projects must partner with a Public Institution which then takes on responsibility for the project.

Funding may be provided for:

• catalogues and publications:
  • that are scholarly, with well-researched new information.
  • that provide a permanent record of an exhibition, collection, or work of an artist or movement.
• professional education initiatives, including individual professional development.
• collection management initiatives, including database development, digitisation and conservation.
• research projects leading to the recognition and publication of material of significance.
• internationally known speakers for symposia.

Remote Sporting Schools launches nationally in 2026, building on a successful pilot to support eligible remote and very remote schools (Prep - Year 12) across Australia. The program is designed to reduce barriers, increase flexibility, and create more opportunities for students to participate in sport and physical activity.

From 2026, Sporting Schools grants for schools located in remote Australia will become annual grants (rather than a per-term cycle). Remote Sporting Schools is designed to better support the unique circumstances of schools in remote areas by providing:

• Year-round flexibility - plan and book activities across the full school year (not just term by term)
• Broader sports options - you can choose to deliver a Sporting Schools partner sport or another sport or physical activity that better suits your school
• More control spending your grant - grants up to $10,000 per school annually with more eligible grant expenses.

The purpose of the Collier Charitable Fund is to continue the legacies of Alice, Annette and Edith Collier by striving to improve the lives of Victorians and other Australians by assisting those in need.

The Wills of the Collier sisters stipulate the areas to be funded and the proportion of income to be applied to each of the areas. The support provided focuses on Victorians in some instances, and in other instances it encompasses the wider Australian community.

The following provides an overview of the areas that are funded for the wider Australian community.

• Progressing Education & Training 
in Australia

  Funding in this area aims to progress education and training in Australia. The Will refers to "Public Educational Purposes in the Commonwealth of Australia". The area of public education and training is broad and the Fund supports schools, universities, research institutes and vocational training bodies.

• Furthering Faith and Religious
endeavours in Australia

  Funding in this area aims to further faith and religious endeavours in Australia. The Will refers to "Religious Purposes in the Commonwealth of Australia".

• Aiding OTHER Australian Charitable Causes
  Funding in this area aims to aid other Australian charitable causes. The Will refers to "the Relief of Poverty in Australia, the Australian Red Cross, the Education of children of deceased or incapacitated Sailors, Soldiers, or Airmen and any other charitable purposes". This area provides scope to fund areas not specifically identified in the Will.

The general funding practices currently adopted by the trustees are:

• To encourage organisations to seek funding that meets their own priorities, not those that may be thought to be favoured by the trustees.
• To be broad and flexible in their approach, within the scope of the focus areas.
• To fund a variety of organisations and initiatives rather than to make very large grants to fewer organisations.
• To be open to making limited multi-year grants.
• To be open to supporting organisations in collaboration with other grantmakers to maximise impact and eliminate duplication.
• To be open to supporting organisations that collaborate with other like-minded organisations to maximise impact and eliminate duplication.
• To be supportive of applications to build organisational capacity. This may include:
  • staff costs
  • staff training
  • costs to improve effectiveness through the use of technology, and
  • developing strategic capacity.

• Where funds available permit, being open to out-of-round applications for emergency relief or genuinely urgent matters.
• To limit each organisation to one application per sub-Fund.
• To limit the number of larger grants. The average grant over recent years has been in the $30,000 to $35,000 range.
• From time to time to make grants on the Trustees’ own initiative.
• Not to support the following applications:
  • initiatives that only benefit an individual or an individual's family
  • that seek contributions for the corpus of another grant making organisation.

The Moree Plains Shire Council (Council) is seeking to provide partnership funding support for a range of local events. These events would have the primary aim of enhancing the amenity, wellbeing, and economic vibrancy of the Moree Plains Shire.

Eligible event organisers will be able to apply for a one-off maximum payment of up to $10,000. The money can be used on a wide range of events as outlined in these guidelines.

Targeted support for events has the potential to:

1. Build amenity and community resilience and make the community a more desirable place to live and work.
2. Lead to long term economic diversification and new employment opportunities.
3. Increase the visitor economy.

The end goal is to deliver a program that will have the greatest positive impact on the local community and the local businesses.

What the Funds Can Be Spent On

The grant money can be used on a wide range of small community events to enhance the amenity, liveability, wellbeing, and economic vibrancy of our local community. Events not included on the ‘eligible list’ could still be considered, providing justification demonstrates why this expense is relevant for community benefit.

Events funded by the Program include existing or new:

• Community markets
• Festivals and fairs
• Local business events and conferences
• Sporting events that will contribute to the visitor economy
• Food and leisure events
• Community classes and workshops
• Agricultural field days (run by community organisations)
• Touring events and theatre programs (both for Children and Adults)
• Community celebrations

Who Can Apply?

1. The community event must be, or proposed to be (new event), located within Moree Plains Shire.
2. An applicant must be an established local community organisation/business or an organisation/business undertaking operations/activities within the Moree Shire.
3. An individual may apply but in partnership with an entity noted in item 2 above. 

The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) advances Australia's engagement with Japan by supporting people-to-people links through programs and partnerships aligned with the Australian Government's priorities.

The AJF 2026-27 Grant Round invites grant applications for projects in the following priority areas:

• activities that promote cooperation on bilateral, economic security and broader geostrategic issues
• activities that expand Japanese literacy in Australia and/or an understanding of Australia in Japan 
• arts, culture, sport, and youth engagement 
• activities that advance cooperation in key emerging sectors, including energy transition, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, agriculture, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and advanced technologies.

The intended outcomes of the grant round are:

• delivery of impactful and well-promoted activities that catalyse new, and deepen existing, bilateral, institutional and community partnerships and collaborations based on shared strategic goals.
• increased public engagement and understanding and awareness of shared interests between Australia and Japan.
• increased recognition in Japan of Australian excellence and expertise.
• greater involvement of emerging leaders and youth in shaping the future of bilateral cooperation.
• visible inclusion of diverse voices and communities.
• creation of digital assets that can be used to promote the activity and contribute to AJF’s broader communications efforts.

To be eligible you must:

• Be one of the following
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN), or Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN)
  • an Australian consortium with a lead organisation
  • an Australian registered charity or not-for-profit organisation
  • an Australian local government body
  • an Australian State/Territory government body
  • a corporate Commonwealth entity
  • an Australian statutory authority
  • an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
  • a Japanese citizen or organisation
• be located in Australia or Japan
• be aged at least 18 years if you are submitting an application as an individual or if you are the primary contact of the organisation that is submitting an application

AusArt Day is a national initiative designed to support and enable a collective action by artists and arts organisations to fundraise on one national day – increasing the visibility of arts philanthropy and encouraging greater generosity in support of the arts.

It aims to elevate the public value of the arts in the consciousness of everyday Australians and increase donor engagement in support of Australian creativity.

For 2026, AusArt Day will take place on Thursday 22 October 2026, building on the momentum of its inaugural year. AusArt Day offers two grant opportunities, as follows:  

To support the creation of digital content for use within your AusArt Day campaign:  

• artists and collectives – $2,500
• arts organisations (of less than $5 million operating budget) – $5,000. 

An opt-in dollar-for-dollar matched funding to incentivise your donor engagement during your AusArt Day campaign: 

• artists and collectives – $2,500
• arts organisations (of less than $5 million operating budget) – $5,000 

The matched funding initiative encourages donations during AusArt Day by matching each contribution dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the value of every donation up to a set limit (limits outlined above). 

Applicants who opt in to the matched funding component are required to demonstrate how matched funding will be applied strategically to strengthen their campaign and maximise donor engagement.  Applicants may receive one or both granted opportunities.