Community Grants

2026 Grants Program

Our 2026 Community Grant Program is open.

This year, we announce a total granting pool of $130,000, for eligible programs that target areas of need in the Southern Highlands region of NSW. Applications for grants of up to $25,000 and multi-year funding will be considered for projects that warrant longer-term support. In 2026, we are also operating a sub-category, specifically focussed on projects that support young people (10-25 years old) in the Southern Highlands.

The Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF) supports grassroots initiatives that target areas of need across our region. One of the ways we do this is via our Community Grants Program. In 2025 we received our largest number of grant applications to date and are thrilled to be supporting 17 community organisations with grants totalling $129,641.

Register here for our FREE Grant Seeker Workshop: 15 July.

2026 Grants Program

The 2026 SHCF Grants Program opens on July 1st and closes on August 31st. The Grants Committee will consider applications for grants from eligible organisations within the Southern Highlands region of NSW, 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 Southern Highlands region of NSW. 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 until August 31^st). Potential applicants may like to attend a FREE Grant Seeker Workshop on July 15. 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 Southern Highlands region of NSW.
Organisations seeking funding must be a registered charity with the ACNC, 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 that have been funded by SHCF in the past and have not completed their acquittal.
Any initiatives outside the Southern Highlands region of NSW.
Projects already fully funded by a different funder (partial funding may be considered).
Funding for projects that have already occurred or funding for historical need.
Individual applicants.
Political organisations.
Membership based organisations where activities only benefit their members (i.e. RSL clubs, rotary, social clubs, sporting clubs etc…)
Independent schools.
Religious or sectarian organisations involved in purely religious/sectarian activities.
DGR 2 organisations.
Programs or organisations that have been established for non-charitable purposes.

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FUNDING GUIDELINES

Meet our 2025 grant recipients

In 2025, the Southern Highlands Community Foundation has distributed $129,641 in grants to 17 community organisations. Funding will support a wide range of initiatives focused on youth, mental health, community arts, environment and school infrastructure. Find out more about the programs and initiatives we helped to fund here.

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 Southern Highlands region of NSW. 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 Southern Highlands region of NSW.

Do you offer multi-year funding?

This year, applicants will also be able to apply for multi-year funding (up to 3 years) for projects where multi-year funding will help the on-going viability and sustainability of the project.

Applicants who apply for multi-year can also apply for one off funding in the same application, in the instance that multi-year is not approved.

Please note a limited amount of projects will be awarded multi-year funding and this will be determined on the greatest need to the Southern Highlands community.

How does the SHCF fund specific youth based projects?

This year, the SHCF is operating a sub-category of projects specifically focused on Young People (10-26 years old) in the Southern Highlands. We are seeking applications from organisations who may be already delivering an initiative or have an idea for a new initiative they would like to offer to young people in the Southern Highlands.

Unfortunately, the youth based specific projects in 2026 are not eligible for multi-year funding.

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. The charity does not necessarily have to have DGR 1 but cannot be DGR 2. 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?

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.

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?

This year, we will also consider funding organisations / projects that have received funding from SHCF in the past 12 months (including those yet to acquit). The SHCF grants committee will give priority to the areas of greatest need regardless of prior funding committed.