March Grants Newsletter
Welcome to my March grants newsletter.
There are only 2 days left to submit an Expression of Interest for the Stronger Communities Programme. This is for not-for-profit community organisations in the electorate to deliver social benefits for our local communities. See below for more information.
Further opportunities are also available for federal, state. local and private grants to help fund various types of projects within the Shortland electorate. I would encourage you to visit the websites listed for information and to discover which one you might be eligible for.
Please feel free to share these grant opportunities, or encourage others to subscribe to my monthly newsletter at patconroy.com.au.
Pat
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS
- Artists’ Benevolent Fund
- Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program
- Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program (ACDGP) 2024-25
- Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-26
- Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Providers Worker Retention Grant Payment
- Export Market Development Grants
- Financial Wellbeing & Capability Activity Grant -Financial Wellbeing Hubs
- First Nations Digital Inclusion
- Global Health Initiative – 2025 Mental Health and Climate Change Grant Opportunity
- Inclusion and Accessibility Fund: Australia's Disability Strategy (ADS) – Community Attitudes
- Industry Growth Program
- Long Tan Bursary
- Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
- Mental Health and Climate Change Grant
- MRFF National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative - 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure
- NHMRC Development Grants
- NAIDOC Local Grants Opportunity
- Natural Heritage Trust's Climate-Smart Agriculture Program - Capacity Building Grants Round 2
- National Shed Development Program (NMSP) - Defibrillators
- News Media Relief Program (NMRP)
- On Farm Connectivity Program
- Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grant Program
- School Student Broadband Initiative
- Social Enterprise Capability Building Grants Program
- Supporting People with Cancer
- Urban Precincts & Partnerships Program (uPPP)
STATE GOVERNMENT GRANTS
- Arts Project Funding – Creative Industries - Connectivity
- ClubsGrant
- Community Building Partnership 2025
- Deadly Deposit Grant
- Disability Advocacy Futures Program
- Energy Consumer Australia
- Home Buyer Booster Grant
- Regional Event Fund – Event Development
- Seniors Local Achievement Awards - Charlestown electorate
- Service Reform and Innovation Grant - HIF
- Supporting Women in Business Grants
- P&C Transition Grant 2024-25
LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS
- Community Support Grant Program
- Lake Macquarie City Council's Community Environment Program
PRIVATE SECTOR / NGO GRANTS
- Alpha First Aid Grant Program
- Churchill Fellowships
- Co-Group
- CSIRO Kick-Start
- Greater Bank - Central Coast Greater!
- Heywire Youth Innovation Grants
- Hunter Region Business Awards Now Open
- Hunter Water Love Water Grants
- Ian Potter Emerging Artist Grants
- James N. Kirby Foundation
- Mental Awareness Foundation
- National Pies for Local Heroes
- NAB Foundation Community Grants
- Qantas Regional Grants Program
- Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)
- Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program
- Tomorrow Makers IGNITE
- Waratah Education Public Ancillary Fund
- Westfield Local Heroes
- Young Digital Mentor Capacity Builder Grant
Stronger Communities Grant
Round 9 - Expressions of Interest
CLOSING THURSDAY 5pm
I am delighted to invite you to submit an expression of interest for the 2025 Stronger Communities Programme.
Amount: $2,500 - $20,000
EOI Closing Date: THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2025 5pm
Purpose: The Stronger Communities Programme will provide up to $150,000 to each federal electorate for eligible small capital projects that encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities. Projects must have a maximum project cost of $50,000.
Type of projects that may be funded?
