Council is always interested in hearing from local community groups and organisations who would like to partner with Council and discuss any ideas or visions they have for the region. Council may provide assistance with sourcing external grant funding including with assisting with your preparation of a grant application where applicable. We endeavour to provide community groups with advice on grant programs that meet their needs as they become available.
Grant Guru / Grant Funding Finder
Never miss a grant opportunity again by signing up with Grant Funding Finder!
Council has partnered with one of Australia’s most powerful grant search engines to bring to local businesses and organisations a FREE one stop search engine for business, event and community grants. Grant Funding Finder gives you access to one of Australia’s most comprehensive and up to date funding databases, making grants accessible and easy to find.
Grant Funding Finder features advanced filtering which allows you to narrow down your search by activity, industry, and current & future grants to suit your needs. The website also has other invaluable information and tips for making grant applications.
Community Grants Open:
Collector Wind Farm Community Fund
Upper Lachlan Shire Council advises that the Collector Wind Farm Community Fund is open for applications and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 30 May 2025.
The Collector Wind Farm Community Fund aims to support initiatives that strengthen the local community through projects within 10kms of the wind farm.
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following links or on the Council website under Community/Grants:
Applications may be submitted by post to: PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581 or emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Taralga Wind Farm Community Fund
Upper Lachlan Shire Council advises that the Taralga Wind Farm Community Fund funding round is open for applications and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 30 May 2025.
The Taralga Wind Farm Community Fund aims to support initiatives that strengthen the local community through projects that contribute to neighboring communities within 20kms of the wind farm.
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following links or on the Council website under Community/Grants:
Applications may be submitted by post to: PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581 or emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
For further information please contact Upper Lachlan Shire Council via email council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au or phone 4830 1000.
Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Fund
Energy Developments Limited (EDL) is pleased to advise that the Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Fund funding round is open for applications and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 9 May 2025.
Cullerin Range Wind Farm is owned and operated by EDL.
The Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Fund aims to support initiatives that strengthen the local community through projects that contribute to neighbouring communities within 20kms of the wind farm.
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following links or on the Council website under Community/Grants:
- Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Fund Guidelines
- Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Fund Application Form
Applications may be submitted by post to PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581 or emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Crookwell II Wind Farm Grants
Upper Lachlan Shire Council advises that the Crookwell II Wind Farm Community Fund funding round is open for applications and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 9 May 2025.
The Crookwell II Wind Farm Community Fund aims to support initiatives that strengthen the local community through projects that contribute to neighbouring communities within 20kms of the wind farm.
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following links or on the Council website under Community/Grants:
Crookwell II Wind Farm Community Fund Application Form
Crookwell II Wind Farm Community Fund Guidelines
Applications may be submitted by post to PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581 or emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Gullen Range Wind Farm Grants
Upper Lachlan Shire Council advises that the Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Fund funding round is open for applications and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 9 May 2025.
The Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Fund aims to support initiatives that strengthen the local community through projects that contribute to neighbouring communities within 10kms of the wind farm.
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following links or on the Council website under Community/Grants:
- Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Fund Guidelines
- Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Fund Application Form
Applications may be submitted by post to PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581 or emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Rye Park Wind Farm Grants
Upper Lachlan Shire Council advises that the Rye Park Wind Farm Community Fund funding round is open for applications and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 30 May 2025.
The Rye Park Farm Community Fund aims to support initiatives that strengthen the local community through projects that contribute to neighbouring communities within 20kms of the wind farm and in the Upper Lachlan Shire Council local government area. At least 20% of the fund will be allocated towards educational needs.
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following links or on the Council website under Community/Grants:
Applications may be submitted by post to PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581 or emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Cultural Access – Priority Area Projects for Individuals and Organisations
In response to Creative Communities, the NSW arts, culture and creative industries policy, the purpose of this funding is to strengthen communities through equitable access to vibrant arts and cultural experiences. The deadline for the application is the 30 April 2025, 5:00 pm.
This funding will:
- contribute to personal and community wellbeing and economic development.
- enable the creation and presentation of new work designed and led by priority and target creative practitioners, groups, businesses, and organisations in NSW.
