Grants Hub

There are many potential sources of grants or funding for community projects.  These include; government funding (state and federal), private philanthropic organisations and even private companies who may offer sponsorship. To get you started on your grants journey click on the category below that matches your project and have a browse. If you are unsure about which category is a match contact our grants officers for some advice. 

Please note - Council does not provide funding to individuals. Twice a year applications are taken for Council's Community Funding Program. Click here for more information.

Grants Officer

Forbes Shire Council has a Grants Officer available to assist residents in finding and preparing grant applications. The Grants Officer can not only assist you to find a funding source but can give you some great tips on giving yourself the best chance of success.  Hint – number one is about committing to planning your project well before you start to even think about how you are going to pay for it!

To learn more about the grants available and other great tips make an appointment to discuss by contacting Council 02 6850 2300 or email grants@forbes.nsw.gov.au

 

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Community

These grants provide small amounts of money that organisations and community groups can use to help their volunteers. The grants form part of the State and Federal Government's work to support volunteers, as well as to encourage and increase participation in volunteering.

 
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Ongoing Grants & Funding NSW Government Find a government initiative, grant or funding program to help support your business, your project or your community.
Ongoing  Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital

The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

Grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations under 15,000).

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly. 

Ongoing  Westpac Youth Impact Challenge

The Westpac Youth Impact Challenge is a nationwide initiative open to all Australian students aged 7 to 21. The Challenge aims to help students solve problems in their local communities. To take part in the Challenge, participants must identify a local problem and brainstorm an innovative business or social change idea to solve it. Participants can choose to work individually, or in a group of up to 3. 

Selected winners will receive an Exclusive Prize Pack which will include a Microsoft Surface laptop from partner Microsoft, a 12-month Membership to ‘The Academy’ by the Australian School of Entrepreneurship which will provide them with access to eLearning content, resources and exclusive members perks and discounts, a Spill the Beans Pitch Opportunity, access to financial education mentoring support for your business or social change idea from Westpac’s Davidson Institute and an invitation to their Young Entrepreneurs Advisory Council and an opportunity to pitch at the final Challenge event!

Ongoing Variety - the Children's Charity: Community Grant Variety NSW/ACT promotes inclusivity for all Australian children. Schools and NFP organisations are invited to apply for a grant up to $10,000 to purchase equipment that will promote access and inclusivity in the community for children aged 0-18 years, living with financial disadvantage, geographic isolation and/or a disability or chronic illness. Applications are accepted all year round.  Once submitted, your application will be pre-assessed by the Kids Support Team to make sure it meets criteria. If eligible, it will then go to the Grants Committee for a final decision.
Ongoing IOOF Foundation Community Grant Program

The IOOF Foundation provides grants that support Australian not-for-profit organisations working with disadvantaged families, children and youth. The general grant program is for funding on average for $75,000 per year for up to two years. Please ensure you provide as much budget information as possible to enable us to evaluate the grant amount requested against funds available to distribute. Whilst our initial general grants are on average $75,000, we do have current grants ranging from $10,000 - $150,000 pa.

30 April 2024 In a Good Place Grants

The program aims to support a range of approaches that are preventative or responsive in nature, reduce social isolation by increasing social participation and connectedness, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging open discussion and supporting self-help-seeking. 

The In a Good Place program gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives, which clearly and directly focus on strengthening the mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable community members who are at risk of, or are experiencing, mental health issues.

In a Good Place offers grants of up to $20,000, from an annual funding pool of $250,000. These grants are available thanks to the generous support of CCI Giving.  

While all requests will be considered, our priorities for funding are outlined below: Projects that respond to specific mental health and wellbeing issues within a local community; Projects that are initiated and delivered by local community and not-for-profit organisations, rather than organisations from outside of the beneficiary community. Organisations from outside of beneficiary communities applying for funds will need to provide sufficient evidence that the local community endorses the organisation and the project, or has initiated the partnership to deliver the project, such as support letters; Projects serving communities with populations under 10,000 in remote, rural, and regional communities. Applications from population centres greater than 10,000, for projects that support community members from smaller population centres are also considered; Projects that do not duplicate an existing service or program; Projects that are sustainable beyond the period of the grant.

