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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 announce a granting pool of $35,000 with grants of up to $5,000 available to successful applicants.   Applications open on July 1st and close on August 31st, 2025.

2025 Grants Program

The 2025 SHCF Grants Program will open on July 1stand close on August 31st.  The Grants Committee will consider applications of up to $5,000 from eligible organisations with successful applicants notified in early October.

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 us.

APPLY FROM JULY 1

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 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 in early October.  Find out more about the process here.

APPLY FROM JULY 1

Other SHCF grants

The SHCF Highlands Hero award aims to recognise and reward volunteers within our community who work tirelessly for their chosen cause. Winners receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more about how to nominate a Highlands Hero or Young Hero here.

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 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 on consecutive years (except in pre-agreed circumstances) with priority given to applicants who have not received an SHCF grant in the past.

We do not fund:

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

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.