- strengthen communities through equitable access to arts and cultural experiences.
- develop diverse cultural leadership within the arts and cultural ecosystem.
- enhance the visibility of new work by prioritised NSW artists and arts/cultural workers.
- strengthen the creative ecosystem through collaborations and partnerships.
- support access to resources and expertise for individual artists.
Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: From $10,000 to $100,000
- Application opened: 24 March 2025
- Application closes: 30 April 2025, 5:00 pm
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. The deadline for the application is the 2 September 2025.
Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Supported activities must not last longer than two years from the proposed start date.
If you need advice about applying, contact an Artists Services Officer.
Example:
- professional skills development, including mentoring and residencies
- the creation of new work
- practice based research
- creative development
- experimentation
- collaborations and exchanges
- touring
- festivals
- productions
- exhibitions
- performances
- publishing
- recording
- promotion and marketing
- market development activity
- activities that creatively engage communities.
Key information
- Closing Date: 02 Sep 2025
- What’s changed: Ongoing grant – details changed
- Provider: Creative Australia
- Up to $50,000 for a range of activities and projects, both national and international, across all art forms.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Grants for rural and regional students
Your local Country Education Foundation (CEF) supports youth in your area through financial grants for education and employment expenses. Our grants contribute towards apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships, diplomas, certificate level studies, university qualifications or employment.
A grant from the Country Education Foundation (CEF) will help you pay for educational purpose costs associated with any post-school educational and training expenses.
Generally, a local grant can be anywhere between $250-$5,000. Applications for the 2026 Grants open 1st July.
When to apply:
Grant applications are generally open during the second half of each calendar year, however each committee has different dates for consideration. You can check with your local foundation opening and closing dates here.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with their local committee.
- Grants will be allocated after interviews have been completed and you are accepted into your chosen course/apprenticeship/training.
Key information
CEF grants are based on financial need, not academic success. You will however, need to demonstrate commitment to achieving your goal. The four essential selection criteria are:
- You have a demonstrated financial need;
- You are aged 16-25 years;
- You have attended school in or currently live in the region covered by your local CEF (view full list HERE) and
- You are able to demonstrate commitment to achieving your goal.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
NSW Venue Upgrades Grants – Program 2
Grants are available for dedicated live music venues in New South Wales to support venue upgrades that enhance audience and visitor experience. Funding can support the purchase of equipment and a range of infrastructure development works. Applications are open until April 14th, 2025.
Key Requirements
The program aims to support venue upgrades that enhance audience and visitor experience at live music venues in New South Wales.
This funding aims to:
- Build capability of dedicated live music venues to deliver world class audience and visitor experiences
- Increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues in NSW
- Increase sector knowledge and expertise in best practice sound management and sustainable live music programming
- Reduce sound impact on neighbours, leading to less complaints and increased business viability
- Increase diversity of live music offerings
Key information
- Grants up to $250,000 are available, with a minimum 30% co-contribution required.
- Co-contributions can be cash or in-kind contributions e.g. donated goods, services or volunteer work to support a project
- Applications are open until April 14th, 2025
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
100 Women 2025 Grants Now Open
100 Women are passionate about our mission to advance the safety, health, education and economic opportunities of women and girls.
Grants of up to $50,000 to successful organisations. Each year the level of funding differs based on the number of memberships and donations in the grants pool.
Please make sure to review our guidelines and selection criteria for 2025 below.
Applications close 4pm WST on 30th April, 2025.
Key Requirements
The program aims to support venue upgrades that enhance audience and visitor experience at live music venues in New South Wales.
Organisations must be a fund, authority or institution:
- which is Charitable (or would be a charity within the meaning of the Australian Charities Act 2013
(Cth) if it were not a ‘government entity’, as defined in the Act) - has Item 1 Deductible Gift Recipient Status (DGR)
- has been operating for at least 36 months (evidenced by ABN Status and/or Australian Charities
and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Date Established); and - has a total annual revenue (as last reported to the ACNC) of $3 million or less.