30 April 2024 Bulk Gives Back Bulk Nutrients are strong believers in the power of community, and supporting grass roots organisations and their volunteers.  Bulk Nutrients are focusing on donating $1000 a day over 100 days to 100 Australian Not for Profit or Charity organisations. Organisations that aren't sporting and instead supports wellbeing through access to literacy support, or who work with young people to smooth the transition into the workforce, a local group that is cleaning up waterways to improve a local area or many others, are also able to apply.
30 April 2024
NAB Foundation Community Grants 

The NAB Foundation Community Grants program provides funding of up to $25,000 for local projects that help communities withstand and recover from natural disasters.  NAB Foundation Community Grants support community-led projects that relate to: 

  • Training and planning: Educational workshops, practical and strategic planning that help communities prepare for a natural disaster. 
  • Community recovery: Programs to enhance community connection, resilience and wellbeing post natural disaster.
  • Environment and wildlife: Restoration of damaged vegetation and habitat, and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
  • Equipment and infrastructure: Tools, equipment and infrastructure improvements that help communities withstand natural disasters or recover in their aftermath.

The NAB Foundation intends to prioritise funding for smaller organisations with an income of $3 million or less per annum, and organisations that receive less than 40% of their annual funding from government. While the NAB Foundation will prioritise funding for smaller organisations, larger organisations can still apply, if they have a local project or initiative that meets local needs and can demonstrate the funds will be used at that local community level.

30 April 2024
Mable Community Grants

Four grants of $10,000 each are available in 2024 for projects that champion independence and inclusion for people with disability and older people. 

Eligible requests: 

  • A grant to an organisation that takes people with disability or older people on social outings to prevent them from experiencing social isolation or loneliness. 
  • A grant to enhance access for people with disability to mainstream schools. 
  • A grant to an organisation that runs gardening classes for seniors experiencing the early signs of dementia, giving their carers respite time. 
  • A grant to an organisation that provides counselling services to people learning to live with an acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury.
  • A grant for an organisation to fund a short course that assists seniors in learning new technology literacy skills to improve everyday life and engagement with society.
9 May 2024 Community Heritage Grants

The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program supports community organisations to look after Australian cultural heritage collections. 

Note the closing dates on this record are for new applicants, which includes first time applicants who have not had a CHG project in the past five years (since 2019). Take note of your closing date below if you have previously completed a CHG or are applying for training projects. 

The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) is a staged grants program that supports community-based organisations to identify and care for Australian cultural heritage collections which are publicly accessible, locally held and nationally significant. CHG is open to a wide range of non-profit, incorporated organisations who hold nationally significant collections, with a strong focus supporting small, local groups with limited funding and staff, who would benefit from access to professional cultural heritage expertise. The program also seeks to build the knowledge and skills of paid and volunteer staff and their ability to care for heritage collections. Applications for training projects are welcomed at any stage.

There are three applicant categories: Applications for new applicants (or those applying for a Significance Assessment) will close on 9 May 2024; Applications for those who have recently completed a Community Heritage Grant project in the past 5 years will close 4 June 2024. Applications for training projects will close on 4 June 2024

10 May 2024 Qantas Regional Grants

Qantas is offering $2 million in support to Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit Australia's regional areas. There is no maximum or minimum allocation – this is entirely at the discretion of the panel. The $2 million is divided between marketing support ($750,000) and flights and cash ($1,250,000).

Examples of eligible applicants:

  • A teacher applying for funds to create a playground at the local school.
  • A sporting club looking for flight funding to support a domestic trip to a competitive competition.
  • An event organiser applying to promote their event to a broader audience in collaboration with Qantas.
  • A charity looking to expand their program into regional areas (eg breast cancer trucks visiting regional towns).
17 May 2024 Youth Off The Streets National Scholarship Program The National Scholarship Program celebrates the talents and strengths of young people from the Australian community who exhibit extraordinary promise but lack the personal support networks and resources that will allow them to fulfil their potential. Every year over 20 young people throughout Australia are awarded scholarships which include funds to the value of $6,000 each to pursue further education or training so they may realise their potential for a positive future. Father Riley’s vision of the National Scholarship Program is to bring together combined resources, corporate social responsibility and promote community engagement with young people who have become disconnected or are at risk of becoming marginalised. The Youth Off The Streets National Scholarship Program coordinates this commitment and support in order to make a real difference and lasting effect.
29 May 2024
 
Heywire Youth Innovation Grants

The FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant program helps communities take action on ideas generated by young Australians on issues that matter to remote, rural and regional youth. The Heywire Project Ideas are developed annually at the Heywire Youth Summit in Canberra. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for communities to act on these issues by either adopting or adapting the project ideas.That might include implementing the idea as developed by the Heywire Youth or by adapting it to respond to the issue the project idea seeks to address with an initiative that meets the needs of young people in your community. Through these grants, this program aims to: Make remote, rural and regional Australia a better place to grow up for young Australians;Put young people at the centre of decision making about issues affecting them within their community; Strengthen young people’s connections to their community, by providing an avenue for organisations to engage well with youth. The Heywire Youth Summit provides an opportunity for youth from across Australia to collectively identify issues that have impacted them growing up in remote, rural and regional Australia, and then develop project ideas that address these issues.

