FUNDING GUIDELINES

Who are we?

The Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF) is a registered charity and community foundation dedicated to building a stronger, kinder, and more connected community within the Wingecarribee LGA. Established in 2002, the Foundation has spent over 24 years connecting funds with those in need, distributing more than $1,000,000 in grants and scholarships throughout the Southern Highlands.

Led by a volunteer board of directors drawn from respected local community members, the SHCF takes a data-driven approach to identifying areas of greatest need and measuring the impact of its work.

Through our Community Grants Program and other initiatives, the Foundation supports grassroots projects that promote health and welfare, education, environmental sustainability, and the wellbeing of families, youth, aged residents, and First Nations people – all with a focus on creating lasting, meaningful change in the local community.

Geographical focus

Wingecarribee Local Government Area (LGA)

What we fund

Programs and initiatives at a local community level that support members of the Southern Highlands community.  We support programs across the wide community spectrum including health and wellbeing, education, arts, families, aged, youth, environment and First Nations people and culture.

In 2026 we will consider funding organisations / projects that have received funding from SHCF in the past 12 months (subject to completed acquittal from the previous years grant). The SHCF grants committee will give priority to the areas of greatest need regardless of prior funding committed.

Grants process

  • The 2026 SHCF Grants Program will open on July 1stand close on August 31st.
  • The total granting pool for 2026 is $130,000.
  • We will consider applications for grants of up to a maximum of $25,000 from eligible organisations.
  • Successful applicants will be notified in early October.

Multi-year Funding

  • In 2026 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.
  • 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.

Youth Specific Projects

  • In 2026 SHCF is operating a sub-category of projects specifically focused on Young People (10-26 years old) in the Southern Highlands.
  • At the time of application, you will be able to select if you believe your project specifically addresses the needs of young people in the Southern Highlands.

To be eligible for funding

To receive funding from the SHCF organisations must:

  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN);
  • Hold charitable registration with the ACNC;
    • The charity does not necessarily have to have DGR 1 but cannot be DGR 2,
  • Be compliant with ACNC governance standards,
  • Have a management or board structure,
  • Have a registered bank account in the organisations name; and
  • Have the ability to report on impact and outcomes of grant.

What we look for

In assessing funding opportunities/partnerships we look for the following:

  • Strong local leadership.
  • Organisational health–good governance and accountability, effective operational systems, and financial viability.
  • Demonstrated need– the project addresses a real gap in the Southern Highlands community and is not a duplicate of something already being offered.
  • Community relevance– the project makes sense for the local community and works with other organisations to achieve its goals.
  • Have a clear case as to what will be different because of the grant.

What we don’t fund (exclusions)

  • Organisations that have been funded by SHCF in the past and have not completed their acquittal.
  • Any initiatives outside the Southern Highlands Wingecarribee LGA
  • 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.

Application process and timeframe for decision making

  • Applications are submitted online via the SHCF website.
  • The Grants Committee reviews all applications and may follow up with applicants if they need more information.
  • The Committee then provides recommendations to the SHCF Board, who make the final funding decisions. All applicants are notified of the outcome.
  • Unsuccessful applicants will be notified and, where possible, pointed towards other funding opportunities.
  • Successful organisations will need to complete an acquittal form at the end of the project, outlining what was achieved and how the funds were spent.
  • Successful organisations are asked to acknowledge the SHCF on their website and any marketing materials related to the funded project.

Other partnerships and funding

We are always open to funding discussions for projects or programs that help our community to thrive and prosper.  If you would like to make an enquiry about multi-year funding for your project or partnering outside our Grants Program please contact us.

Our structure and governance

An Australian public company limited by guarantee operating as a registered charity and public ancillary fund, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, all residents of the Southern Highlands, NSW.  We exist to collect, hold, and distribute funds to DGR item 1 organisations and community not for profits (NFP) meeting our conditions.

We work with our community to gather knowledge and positively impact change through the commitment of raised funds to community organisations supporting residents in the Wingecarribee Shire.  The Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF) as trustee for the Southern Highlands Foundation Trust and supports charitable projects in the Wingecarribee Shire LGA.  Further information on the SHCF can be found here.

Last update: May 2026