Key information
- Applications will be considered for projects up to A$50,000 and for a maximum period of 24 months that:
- Improve economic outcomes for girls and women who are disadvantaged or face barriers; or
- Improve health outcomes for girls and women; or
- Improve educational outcomes for girls and women; or
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Wayahead Mental Health Grant
Aim is to make these grants as accessible as possible. We prioritise innovative ideas over perfect spelling or grammar. Applications for the 2025 Small Grant Program are open until June 6th.
We understand that not everyone has access to grant writers, and we strongly encourage small groups, communities, and organisations to apply. Please be assured that proficient English writing skills are not a prerequisite for a successful application.
The judging criteria includes, assessing innovation, outreach, feasibility, alignment with the Mental Health Month theme, and potential for collaboration.
Key information – Grant Categories
- General Grant – individuals, groups or organisations to propose projects or events that promote mental health awareness and dialogue.
- Youth Grant – invites young people, individuals, youth-focused groups or organisations to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness among peers during Mental Health Month.
- LGBTQIA+ Grant – individuals, groups or organisations focusing on LGBTQIA+ to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness and support within the community.
- CALD Grant – individuals, groups or organisations addressing CALD communities to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness and support.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grant – individuals, groups or organisations focusing on Indigenous communities to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness and support.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Now Open
The STS Program aims is to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and their families.
The 2025-26 STS Program open for applications from 31 March 2025. You can register on GrantConnect
The intended outcome of the program is to provide funding for projects and activities that:
- promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service, and the role of service personnel
- preserve, or increase awareness, understanding or access to information about Australia’s wartime heritage.
- Projects and activities relating to all wars, conflicts, peacekeeping operations and National Service are eligible.
Community Grants – maximum grants of up to $10,000
Major Grants – between $10,001 and $150,000
The objective of the program is to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations, including Notional Services personnel, and their families.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Community War Memorials Fund
Applications for the 2025/26 Community War Memorials Fund open on 22 April and there are some exciting program changes.
There will now be one grant round per year with a total of $250,000 funding available, with the maximum individual grants amount increased to $15,000. Applications can also be submitted under a new category for works to war memorial precincts, as well as the existing categories for condition assessments and physical works.
These changes will allow for more funding to organisations and more significant works to war memorials across NSW. If you have any questions about these changes, please email VeteransGrants@veterans.nsw.gov.au.
More information about the 2025/26 round will be available on this website closer to the opening date.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Qantas Regional Grants
The Qantas Regional Grants program is back, offering $2 million in support to Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit our country’s regional areas.
Applications are now open until 10 May 2025 applications close.
Who is eligible? If you are an individual, group or not-for-profit organisation seeking funds to contribute positively to your regional community, you are eligible to apply for the Qantas Regional Grants Program.
What is the maximum amount that any one applicant can receive? There is no maximum or minimum allocation – this is entirely at the discretion of the panel.
How is the $2 million divided between marketing support, flights and cash? $750,000 in marketing support. $1,250,000 in cash and flight contra (split depending on requirements of applications).
Examples of eligible applicants:
- A teacher applying for funds to create a playground at the local school.
- A sporting club looking for flight funding to support a domestic trip to a competitive competition.
- An event organiser applying to promote their event to a broader audience in collaboration with Qantas.
- A charity looking to expand their program into regional areas (eg breast cancer trucks visiting regional towns).
How to apply
Click HERE to apply
Grants – Our Community Partnerships Program | Transgrid
Our communities are the backbone of the places we work and live. We aim to create positive and lasting relationships with our local communities. It’s part of our commitment to building a sustainable future.
Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program offers grants of up to $5,000 for not-for-profit organisations that are local to our planning, operations, and major project areas.
Not-for-profit groups provide a range of invaluable resources for their communities. Our Community Partnerships Program was created to give a boost to the people who live and work in the regions local to Transgrid assets or construction.
Over the past two years alone, nearly 250 organisations have shared in over $1 million in Transgrid grants for a range of initiatives spanning from community infrastructure, to workshops, along with inclusivity and accessibility projects.
Current program status: Open
Next round open date: Monday, 31 March 2025
Grant amount: Grants of up to $5,000 are available
How to apply
Click HERE to apply