The 2024 Heywire issues impacting young Australians are:

  • Bussin’: How might we create more accessible transport options for young people in regional and rural communities
  • MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): How might we close the gap in accessing quality education for young people in regional, rural and remote communities
  • A Place for You: How might we improve accessibility to mental health services in remote and regional areas of Australia
  • The Bigger Picture: How can we empower young people in regional towns to celebrate their differences and foster connection among themselves
  • Safe Sphere: How might we ensure that young people in regional and remote communities receive relevant and comprehensive sexual education
  • Youth 2 Grassroots: How might we promote a stronger connection between individuals and their land by fostering a culture of environmental protection and stewardship

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for communities to act on these issues by either adopting or adapting one of these six project ideas. The 2024 Heywire winners came up with some innovative ideas to address these issues. If you need inspiration on how you might adapt the idea to address these issues within your community, you can apply for a Heywire grant to fund the initiative.

Opens 1 May 2024

Closes 31 May 2024

Variety Heart Scholarships  Variety Heart Scholarships support school-age children to reach their full potential in the arts and sport. Our scholarships are open to young people aged 6 – 18 years and help children who face financial or physical barriers fulfil their dreams. This could include assisting with tuition fees, personal development, coaching, training equipment, travel or accommodation. No field of the arts or sport is too large or too small to be considered. All that is needed to apply is a young person who is proficient in their field and shows passion and commitment to achieve a long-term aspirational goal.
31 May 2024 CHSP Growth Funding Grant The CHSP Growth Funding 2024–25 Grant will fund up to $100 million to increase availability of domestic assistance, allied health and therapy, transport services and home maintenance in a range of identified Aged Care Planning Regions.
7 June 2024 Fair - Community Wellbeing Fund

The Ian Potter Foundation's Community Wellbeing program seeks to fund initiatives delivered by organisations supporting people with disabilities, or otherwise marginalised individuals primarily with the objective to secure employment pathways. The Foundation seeks to identify and support those organisations which have well thought out projects that seek to help vulnerable members of the community to overcome the challenging circumstances in which they find themselves.

The Foundation’s support extends both to organisations that have demonstrated success and to those seeking to make well-considered innovations.  The Foundation favours programs that are preventative in nature and seek to address the root causes of disadvantage. 

Funding objective: To improve circumstances for disadvantaged members of the community, this program area funds initiatives delivered by organisations supporting people with disabilities, or otherwise marginalised individuals primarily with the objective to secure employment pathways. Organisations of any size are encouraged to apply. The Foundation only considers grant applications for multi-year grants for a minimum of $100,000. The Foundation particularly encourages applications in high-need areas that have a strong volunteer component and/or a volunteer Board that is a representative cross-section of the community.  You must speak to the Program Manager to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an Expression of Interest.

30 June 2024 Small Grants Program - Aboriginal Languages Trust

The Aboriginal Languages Trust Small Grants Program provides open and non-competitive grants between $500 to $15,000 to support Language activities by NSW Aboriginal not for profit Community organisations, groups, and Aboriginal sole traders. 

Funding can be used for projects that meet the objectives identified under the ALT strategic plan: Community driven Language activities that support the growth and use of Aboriginal Language in that Community; Strengthening Aboriginal Community participation in Language activity; Support for Aboriginal People and Communities preparing resources for Language programs; Meeting Language training and development costs of Aboriginal Community organisations and groups; Purchase of minor equipment or services to deliver Language programs to Aboriginal Communities.

5 July 2024 Honda Foundation Grants The Honda Foundation acts as a charitable trust, providing financial assistance to charities and organisations doing amazing work across a range of social and environmental issues. These include: Supporting the disadvantaged, disabled or those suffering from illness; Relief for victims of natural disasters; Promotion of innovation and new technologies. In addition, The Honda Foundation offers a 12-month Vehicle Loan Program which includes registration, insurance and all servicing costs, and is capped at 20 loan vehicles at any one time. Applications are to be made using The Honda Foundation Hero Loan Vehicle form.

Opens 1 July 2024

Closes 31 July 2024

GrainCorp Community Fund Grant

GrainCorp seeks to support our communities in their endeavours to develop, renew, recover and thrive. Our grants program provides financial support to organisations and projects that contribute to the development and promotion of those communities. There are two types of activities that we fund:

  • Community-related programs & activities (Maximum funding limit: $5,000)
  • Community infrastructure projects (Maximum funding limit: $20,000)

To be eligible for our Community Foundation Grants Program, your organisation or project must: Be based within a GrainCorp operational region or region linked to grain growing activities; Be intended to have a positive effect on local communities in rural and regional areas; Demonstrate a direct connection with community development; and be categorised within at least one of GrainCorp’s Community Foundation Pillars.