- build, fit out, alterations and/or extensions to a tourism premise available to interstate or overseas tourists
- information signage of people, places, of natural local significance
- establish new or update to a website/social media presence that supports or encourages interstate or international tourism
- establish new or update to a website/social media presence to support newly arrived immigrants who are not citizens
- support towards NAIDOC week celebrations
- information signage for places of First Nations significance
- purchase of First Nation themed uniforms
- installation of First Nations art in public spaces
- construction of or upgrade to a First Nations cultural space
- build, fit out, alterations and/or extensions to a premise for the specific purpose of providing services to First Nations persons
- installation or upgrade to a native garden
- upgrades to existing or installation of new war memorials
- signage or flags (information, themed and or national) that commemorate Australians killed or injured war or who contributed to Australia's war efforts
- build, fit out, alterations and/or extensions to a premise specifically available to support Veterans and/or Defence Force members and their families
- establish new or update to a website/social media presence to support and/or commemorate veterans and Defence Force members and their families and communities
- localised welcoming and/or information events for newly arrived immigrants who are not citizens
- establish new or update to a website/social media presence to support newly arrived immigrants who are not citizens
- acquisition and installation of the highest energy efficient appliances/systems available and relevant to your requirements/available funding
- acquisition and installation of renewable energy sources
- acquisition and installation of renewable energy storage
- construction of or upgrade to child friendly spaces/facilities at community supported accommodation
- construction of or upgrade to child friendly spaces/facilities at child-care/education/health care services
- provision of women's facilities at sporting grounds/buildings
- provision of gender-neutral facilities for public access
- construction of or upgrade to parent rooms at sporting grounds/buildings and or public spaces
- construction of or upgrade to breastfeeding rooms at sporting grounds/buildings and or public spaces
- purchase and installation of defibrillator/s and or other first aid equipment, including first aid kits
- upgrade to or construction of first aid rooms/spaces
- upgrades to public libraries and/or community facilities to benefit pre-school, school and university students
- purchase and installation of ICT equipment and or software in public libraries and/or community facilities to benefit pre-school, school and university students
- establish new or update to a website/social media presence for a public library and/or community facility to benefit pre-school, school and university students
- purchase, establish new or update to a website/social media presence
- purchase of applications (apps) that deliver social benefits to your community
- purchase of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and/or software that deliver social benefits to your community
- purchase and or installation of ICT equipment that deliver social benefits to your community
- installation of or upgrades to electrical works to allow or enhance the use of ICT equipment that deliver social benefits to your community.
For more information: Click here
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Artists’ Benevolent Fund
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To provide immediate assistance following a disaster or catastrophic event in their lives. Pending the capacity of the fund, the panel may consider larger amounts as appropriate to the need of the beneficiary.
For more information: Click here
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Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: 28 April 2025
Purpose: This funding will help Ex-service organisations (ESOs) to advocate for veterans and their families as well as assist with their entitlements and compensation claims.
For more information: Click here
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Community Energy Upgrades Fund Round 2
Amount: $25,000 - $2,500,000
Closing Date: 13 June 2025
Purpose: To co-fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for local governments to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from local government owned and/or operated facilities.
For more information: Click here
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Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-26
Amount: $200 million
Closing Date: 2 April 2025
Purpose: To support Australian communities that manage the physical, economic and social impacts of future floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and other natural hazards. Works that deliver enduring benefits for communities are a particular focus this year, with $138 million earmarked for infrastructure projects.
For more information: Click here
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Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Providers Worker Retention Grant Payment
Amount: $3.6 billion to support the 15 per cent wage increase over two years
Closing Date: 30-Sep-2026
Purpose: Providers can apply to receive grant funding to support a 15 per cent pay increase for eligible ECEC workers over two years from the Australian Government.
For more information: Click here
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Export Market Development Grants
Amount: $30,000 - $80,000
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: To bring benefits to Australia by encouraging the creation, development, expansion and diversification of foreign markets for Australian products.
- Tier 1 up to $30,000 per financial year
- Tier 2 up to $50,000 per financial year
- Tier 3 up to $80,000 per financial year
- Representative body up to $50,000 per financial year.
For more information: Click here
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Financial Wellbeing & Capability Activity Grant -Financial Wellbeing Hubs
Amount: $95.1 million
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: Financial Wellbeing Hubs will provide integrated, co-located financial wellbeing services, with a strong focus on early intervention and financial capability. Integrated services will include financial counselling and financial capability, Emergency Relief and access to Microfinance products, and will focus on supporting individuals to increase their financial and digital literacy and longer-term financial resilience.
For more information: Click here
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First Nations Digital Inclusion
Amount: $4 million - $20 million
Closing Date: 13 March 2025
Purpose: To close the digital divide for First Nations people and communities, with three new programs aimed at boosting First Nations digital inclusion now accepting applications.
