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Community Grants

2025 Community Grant Program

The Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF) supports grassroots initiatives that target areas of need in the Wingecarribee Shire.  One of the ways we do this is via our Community Grants Program.

This year, we are pleased to announce a total granting pool of $100,000 dollars. The SHCF Grants Committee will consider applications for grants of $1000 – $5000, $5000 – $10,000 up to a maximum of $25,000 (in special circumstances) and multi-year funding will also be considered for projects that warrant longer term support.

Applications are now open!

2025 Grants Program

The 2025 SHCF Grants Program is open from July 1st and closes on August 31st.  The Grants Committee will consider applications for grants from eligible organisations within the Wingecarribee Shire, with successful applicants notified in early October.

Applicants are encouraged to review our funding guidelines, eligibility criteria and FAQ’s before beginning an application.  For any additional clarification on the process and the kinds of projects we fund, please contact us.

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What we fund

We support programs and initiatives at a local community level that contribute to the building of a healthy, caring and connected community in the Wingecarribee 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 last year.

What’s the process?

All applications for funding are made to the SHCF via online application form (live on the website from July 1st). After closure, all funding requests are considered by the Granting Subcommittee, with recommendations made to the SHCF Board for final approval.  Successful applicants will be advised one month after the closing date.  Take a look at our FAQ’s and find out more about the process here.

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SHCF Grant Eligibility Criteria:

If you are considering applying for an SHCF grant, there are several eligibility requirements to note:

  • The geographical focus of the programs and projects must be in the 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. Supporting documentation to demonstrate this is required as part of the application.
  • We do not fund organisations in consecutive years (except in pre-agreed circumstances such as a multi-year partnership) with priority given to applicants who have not received an SHCF grant in the past.

We do not fund:

  • Individual applicants
  • Political organisations
  • Religious or sectarian organisations involved in purely religious/sectarian activities
  • DGR 2 organisations.
  • Programs or organisations that have been established for non-charitable purposes.
  • Membership based organisations where activities only benefit their members.

Grants Progam FAQ's

How do I apply for an SHCF grant?

All applications for funding are made via an online application form.

What kinds of projects does the SHCF fund?

The SHCF supports programs and initiatives that have a charitable purpose and contribute to the building of a healthy, caring and connected community in the Wingecarribee Shire.  We are seeking grant applications for projects that support health and welfare, culture, education, families, youth and aged care, environmental projects and programs that support First Nations people.

Does my project need to be local?

Yes. We only fund projects and programs within the Wingecarribee LGA.

Do I need an ABN, be a registered organisation, or registered for GST?

Applicants need to have an ABN and in general, need to be a registered charitable organisation or partnered with a registered charitable organisation. Applicants do not need to be registered for GST.

Do you fund individuals or businesses?

No. We cannot fund individuals or businesses as they are not considered eligible acts of charity.

Do you fund Sporting Clubs, Member Organisations or Recreational and Social Activities?

  1. The SHCF can only provide funding for projects that have charitable purpose. Courts have advised that even if a member-based organisation uses its facilities for the public (e.g. as a venue for hire) these are still deemed to be for public benefit – rather than for charitable purpose.
  2. The encouragement or advancement of sport, recreation and social activities is not considered a charitable activity by the Australian Taxation Office. Therefore, applications from sporting organisations need to clearly demonstrate a benefit to the wider community and should indicate which other local organisations are involved.

I have received an SHCF grant before, can I apply again?

Generally, we do not fund organisations on consecutive years (except in pre-agreed circumstances such as a multi-year partnership), with priority given to applicants who have not received an SHCF grant in the past.

What is a letter of support?

A letter of support is usually a formal letter (email, testimonial etc.) that endorses your organisation and/or community project.

If we don’t use all the funding we receive, can we spend it on something else?

We expect the funding to be used for the project as you applied for it. We do understand that circumstances can change, if the funding will not be used within the 12-month timeframe, please contact us.

How long do we have to complete our project?

Your funding contract is for 12 months from the receipt of the grant monies. If you are experiencing difficulties completing your project in the 12-month timeframe, please contact us.

What’s an acquittal and why do I need to complete one?

An acquittal is a final report on your project that you must provide us with after the 12-month timeframe. Your acquittal form will be emailed to you, and you will have 60 days to complete it.

When do I find out whether my application was successful?

All applicants will be advised within one month of the closing date.

Meet our 2024 grant recipients

In 2024 the Southern Highlands Community Foundation held two granting rounds distributing over $170,000 in funds to 21 successful applicants.  Find out more about the programs and initiatives we helped to fund here.

There is much hidden need within our community and we aim to have positive, meaningful impact wherever we can. Through our grants program and initiatives like Highlands Heroes, we help individuals and organisations to improve the lives of the vulnerable in our community.