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Community Grants

2024 Community Grant Applications are Open

 

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 announce a total granting pool of $250,000 which will be distributed to successful applicants via two granting rounds of $125,000.

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 below.

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2024 Granting rounds

There will be two granting rounds in 2024.  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
  • Round 2 July 1st 2024 – August 30th 2024

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.

Please note: While applications are open all year round, the Committee will not review applications until each granting round has closed.  Successful applicants will be notified 4 weeks after each round closes.

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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

Meet our 2023 Grant Recipients

In 2023, we awarded over $93,000 back into the community via our Kickstart and 21st Birthday grants.  A total of 19 grants have been awarded for projects and initiatives to help target areas of need in our community.

Angels in Our Town
Angels in Our Town parade and concert to acknowledge our remarkable volunteers, first responders and service organisations.
Amount funded: $5000
Bundanoon Public School

Music Program

A music program that allows students a place to dream, create, be crazy, explore and belong.
Amount funded: $4882
Can Assist
Palliative care and support for individuals and families living with cancer.
Amount funded: $5000
CTC Robertson
Stories from the Yarrow Bush community writing project.
Amount funded: $3500
Home Start
Providing a new technology and sensory toy library for at risk families to access some of the essential items they need.
Amount funded: $5000
B.D.A.S.
Renovate and rebuild an existing garage at the Bowral & District Art Society to allow for better storage and larger exhibits.
Amount funded: $5000
S.H.Y.A.C.
Providing free transport for 1400 Wingecarribee Shire school children to see Seussical the Musical.
Amount funded: $5000
Community Links Wellbeing
'ReFrame Gamers' program to promote healthy gaming experiences for young people.
Amount funded: $4350
Mittagong Uniting Church Pantry
Bowral Uniting Church Pantry offering free fresh and non-perishable goods to those in need is expanding to Mittagong.
Amount funded: $5000
The Four K’s Clubhouse
Providing before/after school care as well as school holiday programs for children that are vulnerable or have special needs.
Amount funded: $5000
A Celebration of Light
A Celebration of Light community event is on December 15th at Corbett Gardens, Bowral.
Amount funded: $5000
Community Circles
A program that aims to reduce isolation and loneliness in the community by connecting people through interest groups.
Amount funded: $10,000
St Vincent de Paul

Youth Refuge

Support for the Bowral Youth Refuge that offers a 24 hour, 7 bed home service for 14-25 year olds.
Amount funded: $5000
Koori Kulcha

Indigenous Community Garden

Cultural immersion through growing indigenous foods and spices with education and workshops open to all.
Amount funded: $5000
Vocal Muster
A program that provides opportunities for young people to experience the joy of singing in a safe, supportive space where all have a sense of belonging.
Amount funded: $5000
Harbison ‘Grandfriends’
Innovative intergenerational program that creates meaningful engagement between aged care residents and pre/primary school students.
Amount funded: $5000
Southern Highlands Community Hospice
The provision of hospice furniture for end of life care at home.
Amount funded: $5000
Bundanoon History Group
This year the 152 year old Bundanoon School will be added to the Bundanoon History Group's Heritage Trial.
Amount funded: $700
Moss Vale High School P&C
New audio visual equipment to upgrade the creative and performing arts education at Moss Vale High School.
Amount funded: $5000

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.