Community Funding Opportunities and Award Programs - April 2019

Welcome to our Community Funding Opportunities and Award Programs Newsletter

Welcome to our new Community Funding Opportunities and Awards Program Newsletter where you will find details of selected grant submissions from around the region for Community Projects and Award Programs.

Due to the number of grants that are available, we now send two funding opportunities newsletters a month; one for Business and Infrastructure and another for Community Projects and Award Programs, rather than the one combined newsletter. 

We wish you all the best with the Funding Opportunities below and if you are looking for a grant between newsletters, have a look at the grants area of our website which is updated weekly: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/grants-and-funding-opportunities.php

If you need some facts and figures for your applications, a range of data for our region is also available on our website here: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/regional-data.php

Featured Grants

My Community Project
Closes: 15th of May 2019 2pm
Value: $20,000 to $200,000
Run By: NSW Government Department of Premier and Cabinet

My Community Project is a new initiative by the NSW Government to improve the wellbeing of people and communities in NSW. By having the ability to propose and vote on local projects, the people of NSW are given the opportunity to determine how to strengthen and improve their communities.

The My Community Project funding will be distributed equally across all 93 NSW electorates.

Heywire Youth Innovation Grants
Closes: 14th of May 5pm AEST
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

Heywire engages rural youth in the national conversation, and to develop practical solutions to improve the lives of young people. Funding is offered to assist not-for-profit community-based organisations in rural, regional and remote Australia adopt and act on one of the seven innovative Heywire project ideas. The communities selected to pilot the programs will implement their projects in the next 12 months from September 2019.

Communities can choose from one the following seven project ideas:

• C.E.O. - Conquer Every Opportunity - How might we help young people start businesses?
• Walk & Talk - How might we encourage conversations about mental health in a safe and relaxed environment?
• Shed Happens - How might we help people understand what really happens on the farm?
• Bridge - How might we connect young people to services to feel like their issues are heard?
• Ask Away - How might we get people to ask questions of minority groups that they’re too afraid to ask?
• Adulting - How might we help young people adapt to life away from home?
• Our Place - How might we connect young people in rural communities?
•  

Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital
Current Round Closes: 25th of June 2019
Next Round Closes: 24 September 2019
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rurual and Regional Renewal

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.

Regional Employment Trials Program
Closing date: 30th of June 2020
Value: $7,500 to $200,000
Run By: Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business

The Northern Inland is one of only ten regions across Australia to be selected for the Regional Employment Trials Program. The Regional Employment Trials program provides local stakeholders in selected regions, including businesses, not-for-profits and local government agencies, with grants to trial local approaches to delivering employment related projects.

The objectives of the program are to deliver:

• strong connections between regional stakeholders, including employment services providers
• employment initiatives that meet local needs
• improved awareness of local labour markets
• the potential for improved regional employment outcomes

Grants are for between $7,500 and $200,000, for up to 75% of eligible project costs. Projects must be completed by 30 June 2020.

Applicants should contact the Employment Facilitator for the Northern Inland, and they will help determine if the project is aligned to local employment priorities, and connect applicants with an employment services provider if needed.

Before applying, applicants must submit information about their project to RDANI using the RDA project proposal template. RDANI will committee will provide you with written feedback using the RDA project proposal template which must be attach to the full grant application.

Award Programs

Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
Runs: Annually
2019 Awards Close: 3rd of May 2019
Run By: The Australian Museum
The Eureka Prizes are presented annually by the Australian Museum in partnership with government organisations, institutions, companies and individuals who are committed to celebrating the vitality, originality and excellence of Australian Science.

Australian Training Awards
Runs: Annually
2019 Applications Close for Direct Entry: 31st of May 2019
Run By: Australian Government Departement of Education and Training
Commencing in 1994, the Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia.

Regional Achievement and Community Awards
Runs: Annually
2019 Applicaitons Open: 1st of May 2019
2019 Applications Close: 31st of July 2019
Run By: Awards Australia
The NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards started in 2002, with the purpose of encouraging, acknowledging, and rewarding the valuable contributions individuals, communities and businesses are making throughout regional New South Wales and the ACT.