- First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program
- First Nations Digital Support Hub Program
- Network of Digital Mentors Program
For more information: Click here
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Global Health Initiative – 2025 Mental Health and Climate Change Grant Opportunity
Amount: $250,000 - $2 million
Closing Date: 23 July 2025
Purpose: To develop knowledge and tools for addressing threats to Australia’s national health security from regional and global challenges.
For more information: Click here
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Inclusion and Accessibility Fund: Australia's Disability Strategy (ADS) – Community Attitudes
Amount: Undisclosed
Closing Date: 6 March 2025
Purpose: To fund projects that focus on reducing harm towards, and increasing inclusion of, people with disability. Grants can be used for research and development costs, delivery of tools and training, accessibility requirements and consultation.
For more information: Click here
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Industry Growth Program
Amount: $50,000 - $5 million
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: Supporting innovative small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups to commercialise their ideas and grow their businesses. There are two matched funding grant opportunities:
- $50,000 - $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects
- $100,000 - $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.
For more information: Click here
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Long Tan Bursary
Amount: $12,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: The Long Tan Bursary helps eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans pay for their tertiary education. Each year 37 bursaries are awarded to successful applicants across Australia. Each bursary is worth up to $12,000 over 3 years of continuous full-time study.
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Mental Health and Climate Change Grant
Amount: $3 million
Closing Date: 25 June 2025
Purpose: To provide grants of financial assistance to support medical research and medical innovation projects that, through co-design with consumers and health services, develop scalable and sustainable interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on Australians’ mental health.
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MRFF National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative - 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure
Amount: $300,000 - $7 million
Closing Date: 17 July 2025
Purpose: The 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure grant opportunity focuses on promoting development and implementation of ‘adaptive platform’ and ‘registry based’ clinical trials which are thought to offer more efficient evaluation of potential medical therapies over conventional trial designs.
For more information: Click here
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NHMRC Development Grants
Amount: $16.5 million
Closing Date: 11 June 2025
Purpose: To increase rates of translation of health and medical research into commercial outcomes, resulting in improved health and medical knowledge
For more information: Click here
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Natural Heritage Trust's Climate-Smart Agriculture Program - Capacity Building Grants Round 2
Amount: Undisclosed
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
Purpose: To support farmers to have better access to knowledge and skills relating to best practice climate-smart sustainable agriculture approaches.
For more information: Click here
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National Shed Development Program (NMSP) - Defibrillators
Amount: $2,250
Closing Date: 5 March 2025
Purpose: The program supports Men’s Sheds and organisations supporting a Men’s Shed by supplying automated external defibrillators.
For more information: Click here
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News Media Relief Program (NMRP)
Amount: $13,000 per FTE journalist
Closing Date: 31 March 2024
Purpose: The NMRP will provide eligible regional, independent, suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers creating online news content with grants of $13,000 per FTE journalist.
For more information: Click here
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On Farm Connectivity Program
Amount: $3,000 - $30,000
Closing Date: TBA
Purpose: To assist primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity, improve safety and drive more sustainable farming practices.
For more information: Click here
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School Student Broadband Initiative
Amount: Access 12 months free broadband
Closing Date: 30 June 2028
Purpose: To provide up to 30,000 families with no internet at home free NBN for 12 months. To be eligible, a family must:
- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school.
- Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.
For more information: Click here
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Social Enterprise Capability Building Grants Program
Amount: $120,000
Closing Date: June 2026
Purpose: Provides funding to social enterprises to help them become more efficient and effective in delivering social benefits to vulnerable Australians.
For more information: Click here
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Supporting People with Cancer
Amount: $40,000 - $120,000
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: To fund projects aimed at reducing the impact of cancer and providing better support for people affected by cancer
For more information: Click here
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Urban Precincts & Partnerships Program (uPPP)
Amount: $500,000 - $5 million.
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To develop a precinct idea through to investment-ready stage in partnership with local stakeholders to benefit regional communities. State and Territory governments, local governments, regional universities, not-for-profit organisations, including indigenous organisations are eligible to apply.