31 July 2024 Forbes Shire Council Community Funding Program

This program provides financial and in-kind support to encourage and assist community groups and organisations to make a positive and ongoing contribution to the community’s wellbeing, cultural life and environmental sustainability. 

Each financial year there will be a maximum of $100,000 available for projects that will assist organisations to make a positive and ongoing contribution to the community’s wellbeing, cultural life, economic development and environmental sustainability. $50,000 will be available in each of two assessment rounds, with funding available for projects in four categories:

  • Culture and the Arts;
  • Sport and Recreation;
  • Community Services;
  • Rural Village Enhancement

Each of the four categories will have a total of $25,000 available annually, with unspent funds from the September assessment round rolling over into the following round. Unspent funds will not roll over into a new financial year.

Eligible community groups and organisations can apply for up to $5,000 per project for: Funding Assistance: direct cash contribution towards undertaking a project or running an activity or event; In-Kind Assistance: contributions of physical Council resources (such as waiving of Council’s Fees and Charges, venue or plant hire and labour). The estimated cost of this in-kind assistance will be included in the funding allocation. Combination of funding assistance and in-kind assistance (with an estimated total of $5,000 or less).

For projects involving capital works (construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade, refurbishment or extension of existing infrastructure – eg. Installation of new fence, construction of new storage shed, painting of existing toilet block etc), applicants must be able to demonstrate at least 50% funding towards the project. This may take the form of a cash contribution and/or an in-kind contribution, such as the use of volunteers or resources donated from another source.

Various grants are available for encouraging sporting pursuits of all ages. They can provide funds to buy equipment and uniforms through to infrastructure and maintenance of grounds.

 

Sport

   
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29 April 2024  Play Our Way Program - Stream 1: Facilities This Grant Opportunity aims to address the barriers women and girls face when participating in sport and physical activity by delivering quality facilities and sport participation experiences where the need is greatest, and in a manner that is safe, equitable, accessible, inclusive, sustainable and enduring.  The Play Our Way program will run over three years from 2024-25 to 2026-27.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • build and upgrade sport and physical activity facilities to better meet the needs of women and girls, and prioritise equitable and enduring access and use of these facilities for the purposes of women and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity;
  • foster positive experiences for women and girls through quality sport and physical activity participation initiatives, including equipment, that are modern, inclusive, welcoming, safe, and tailored to the needs of women and girls, including those experiencing intersectional disadvantage;
  • provide enduring programs and initiatives that address barriers for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity and build a culture of equality, respect and inclusion in sport and physical activity;
  • address discrimination and inequality that women and girls encounter and provide opportunities to participate in, contribute to, and remain involved in, all aspects of sport and physical activity for life.

Funding for this grant opportunity will be made available through two Streams.

Stream 1: Facilities

Funding to support modifying, upgrading or building facilities and playing areas or spaces for sport and physical activity, specifically for women and girls that: 

  • are located where the need is greatest and/or addresses unmet need; 
  • maximises the opportunity for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity; 
  • are inclusive, safe, accessible, innovative and sustainable; and 
  • support sustained equitable access (e.g. scheduling and priority) over the short, medium and long term. 

Projects may be funded on a single or multi-year basis. The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of total project costs (noting that co-contributions will provide additional funding to whole-of-project costs), up to the maximum grant amount and only for eligible expenditure. Whilst no minimum co-contribution is required, co-contribution and consortium arrangements are strongly encouraged and, in most instances, required for larger-scale projects, and will be viewed favourably during the grant assessment process. 

Applicants will be able to apply for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $1,500,000 for projects that support new and upgraded facilities, playing areas and spaces for sport and physical activity specifically for women and girls. For Facility projects in small rural towns, remote communities or very remote communities as defined by the Modified Monash Model (MMM 5-78 ), the maximum will be $2,000,000 to reflect increased costs in rural and remote areas. Projects may be assessed and offered a lower amount than applied for. The maximum grant period is three years. You must complete your project by 30 June 2027.

29 April 2024 
Play Our Way Program - Stream 2: Participation and Equipment
Stream 2: Participation and Equipment

Funding to support modifying and/or developing new, sustainable and enduring programs to reduce discrimination and inequality, and increase women and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity, that:

  • deliver quality experiences for women and girls, where the need is greatest and/or addresses unmet need and/or;
  • promote increased women and girls’ engagement in various sport roles (e.g. coaching and officiating) and/or;
  • contribute to addressing intersectional disadvantage7 (e.g. by tailoring engagement strategies for women and girls from priority populations) and/or;
  • are innovative and overcome barriers to the participation and retention of women and girls in sport and physical activity.

