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Community Grants

2024 Community Grant Program

 

The Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF) connects funds to those in our community that need it most.  One of the ways we do this is via our Community Grants.  In 2024, we announced two granting rounds, distributing over $170,000 in funds to 21 successful applicants.

Please note, the 2024 granting rounds are now closed with more information on the organisations and projects we have supported below.

Further grant opportunities will be announced in 2025.

What we fund

We support programs and initiatives at a local community level that contribute to prosperity and wellbeing across the Wingecarribbe Shire.  We are seeking grant applications for initiatives that support health and welfare, education, families, youth and aged care, environmental projects and programs that support first nations people and culture.

Take a look at some of the projects we helped fund in 2023 here.

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2024 Grant Recipients

This year the Southern Highlands Community Foundation held two granting rounds.  Round One awarded $105,990 dollars in grants to twelve local community groups.  Round Two awarded $66,640 to a further nine.  Our granting program supports grassroots initiatives that target areas of need in the Southern Highlands community.

Round Two – October 2024

PCYC Southern Highlands 
'Youth at Risk Job Ready' An early intervention program preparing at-risk youth for sustainable local employment.
Amount funded: $10,000 (Round 2)
Berrima Public School P &C Association
'Eat Well, Feel Well, Learn Well' initiative provides on site prepared healthy and nutritious meals 5 days a week.
Amount funded: $10,000 (Round 2)
Vocal Muster ‘Vocal Vibes’
The funding will expand the current program from 5 to 12 students accessing weekly musical performance and development lessons at Bowral High School.
Amount funded: $5000 (Round 2)
C3 Community Centre
C3 supports several local community needs incl. food support, supply and assistance for those in crisis or isolation. Funding will acquire new furniture.
Amount funded: $4,500 (Round 2)
Meals on Wheels Southern Highlands 
Each year MoW produces approx. 30,000 meals for over 25 not-for-profit organisations. The grant funds will purchase a blast chiller to support efficient food preparation.
Amount funded: $7,000 (Round 2)
St Vincent de Paul Society ‘Reach’
A community outreach initiative that provides creative arts, literacy and technology programs in the Wingecarribee local villages.
Amount funded: $10,140 (Round 2)

Wombatised Inc.

Soft Release Project - to assist with rehabilitating and rehoming wombats in a safe environment through the use of portable, metal pens set up on private rural land.
Amount funded: $5,500 (Round 2)
Your Angel Charity 
Recipe Kit program to help more families struggling with food costs, strengthen relationships with local community groups, and support isolated community members.
Amount funded: $10,000 (Round 2)

The Highlands Pipes and Drums

To support the purchase of musical equipment which will assist HP&D expand its community engagement.
Amount funded: $5,000 (Round 2)

Round One – May 2024

Challenge Southern Highlands 
A unique Cafe facility to help people with disabilities acquire hospitality skills to develop their confidence and grow their career opportunities.
Amount funded: $25,000 (Round 1)
Penrose Community Association 
With the new Village Hall almost complete, SHCF funding will help to provide furniture and furnishings for a multipurpose event space.
Amount funded: $10,000 (Round 1)
Wingello P&C
After being significantly impacted by bushfires the Wingello P&C will use the funding to fight disengagement and support emotional wellbeing at school.
Amount funded: $5000 (Round 1)
Fritz Family Foundation
The Wrap Around Project is an initiative to support early childhood development in a playgroup environment by providing access to a range or therapy practitioners.
Amount funded: $5000 (Round 1)
Bridges for Learning
A program to help families with the assessment costs for children requiring development and diagnostic assessments to avoid educational isolation.
Amount funded: $15,000 (Round 1)
House of Faith & Love
The organisation provides essential food aid as well as community outreach and support, the SHCF grant will go towards raising profile and growing reach.
Amount funded: $15,000 (Round 1)
NSW Justice Association
JP’s are volunteers who dedicate their expertise to community service, SHCF funding will provide improved office equipment and IT services.
Amount funded: $4000 (Round 1)
Bundanoon Community Association
Funding will support Winterfest, a community event celebrating Winter and community in Bundanoon.
Amount funded: $2000 (Round 1)
Harbison Retirement Village 
New furniture and equipment to create comfortable environments to nurture interconnectedness and strengthen bonds among residents, carers, and families.
Amount funded: $8,060 (Round 1)
SH Landcare Network Inc.
Funding will assist ecologist Dr Steve Douglas to survey the Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) of Mt Gibraltar Forest.
Amount funded: $6,930 (Round 1)
Community Links Wellbeing
Funding will provide support to aid the living conditions and well-being of low-income, aged, disabled and vulnerable Wingecarribee residents.
Amount funded: $10,000 (Round 1)
Wingello Village Association
Funds from Global Giving were allocated to Wingello’s bushfire recovery, establishing a community garden and outdoor educational area.
Amount funded: $12,000 (Round 1)

2024 Granting rounds

The SHCF Grants Committee will consider applications of $1000 – $5000, $5000 – $10,000 up to a maximum of $25,000 in special circumstances.

  • Round 1 December 6th 2023 – March 28th 2024 (closed)
  • Round 2 July 1st 2024 – August 30th 2024 (closed)

Applicants are encouraged to review our funding guidelines and eligibility criteria before beginning an application.  For any additional clarification on the process and the kinds of project we fund, please contact Bridget Cosyn on 0401 004 013.

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SHCF Grant Eligibility Criteria:

As with all applicants to the Southern Highlands Community Foundation there are several eligibility requirements:

  • The geographical focus of the programs and projects must be Wingecarribee LGA
  • Organisations seeking funding must be established with a management or board structure, relevant registration, registered bank account and the ability to report on impact and outcomes of the grant.

We do not fund:

  • Activities that are politically focussed or are involved in proselytising
  • Individuals
  • DGR 2 organisations
  • Programs or organisations that have been established for non-charitable purposes
  • Membership based organisations where activities only benefit their members

2023 Grant Recipients

In 2023, to celebrate our 21st Birthday, the Southern Highlands Community Foundation awarded over $93,000 back into the community.  Find out more.

 

In our 21st year we’re looking forward to making a difference. There is much hidden need within our community and we plan to have positive, meaningful impact wherever we can.