For more information: Click here
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STATE GRANTS
Arts Project Funding – Creative Industries - Connectivity
Amount: $30,000 - $50,000
Closing Date: 17 March 2025
Purpose: The project or activity must be a clearly defined arts and cultural activity that benefits individual NSW artists or arts and cultural workers. Examples you can apply for:
- Fees for artists and creatives to develop ideas and concepts
- Fees for artists and creatives to be employed in the project
- Cost of materials to build prototypes and for presentations
- Travel and accommodations directly related to the project
- Marketing and promotion costs
- First Nations Cultural expenses
- Accessibility expenses
For more information: Click here
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ClubsGrant
Amount: Undisclosed
Closing Date: 31 May 2025
Purpose: Provides funding for general community development and support activities, such as junior sport. Eligible organisations
- Belmont 16's
- Cardiff RSL Club
- Charlestown Bowling Club
- Doyalson Wyee RSL Club
For more information: Click here
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Deadly Deposit Grant
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: The Deadly Deposit Grant program is a financial grant that can match people's savings towards their deposit, up to $10,000. Deposit savings may be made up of money in the bank, cash, and other sources including inheritance.
This grant is open to Aboriginal people who are in the process of buying a home. Applications open to social housing tenants.
For more information: Click here
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Disability Advocacy Futures Program
Amount: $20,000 - $100,000
Closing Date: 25 March 2025.
Purpose: To support people with disability navigate local services, organisations working towards long-term social change, and policy advocacy groups run by, or on behalf of, people with disability.
- Category 1: $20,000 - $100,000 for Special Purposes & Projects grants for new innovative projects
- Category 2: $20,000 - $100,000 Sector Development grants for new innovative projects
For more information: Click here
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Energy Consumer Australia
Amount: $15,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To enable residential or small business consumer advocacy by participation in current or forthcoming government, regulatory, or industry decision-making processes, or for small, targeted research projects.
For more information: Click here
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Home Buyer Booster Grant
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To help with some of the expenses associated with buying a property, like legal and administrative costs. This grant can be used for expenses such as:
- Legal fees including the administrative costs of buying a property, and preparing a will
- Property valuations
- Home and contents insurance
- Surveying costs
- Pest and building inspections
- Stamp duty (for non-housing tenants). Aboriginal people living in social housing are exempt from Stamp Duty as per Section 278 of the Duties Act 1997 (NSW).
- Any unspent funds can be used towards other costs associated with buying a home (e.g. moving costs)
For more information: Click here
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P&C Transition Grant 2024-25
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: 30 June 2025
Purpose: To support approved OOSH services that have transitioned to P&C ownership as a result of the recent provider Category Review.
For more information: Click here
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Regional Event Fund – Event Development
Amount: $50,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To support events in regional NSW to grow visitation and increase economic benefits to destinations. The Event Development stream supports the strategic growth of proven events as drivers of tourism.
For more information: Click here
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Service Reform and Innovation Grant - HIF
Amount: $15 million
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: The Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF) will initially target reducing the current demand and costs of temporary accommodation, and proposals for service reform and innovation.
For more information: Click here
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Voucher Programs for Primary School Students
Amount: $100
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: The NSW Government offers vouchers to help cover the costs of your child's activities. Find out more about the programs and how to apply. Eligible parents, guardians and carers of school-aged children can now apply for Active and Creative Kids vouchers.
The voucher:
- Is valued at $50
- Is available twice a year, in terms 1 and 3 for each eligible child
- Can be used for eligible active or creative activities with registered providers.
For more information: Click here
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LOCAL GRANTS
Central Coast Council - Community Support Grant Program
Amount: $5,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To support the community to deliver activities which require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support. This is a small grant program, open all year round and assessed monthly.
For more information: Click here
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Lake Macquarie City Council's Community Environment Program
Amount: $5,000
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
Purpose: To support community-initiated projects that improve our local environment and/or inspire environmentally sustainable behaviour in Lake Macquarie City.
For more information: Click here
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PRIVATE SECTOR GRANTS
Alpha First Aid Grant Program
Amount: $500
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: To enable community centres, clubs, and not-for-profit organisations, no matter the size, to acquire your own AED.