Funding to support new and/or upgraded equipment that: 

  • enable women and girls to participate in sport and physical activities safely, without fear of judgement, and that are culturally appropriate.

Projects may be funded from any single financial year. Project delivery may occur over a single or multi-year basis. Projects can be for both Participation and Equipment initiatives, or one component only. The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of total project costs, up to the maximum grant amount and only for eligible expenditure. No co-contribution is required however cocontribution and consortium arrangements are strongly encouraged and will be viewed favourably during the grant selection process.

The Grant Activity will be measured against the below Performance Indicators in proportion to grant amount and complexity of the project. Applicants will be able to apply for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for projects that support modifying and/or developing sustainable and enduring programs to promote women and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity, and/or new or upgraded equipment, specifically for women and girls. Projects may be assessed and offered a lower amount than applied for. The maximum grant period is three years. You must complete your project by 30 June 2027.

30 April 2024 Local Para Champions The Local Para Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-24 participating in state, national or international championships for athletes with a disability. If successful, applicants will receive $750-$1000 towards the cost of attending their championships.
10 May 2024 Qantas Regional Grants
Qantas is offering $2 million in support to Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit Australia's regional areas. There is no maximum or minimum allocation – this is entirely at the discretion of the panel. The $2 million is divided between marketing support ($750,000) and flights and cash ($1,250,000).

Examples of eligible applicants:

  • A teacher applying for funds to create a playground at the local school.
  • A sporting club looking for flight funding to support a domestic trip to a competitive competition.
  • An event organiser applying to promote their event to a broader audience in collaboration with Qantas.
  • A charity looking to expand their program into regional areas (eg breast cancer trucks visiting regional towns).
07 August 2024 Telstra Footy Country Grants

The Telstra Footy Country 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. Local football clubs across Australia will have the opportunity to share in an $8 million funding boost over the next four years, as the AFL and Telstra launch Telstra Footy Country Grants. With a pool of $2 million to be distributed in 2024, eligible regional and metro clubs can apply for grants up to $20,000 - helping strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.

As the foundation of our great game and the heartbeat of communities, investment in local clubs is vital to ensuring everyone has access to play Aussie Rules and experience the health, social and wellbeing benefits that come with belonging to a club. Aligned to the AFL strategic objectives, the grants will look to strengthen the base and secure the future of community football through the following criteria: Grow and assist volunteer capacity; Grow and diversify participation; Improve club environments and experiences. 


Arts

Art Grants offer support to artists in all fields of the arts to support them in creating their work, and free them up to concentrate on creating. These grants can cover all forms of the Arts including performance, collaborations, productions, publishing, recording and creative development.

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Ongoing Quick response Small Projects - Create NSW Small Project Grants support the creation, development and presentation of new work and professional development or promotion for NSW-based professional artists and arts and cultural workers. You can apply for between $500 and $5000 towards your project. Ongoing rounds.

Opens 27 May 2024

Closes 19 August 2024

The Backroads Initiative

The Backroads Initiative is established to enable high-quality, small-scale professional productions to smaller towns and remote communities in regional NSW.  Backroads is best suited to compact, adaptable, low budget productions that would suit a community centre, old town hall, local cinema or café, or small, independent theatre. Tours need to be self-sufficient, able to produce, mount and market their work in regional and remote towns.

Applicants can apply for up to $10,000 to support a tour to one or more independent or community run venues in regional NSW. Applicants are expected to have other sources of income in their budgets, be that ticket sales, other grants, sponsorship or company contribution.

 

Environment

Environmental Grants can support community groups undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, on land or in air, rural or urban. We will direct organisations and individuals to the right support grants available.

 

 

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Description
Ongoing Small Environment Grants

Wettenhall Environment Trust are 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. The Trust support grassroots organisations and individuals, and academics who are working with on-ground community groups. The Trust are looking for projects around about flora and fauna conservation around Australia. These projects should involve any of the following: monitoring, recording and sharing data; delivering community education; providing community capacity building (e.g. training); research and science. 

Grants are usually under $10,000. Wettenhall also grants on behalf of donors, and sometimes these programs can be over $10,000. If you have a project over $10,000, check with the Executive Director. Universities and academics can only apply for up to $5,000.