Closing in April

Tackling Tough Times Together
Rounds Close: 30th of April and 30th of August 2019
Value: Up to $150,000 depending on the stream applied for
Run By: Foundation fur Rural and Regional Renewal
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.

New Indigenous Protected Areas Program
Closes: 30 April 2019 - 2:00pm AEDT
Value: No specified limit - $19.9 Million pool
Run By: Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy
The program will protect and conserve biodiversity by funding the development and dedication of new Indigenous Protected Areas.

Closing in May

Grants-in-Aid
Closes: 1st of May 11pm AEST
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Community Grants Hub on behalf of Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs
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.

Regional Community Energy Fund
Closes: 3rd of May 2019
Value: Up to $3.5 Million matched per project
Run By: NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment
The program is designed to improve the reliability and affordability of energy for regional NSW communities. It consists of three initiatives Regional Community Energy Fund, Regional Community Energy Hubs, and Grants for regional and remote communities.

Be Connected: Capacity Building Grant
Closes: 3rd of May 2019
Value: $50,000
Run By: Good Things Foundation on behalf of the Australian Government
The Capacity Building program has been remodeled to a “train the trainer” model, and large-scale community organisations who have the ability to provide face-to-face training to organisations within their community/network/organisation are invited to apply.

Firstgens Accelerator Program
Closes: 3rd of May 2019
Value: Support
Run By: ygap
ygap’s First Gens program supports migrant and refugee led social impact ventures that are improving the lives of people living in disadvantage in Australia.

Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program
Closes: 6th of May 2019
Value: Up to $1,900
Run By: NSW Government Office of Sport
Assists sporting clubs across NSW in the purchase and maintenance of life saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation
Current Round Closes: 6th of May 2019
Value: Up to $500,000 - averages at $50,000
Run By: Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation
The Foundation provides funding for community projects in the Hunter, Central Coast, Central West, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers areas of NSW.

Wharton - Executive Development Program
Closes: 6th of May 2019
Value: Mentorship and attendance at the Executive Development Program
Run By: Chief Executive Women
The Wharton Executive Development Program is designed to increase the business skills and leadership capabilities of managers who lead key parts of the business and form the pool of future top leadership of the organisation.

National Court Rebate Funding
Current Round Closes:10th of May 2019
Value: Unspecified
Run By: Tennis Australia
Assists affiliated venues, local councils and schools to create positive environments for the long term success of tennis in Australia.

Youth Grants
Closes: 10th of May 2019 5pm
Value: Up to $2,500
Run By: Deaf Children Australia
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and 15 – 23 years old, you can apply for a grant to help you achieve a personal goal or project.

Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) National Information Program
Closes: 10th of May 2019 11pm AEST
Value: Over $300,000 over 3 years
Run By: Community Grants Hub on behalf of National Disability Insurance Agency
The National Information Program will contribute to increasing the accessibility, quality and consistency of information available to people with disability, families, carers and relevant supports and services. It aims to both improve the capacity of people with disability to exercise choice and control and to enhance the ability of relevant supports and services to respond to the needs and expectations of people with disability.

Heywire Youth Innovation Grants
Closes: 14th of May 5pm AEST
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Heywire engages rural youth in the national conversation, and to develop practical solutions to improve the lives of young people. Funding is offered to assist not-for-profit community-based organisations in rural, regional and remote Australia adopt and act on one of the seven innovative Heywire project ideas.

My Community Project
Opens: 2nd of April 2019 9am
Closes: 15th of May 2019 2pm
Value: $20,000 to $200,000
Run By: NSW Government Department of Premier and Cabinet
To improve the wellbeing of people and communities in NSW, the people of NSW will be given the ability to propose and vote on local projects, and in turn the opportunity to determine how to strengthen and improve their communities.

AMP Tomorrow Makers
Closes: 27th of May 4pm AEST
Value: $5,000 to $100,000
Run By: AMP Foundation
AMP’s Tomorrow Fund is giving amazing Australians doing great things the chance to share $1 million in grants. It’s open to individuals of all ages, walks of life, interests and abilities who have put a lot of time and effort into reaching a goal that will positively impact the community, but need help to take it to the next level.