For more information: Click here
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Churchill Fellowships
Amount: The amount of money awarded for every Fellowship is different as it is calculated based on the number of countries visited, the duration of the approved Fellowship and an estimated airfare.
Closing Date: 1 May 2025
Purpose: To offer people the opportunity to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to explore a topic or issue that they’re passionate about, and come back and share knowledge to improve their community.
For more information: Click here
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Co-Group
Amount: $10,000 - $50,000
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
Purpose: Co-Group (TCG) is proud to be able to work with and donate funds to innovative and caring Australian charities working at the frontline to relieve poverty and enhance the lives of people with disability and older Australians who are in need.
For more information: Click here
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CSIRO Kick-Start
Amount: $10,000 - $50,000
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Purpose: CSIRO Kick-Start is an initiative for innovative Australian start-ups and small SMEs, providing funding support and access to CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.
For more information: Click here
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Greater Bank - Central Coast Greater!
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: Supporting grassroots sporting clubs, school P&C associations, not-for-profit and volunteer organisations, and established charities, in the areas of health, education, lifestyle, as well as cultural and community events. 3 organisations vie for a share in our $3,000 Community Funding each month, and pick the one you think deserves a financial boost.
For more information: Click here
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Heywire Youth Innovation Grants
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: 30 April 2024
Purpose: To help communities take action on the ideas generated by young Australians who attend the annual Heywire Regional Youth Summit.
For more information: Click here
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Hunter Region Business Awards Now Open
Closing Date: 30 March 2025
Purpose: Celebrating a milestone 30th year, the Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards (HRBEA) are now open for submissions for 2025. The awards continue to spotlight the outstanding achievements, innovation, and community contributions of businesses.
For more information: Click here
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Hunter Water Love Water Grants
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
Purpose: To promote water conservation through education, efficiency improvements and awareness in the Lower Hunter. The Love Water Grants aim to:
- Boost community groups and organisations to identify and solve water conservation issues through practical solutions and projects
- Inspire local schools, groups and other organisations to undertake activities that have a positive impact to the community, with environmental and social benefits
For more information: Click here
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Ian Potter Emerging Artist Grants
Amount: $15,000
Closing Date: Ongoing
Purpose: To support early-career artists of all art forms to undertake professional development opportunities, usually overseas.
For more information: Click here
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NAB Foundation Community Grants
Amount: $25,000
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
Purpose: To fund for local projects that help communities withstand and recover from natural disasters, relating to the following categories:
- Training and planning
- Community recovery
- Environment and wildlife
- Equipment and infrastructure
For more information: Click here
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Qantas Regional Grants Program
Amount: $2 million
Closing Date: 10 May 2025
Purpose: To support Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit our country's regional areas by providing financial, flight and marketing support to charities, organisations, projects and individuals.
For more information: Click here
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Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)
Closing Date: 29 April 2025
Purpose: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections.
For more information: Click here
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Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: 20 March 2025
Purpose: To fund projects that run programs to support over 50’s to be connected.
For more information: Click here
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Waratah Education Public Ancillary Fund
Amount: $10,000 – $20,000
Closing Date: 20 March 2025
Purpose: Supports underprivileged or disadvantaged families, children, teenagers and young adults so that they have access to educational instruction and to support and fund activities to help break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
For more information: Click here
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Westfield Local Heroes
Amount: $20,000
Closing Date: 13 March 2025
Purpose: This is a recognition and shines the spotlight on individuals who make a positive impact to their local community or environment.
Community members nominate their heroes. The successful hero for each of the 42 Westfield Centres is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist receives a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
For more information: Click here
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Young Digital Mentor Capacity Builder Grant
Amount: $52,500
Closing Date: 7 March 2025
Purpose: The Capacity Building program is a train-the-trainer initiative to support and develop digital mentors in local communities across Australia.
This Young Digital Mentor Capacity Builders will be focused on inspiring skilled, passionate and friendly 16 to 21 years old digital mentors to help more older people be connected.
For more information: Click here
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Recipients of Round 2 Schools Upgrade Fund
Wiripaang Public School