30 April 2024 Permafund Grants Permafund grants are available for amounts up to AUD $2,000 to community based organisations in Australia or overseas to support their work restoring and improving the natural environment and building sustainable communities.  Grants are for activities which demonstrate the ethics and principles of permaculture and support the building of sustainable communities. Natural environment includes all aspects of the natural surroundings of humans, whether affecting them as individuals or in social groupings. The natural environment and concern for it can include: significant natural areas such as rainforests; wildlife and their habitats; issues affecting the environment such as air and water quality, waste minimisation, soil conservation, and biodiversity; promotion of ecologically sustainable development principles.
 30 June 2027 Bin Trim Equipment Rebates Program  New incentives are on offer in NSW workplaces to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve the bottom line thanks to a $6 million rebate initiative over the next three years. Rebates of up to $50,000 covering up to 50% of the capital cost of small-scale, on-site recycling equipment or technology. What sort of equipment is eligible? balers, briquette presses, bulk bag stands and bulk bags, cardboard perforator, commercial worm farms, compactors, food waste monitoring equipment e.g., smart scale, glass crushers, granulators, organics rapid decomposition units (where output is sent to a licenced composting facility), plastic injection moulders, shredders, smart scales and other food waste monitoring equipment, source separation bins, wheelie bins, skip bins and other bin equipment – with bin signs and stickers, trolleys to transport waste and maximise waste separation and diversion.


 

 

Agriculture

Funding, grants and assistance for agriculture industries can be found here.

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Grant Description

Off-farm Efficiency Program - Water

The Australian Government’s Off-farm Efficiency Program is an initiative to upgrade water infrastructure to reduce water losses and increase water available for the environment. Projects funded under the program will provide long-term benefits through improved water infrastructure and reduced water losses. Water users and the community will also benefit from increased water reliability and the creation of job opportunities.

Ongoing Drought Ready and Resilient Fund

The NSW Government has committed $250 million to establish the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, an initiative designed to bolster the resilience of NSW farmers to future adverse weather events and climatic conditions, such as drought. Through the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, eligible primary producers can access a low interest loan up to $250,000 to help prepare for, manage and recover from drought. The loan can be used for products, activities and services relating to animal welfare, farm preparedness, income diversification, environmental improvements as well as training and business development. The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loan facility has been designed to complement the existing Drought Infrastructure Fund loan product, formerly known as the Farm Innovation Fund.  (See Drought Infrastructure Fund here ) The current interest rate for Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loans is: 5.10% per annum for a 5-year loan; 5.60% per annum for a 10-year loan

Customers will be provided with an indicative interest rate at the point of application, however the rate applied to the loan will not be determined until the date of first drawn down.  The interest rate applied to the loan is fixed for the term of the loan. Applications are now open and will continue to be accepted until program funding is exhausted.

1 May 2024 Les Young Scholarship The Les Young Scholarship provides young people within the thoroughbred industry the opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge via an international course and paid placement at a reputable United Kingdom. The scholarship will provide funding and support to the successful applicant via a combination of theory coursework and a paid placement with an international horse stud in the United Kingdom or Irish National Stud where they will develop further understanding around foaling and breeding, bloodstock husbandry and stable and equine management. All travel and accommodation will be covered by the scholarship.
31 May 2024 On Farm Connectivity Program The On Farm Connectivity Program provides eligible Equipment Suppliers with up to $30,000 rebate for sales of digital farming technology to eligible Primary Producers to help improve their connectivity and productivity. A rebate of up to $30,000 to cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible digital farming technology.
31 May 2024 Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) is investing $1.6 million dollars through Nuffield over two years to help farmers increase their knowledge of drought resilience and better prepare themselves and their communities for a changing climate. Each scholarship is valued at $40,000 and open to Australian citizens or permanent residents directly involved in food and fibre production typically aged between 28 and 45. The bursary allows scholars to travel overseas both individually and in small groups.

Benefits: 15-weeks of purposeful learning and unique access to our approachable, global agricultural network; Connections to the global alumni – over 500 scholars in Australia and 2,000 worldwide; Access to international businesses and individuals not otherwise reachable; Select a research topic that will be of use to you, your business, community and industry. In addition to a study topic idea that may relate directly to your industry sector or rural community, we are encouraging applications this year from those keen to research both drought resilience and sustainability.

As a Scholar you will: Research a topic to add value to the primary industry sector; Join a global network of 2,000 scholars who have enjoyed this unique experience; Become a lifelong member of Nuffield to promote primary industries. Scholars are innovative, free thinking people. After the study, scholars produce a written report and communicate the new knowledge and experience to others in the industry.

Nuffield Scholars are scholars for life. There is on-going communication with our alumni, plus events, workshops and the chance to be involved in additional learning opportunities. In summary, Nuffield opens doors to exciting and rewarding experiences. Whether it’s walking the halls of Westminster or Washington DC, or touring a leading wheat and maize research facility in Mexico, it presents a career defining opportunity.