Closing In June

Veteran and Community Grants
Current Round Closes: 6th of June 2019
Next Rounds Close: 29 August 2019, 28 November 2019, 27 February 2020 11:00pm AEDT
Run By: Department of Vetrans Affairs
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.

Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund
Closes: 14th of June 2019 2pm ACT Local Time
Value: Up to $400,000
Run By: ACMA
The Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund (the Innovation Fund) has been established by the Government to support regional and small publishers to transition to and compete more successfully in the evolving media environment. The Innovation Fund will preserve and improve the viability of Australia’s regional and small news publishing industry in the current period of transition.

Dreams for a Better World
Rounds close: 21st of June and 13th of September 2019
Value: Up to $50,000
Run By: Sunsuper
Helping not-for-profits or community groups to create brighter futures for Australians or a more active community or support others to live better.

Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital
Current Round Closes: 25th of June 2019
Next Round Closes: 24 September 2019
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rurual and Regional Renewal
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.

Safer Communities Fund
Next Round Expected to Open: 5th of June 2019 9am AEDT
Next Round Expected to Close: 26th of June 2019 5pm AEST
Value: $50,000 to $1.5 Million
Run By: Australian Government's Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
The Safer Communities Fund Round 4 provides schools and pre-schools, community organisations and local councils with grants of between $50,000 and $1.5 million for security infrastructure and engagement activities to protect children in the community who are at risk of attack, harassment or violence stemming from racial or religious intolerance.

Women's Leadership Development Program
Closes: 28th of June 2019 - 8pm ACT Local Time
Value: Up to $650,000
Run By: Community Grants Hub on behalf of Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Office for Women
Funding to deliver a range of projects specifically for Australian women to improve outcomes for Australian women in five key focus areas, Women’s Economic Security, Women’s Workforce Participation, Women’s Leadership, Women’s Safety and International Engagement.

The Harcourts Foundation
Current Round Closes: 30th of June 2019
Value: Unspecified
Run By: The Harcourts Foundation
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.

Local Sporting Champions (LSC) Program
Closes: 30th of June 2019
Value: $500-$750
Run By: Ausport
The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

CAGES Foundation Grants
Closes: Ongoing until June 2019 - 2 week response time
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: CAGES Foundation
The program provides funding with the intention of empowering community and creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Regional Tourism Product Development Program
Closes: 30 June 2019
Value: $15,000 to $150,000
Run By: Destination NSW
Regional Tourism Product Development funding is available for new accommodation projects, infrastructure projects, visitor signposting and new attractions and experiences.

Regional Cooperative Tourism Marketing Program
Closes: 30 June 2019
Value:  $100,000 to $500,000
Run By: Destination NSW
Regional Cooperative Tourism Marketing Program is available to undertake a Cooperative Tourism Marketing Program which will be led by Destination NSW.

Closing Later and Ongoing

ANZ Staff Foundation
2019 Round Opens: June 2019
Value: Up to $5,000
Run By: ANZ
The Foundation aims to support projects run by charitable organisations which offer a direct and tangible benefit to local communities.

Be Connected - Activation Grants
Closes: Monthly rounds until August 2019
Value: $2,000
Run By: Good Things Foundation on behalf of the Australian Government
One-off grants awarded to new organisations joining the Be Connected Network. Funding can be spent on anything that will help you support older Australians to gain digital skills.

Aboriginal Land Clean Up and Prevention Program
Closing date: 30th of September 2019 or until the $1 Million pool is expended
Value: $10,000 to $75,000
Run By: NSW Environmental Protection Agency
This funding aims to assist Local Land Councils to deal with illegally dumped waste which impacts on Aboriginal people’s ability to care for Country.

The Honda Foundation
Closes: 8th of August 2019
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: The Honda Foundation
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

Small Environmental Grant Scheme
Next Rounds Open: 1st of July, 30th of September, 9th of December 2019
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Wettenhall Environment Trust
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.

Flagship Event Fund
Next Round Opens: August 2019
Value: Up to $90,000 depoending on length of grant
Run By: Destination NSW
The Flagship Event Fund identifies and assists the development of events that contribute to the unique character and culture of the tourism regions of NSW and can demonstrate that they attract overnight visitation.