 

 

Emergency Assistance

Funding, grants and assistance for those affected by natural disaster can be found here: Support and Assistance 


 

Business

Funding, grants and assistance for businesses can be found here.

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Ongoing SafeWork Small Business Rebate If you are a small business owner in NSW, this $1,000 rebate will help you purchase safety items to improve work health and safety for you and your workers. This program is administered by SafeWork NSW.
Ongoing First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program

The FNTMP can support you to grow your tourism business by connecting you with expert advice, tailored learning and access to culturally respectful industry specialists. If you are a First Nations tourism business and you have aspirations to grow, the FNTMP will give you access to free one-on-one mentoring, delivered in a way which suits your needs. 

The FNTMP can support you to grow your tourism business by: connecting you with industry professionals who can provide free, one-on-one advice; and culturally respectful support; providing access to a suite of learning supports and resources developed for and tailored to the First Nations tourism sector.

The mentoring will be delivered by industry specialists who have: tourism industry knowledge and experience including understanding of local tourism opportunities; experience working in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner with First Nations businesses and/or communities; previous experience providing business advice and support (including mentoring) and/or owning and operating a business.

It is a flexible program and the mentoring will be a mixture of face to face and online as preferred. Mentees will have an initial, one-on-one meeting with their mentor to discuss the current state of their business, their goals and objectives and to agree on the duration and frequency of mentoring as per the table below. 

Ongoing
Small Business Skills and Training Boost Through the Australian Taxation Office, this initiative provides small businesses with a bonus tax deduction to help them train new staff and upskill existing staff. Small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed an additional 20% tax deduction for external training courses delivered to employees by registered training providers. The boost applies to eligible expenditure incurred from 7:30 pm AEDT on 29 March 2022 until 30 June 2024. The expenditure must be: for the provision of training to employees of your business, either in-person in Australia, or online; charged, directly or indirectly, by a registered external training provider that is not you or an associate of yours; already deductible for your business under taxation law; incurred within a specified period (between 7:30 pm AEDT or by legal time in the ACT on 29 March 2022 and 30 June 2024).
Ongoing Small Business Technology Investment Boost This initiative allows small businesses to claim a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure to help digitise their business. Small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed an additional 20% tax deduction to support their digital operations and digitise their operations. The boost applies to eligible expenditure incurred between 7:30 pm AEDT on 29 March 2022 and 30 June 2023. The boost is for business expenses and depreciating assets and is capped at $100,000 of expenditure per income year. You can receive a maximum bonus deduction of $20,000 per income year. Eligible expenditure includes, but is not limited to: digital enabling items – computer and telecommunications hardware and equipment, software, internet costs, systems and services that form and facilitate the use of computer networks; digital media and marketing – audio and visual content that can be created, accessed, stored or viewed on digital devices, including web page design; e-commerce – goods or services supporting digitally ordered or platform-enabled online transactions, portable payment devices, digital inventory management, subscriptions to cloud-based services, and advice on digital operations or digitising operations, such as advice about digital tools to support business continuity and growth; cyber security – cyber security systems, backup management and monitoring services.
Ongoing Self Employment Assistance Program Self-Employment Assistance can help you turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable business. Self-Employment Assistance can help you with your business idea or existing business through its flexible services including: Exploring Self-Employment Workshops; Business Plan Development; free accredited Small Business Training; Business Advice Sessions; Business Health Checks; Small Business Coaching.
Ongoing
Industry Growth Program The program supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding. The NRF priority areas are: value-add in resources; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; transport; medical science; renewables and low emission technologies; defence capability; enabling capabilities.
19 April 2024 Low Carbon Product Manufacturing Fund - Construction Ready Stream

Funding is available for businesses to help establish new or expanded commercial scale facilities in NSW that manufacture low carbon building materials, chemicals, biofuels, power fuels, or inputs for agricultural production. 

The low carbon product manufacturing – construction ready stream is part of the net zero manufacturing initiative. The fund will invest in new or expanded commercial scale facilities in NSW, manufacturing low carbon building materials, chemicals, biofuels, power fuels, or inputs for agricultural production. 

The initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving NSW's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 through the following 4 objectives: drive economic growth across NSW - increase economic activities by providing funding for new or expanded low carbon manufacturing facilities; increase investment and employment in new low carbon industries - attract more investors to engage in the low carbon manufacturing sectors, leading to more job opportunities; support a diverse, self-sufficient, resilient and competitive low carbon manufacturing sector - foster a dynamic and robust economic landscape, reduce dependency on a single sector, and promote the export of low carbon products and technologies; establish new industrial facilities and advanced manufacturing capabilities to help decarbonise NSW’s economy - facilitate the establishment and development of low carbon manufacturing with advanced capabilities, contributing to the overall reduction of NSW's economy's carbon footprint.

26 April 2024 Small Business Cyber Resilience Service Grant

The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service Program will fund one service provider up to $8.1 million to improve the cyber security of small businesses and their ability to recover from a cyber incident.

The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service was announced as part of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. Under Shield 1 of the Strategy, Strong businesses and citizens, the program will support small businesses to build their cyber security resilience and capability. Small businesses face unique barriers to strengthen their cyber security as they have limited knowledge, time, staffing and resources to invest in cyber security. Small business owners need help navigating cyber security information and applying it to their business. The objectives of the program are: build the cyber resilience and capability of small businesses; provide support to small businesses impacted by a cyber incident.

The intended outcomes of the program are to improve the cyber security of small businesses and their ability to recover from a cyber incident. The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service (the Service) will provide free, tailored, person-to-person cyber security support for small businesses. The Service will provide small businesses with advice and solutions on improving their cyber security which are aligned with existing guidance produced by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and, when developed, the cyber security health check program, which will be co-designed by industry and the Department of Home Affairs and hosted on cyber.gov.au. This includes triaging small businesses accessing the Service, conducting an individual assessment of the small business and developing a tailored plan to improve their cyber security, recommending specific actions, tools and guidance best suited to the small business’ risk, situation and capability. The Service will also provide support services to deal with the immediate aftermath of an incident, using a case management approach. 

A total of $8.1 million over 3 years from 2024-25 to 2026-27 will be available for the program.

28 April 2024 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program was founded with the purpose to ease the financial pressure faced by apprentice plumbers. Rheem is passionate about investing in the skills and training of industry newcomers and the grants are Rheem’s way of thanking the Australian plumbing industry for its ongoing support. There are are 20 grants on offer, each valued at $3,000. Each grant includes $2,000 to go towards TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks, and a $1,000 tool voucher to help build your toolbox.
3 May 2024 Low Carbon Product Manufacturing Fund- Project Development Stream

The low carbon product manufacturing - project development stream will invest in project development activities to help businesses reach a financial investment decision for a new facility that manufactures low carbon products. 

The initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving NSW's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 through the following 4 objectives: drive economic growth across NSW - increase economic activities by providing funding for new or expanded low carbon manufacturing facilities; increase investment and employment in new low carbon industries - attract more investors to engage in the low carbon manufacturing sectors, leading to more job opportunities; support a diverse, self-sufficient, resilient and competitive low carbon manufacturing sector - foster a dynamic and robust economic landscape, reduce dependency on a single sector, and promote the export of low carbon products and technologies; establish new industrial facilities and advanced manufacturing capabilities to help decarbonise NSW’s economy - facilitate the establishment and development of low carbon manufacturing with advanced capabilities, contributing to the overall reduction of NSW's economy's carbon footprint.

14 June 2024 Metering Plan Implementation Grants

The implementation of metering and monitoring systems is a critical step towards identifying energy saving opportunities and building the case for equipment upgrades. The NSW Government are helping NSW businesses by providing up to $100,000 to cover up to 50% of the cost of implementing the recommendations of your energy metering and monitoring plan. This means you can fill in the metering and monitoring gaps identified in your plan.  The grant is part of the $12 million metering package that supports businesses across the different stages of the metering and monitoring process. This will help NSW businesses overcome barriers to improving energy performance and help NSW reach net zero emissions by 2050.  

There is $1.5 million in funding available in round 1. You can apply for a grant of up to $100,000 (excluding GST) to cover up to 50% of the eligible project costs.  

1 July 2024 National Energy Bill relief for Small Businesses (Embedded Networks) 

Some small businesses are located in an embedded electricity network (on-supply) and get an energy bill or invoice from, or on behalf of, the owners or management company where your business is located such as shopping centres. If you are an embedded network (on-supply) customer, you can now apply for your bill relief payment online. Your application will be processed by the Office of Energy and Climate Change within 2-6 weeks. Eligible small businesses using less than 100 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year will receive a one-off bill relief payment of up to $650 towards their electricity bill.

 

Grant Success Stories

In the 2022/23 financial year, fifteen grants have been successful to a total value: $27,789,725. We continue to strive for more success stories for our community. Please contact us if you need help with your next grant application.

Community Group Success Story

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club were successful in obtaining a grant through Forbes Shire Council's Community Funding Program. The club has purchased a new trailer with the funds to help them move their 10's boat in and out of the water and into storage.  Well done to those involved and happy rowing!

 Dragon Boat 1