The Mazda Foundation
Next Round Closes: 30th of September 2019
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Mazda Foundation
Projects by community based organisations to support children with physical and/or mental disabilities and elderly people suggering mental disabilities or their carers, particularly projects seeking to address social isolation experienced by such children and their carers..

Sisters of Charity Community Grants Program
Next Round Opens: 1st of August 2019
Next Round Closes: 30th of September 2019
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Sisters of Charity Foundation
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.

Jetstar Flying Start Programme
Current Round Closes: 30th of September 2019
Value: $30,000 consisting of $15,000 cash grant and $15,000 of Jetstar flights
Run By: Jetstar
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.

Be Connected - Building Digital Skills
Closes: Ongoing rounds throughout 2019
Value: $2,500 to $15,000 depending on number of people supported
Run By: Good Things Foundation on behalf of the Australian Government
Additional funding is available for Be Connected Network Partners who are supporting 24 or more older Australians to gain digital skills on the Be Connected Learning Portal (12 people if you’re in an outer regional, remote or very remote area) to continue delivering their Be Connected digital literacy programs.

Active Kids Vourchers
Closes: December 2019
Value: $100 per child
Run By: NSW Government Office of Sport
Active Kids is a program to help NSW families meet the cost of getting their kids into sport and active fitness and recreation activities.

Creative Kids Vourchers
Closes: December 2019
Value: $100 per child
Run By: Service NSW
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.

Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme
Current Round Closes: When available funding for 18-19 is exhausted
Value: Varies depending on stream applied for
Run By: Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
The programme contributes to the broader goals of science engagement in Australia. These are to inspire, motivate and cultivate a scientifically engaged community, optimistic about its future,

Thriving People and Places
Closes: Ongoing
Value: $20,000 and over for NSW applicants
Run By: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation
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..

IGA Community Chest
Closes: Ongoing
Value: Unspecified
Run By: IGA
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.

Dreamstarter - Scholarships
Closes: Ongoing
Value: Unspecified
Run By: ING
ING are looking to provide education scholarships for change makers working on an early-stage business that will create positive social impact through trade of a product or service.

Dreamstarter - Grants for Growth
Closes: Ongoing
Value: Unspecified
Run By: ING
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.

Impact Investment Ready Growth Grant
Closes: Ongoing rounds through the year
Value: Up to $140,000
Run By: Impact Investing Australia
Provides impact businesses and mission-driven organisations with grants for business, financial, legal and other capacity building support from providers to secure investment.

Youth Employment Program
Closes: Unspecified
Value: Support
Run By: NSW Government Department of Industry
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.

Community Broadcasting Foundation - Quick Response Grants
Closes: Ongoing
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Community Broadcasting Foundation
These grants will help community broadcasters access funding for eligible projects when their regular grant rounds are closed.

State Heritage Emergency Works
Closing date: Ongoing
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
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.

Matana Foundation Grants
Closes: Ongoing
Value: No specified minimum or maximum, most grants are between $1,000 and $10,000
Run By: Matana Foundation
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.

English Family Foundation - Ingnitor Fund
Closes: Applications are ongoing
Value: Up to $100,000
Run By: Englisht Family Foundation
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.

Small Grants for Rural Communities
Closes: Various
Value: Up to $5,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
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.

Festivals Australia: Regional Festivals Project Fund
Closing: Various
Value: Dependant on the grant applied for
Run By: Australia Council for the Arts
Supports the inclusion of an arts project at festivals in regional and remote Australia. Grants are available to support the costs to produce and present an arts activity.

Australian Communities Foundation
Closes: Various dates
Value: Dependant on grant
Run by: Australian Communities Foundation
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.

Google Ad Grants
Closes: Applications are ongoing
Value: Up to $10,000 per month
Run By: Google
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: Applications are Ongoing
Value: Up to $1,500
Run By: Regional Arts NSW
Offers funding for regional artists, arts organisations and communities to respond to unique arts opportunities that present themselves at very short notice.

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
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
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.

Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program
Closes: Ongoing
Value: Up to $4,000
Run By: Department of Vetrans Affairs
Designed to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage and to involve people throughout the nation in a wide range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who served have played in shaping the nation.