Grants Hub

There are many potential sources of grants or funding for community projects.  These include; government funding (state and federal), private philanthropic organisations and even private companies who may offer sponsorship. To get you started on your grants journey click on the category below that matches your project and have a browse. If you are unsure about which category is a match contact our grants officers for some advice. 

Please note - Council does not provide funding to individuals. Twice a year applications are taken for Council's Community Funding Program. Click here for more information.

Grant Officers

Forbes Shire Council has two dedicated Grant Officers available to assist residents in finding and preparing grant applications. These officers can not only assist you to find a funding source but can give you some great tips on giving yourself the best chance of success.  Hint – number one is about committing to planning your project well before you start to even think about how you are going to pay for it!

To learn more about the grants available and other great tips make an appointment to discuss by contacting Council 02 6850 2300.

Monthly Grants Newsletter - The Grants Feed

Sign up to our Monthly Newsletter "The Grants Feed" here.

Community

These grants provide small amounts of money that organisations and community groups can use to help their volunteers. The grants form part of the State and Federal Government's work to support volunteers, as well as to encourage and increase participation in volunteering.

 
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1st December 2020 Aboriginal Community Well-being Grants  Western NSW PHN has opened the Third Round of Aboriginal Community Well-being Grants under the Commonwealth Government's Empowering our Communities Program, offering grants up to $20,000 for community projects that focus on Aboriginal well-being in drought-affected areas improving mental health and community resilience.  
4th December 2020 Resilient Communities, Small Grants  Applications for the 2020 Resilient Communities Small Grants are now open.Grants of between $1000 and $5000 are being offered to community groups for projects which improve community resilience and focus on:

Soils and land; Aquatic ecosystems; Terrestrial ecosystems; Significant species; Caring for Country.
15th January 2021 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship is awarded to students studying an agriculture-related undergraduate degree or a Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths/Finance (STEM) degree with relevant majors which align to agriculture. The Scholarship is an initiative supporting students enrolled in full time study at an Australian university by providing: A bursary of $5000 per year for the final two years of your degree; Professional development workshops; Annual industry work placements aligned with the scholar’s areas of interest and their sponsor’s industry; Opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.  
7th February 2020  RAS Foundation Community Futures Grant The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RASF) is offering an opportunity for community-minded people to be awarded up to $25,000 in funding for drought and bushfire recovery community projects in their local area. This year the funding is targeting regional recovery following the destruction of community facilities and projects devastated by the ongoing drought and current bushfire crisis.  You will need to - Identify a need in your rural NSW community; Partner with a local community organisation; Create a project plan for your initiative.
23 February 2020  Strengthening Rural Communities - FRRR  The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program aims to give the thousands of small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia an opportunity to access funding to support broad community needs. The program criteria are deliberately flexible, and designed to be able to help communities address different needs and opportunities, as and when they emerge. 
25th February 2020  Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) The Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program gives drought-affected communities across rural, regional and remote Australia the opportunity to access funds that benefit their immediate and long-term needs. Grants are available for grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly benefit local communities. Three streams of grants are available: Up to $20,000; Up to $60,000; Up to $150,000: Applications for this tier are by Expression of Interest. Multi-year projects (up to three years) are welcomed. Projects that deliver long-term community benefits are highly regarded. EOIs for the $150K tier must be received by 5pm AEST, Thursday 15 December 2020.
31 March 2020 FSC Community Funding
The Community Funding Program is open twice annually for Not-for-profit community groups and organisations. Up to $5,000 in assistance can be accessed, for a project as either a cash contribution, in-kind support, or a combination of both (including programs, activities, events and capital works). Projects must fit into one of four categories: Sport & Recreation; Culture & The Arts; Rural Village Enhancement; Community Services.

     

     

    Sports

    Various grants are available for encouraging sporting pursuits of all ages. They can provide funds to buy equipment and uniforms through to infrastructure and maintenance of grounds.

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    Multiple assessment dates Local Sport Defibrillator Program

    The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides NSW sports clubs and councils the opportunity to acquire an AED package for their club or sports facility at a reduced cost. Sporting organisations and councils will be able to choose from a panel of approved AED Panel Service Providers and a variety of AED packaged services with the level of customer service that meets their needs.
    Grant Assessment Dates 23 November 2020, 22 February 2021 & 12 April 2021        

    Arts

    Art Grants offer support to artists in all fields of the arts to support them in creating their work, and free them up to concentrate on creating. These grants can cover all forms of the Arts including performance,collaborations, productions, publishing, recording and creative development.

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    Ongoing (until funds expended) Recovery Boost - Regional Arts Fund Relief Grants RELIEF is designed to assist regional artists, arts organisations & communities to meet their immediate needs. Funds will be available via Regional Arts NSW. Open July 2020. Click here for more information.
    Ongoing (until funds expended) Recovery Boost - Regional Arts Fund Renewal Grants EOI opening 1 July 2020. RENEWAL grants will provide up to three years of funding to support projects that have strong partnerships and demonstrated long term outcomes, with sustainable future-positioning focus. Click here for more information.
    May 2021 (or until funds are expended) Restart Investment and Expand (RISE) Fund The RISE Fund is supporting the arts and entertainment sector to reactivate. The program is targeting funding towards the arts and entertainment sector organisations who are seeking to restart, re-imagine or create new activities. The program is intended to assist by providing finance to assist the presentation of new or re-shaped cultural and creative activities and events.
    30 June 2021  CREATE Regional Arts Fund CREATE NSW Small Projects (Quick Response) – designed to support the creation, development & presentation of new work & professional development or promotion for NSW-based professional artisits and arts & cultural workers. Applications for between $500 and $5,000. Click here for more information. 



    Environment

    Environmental Grants can support community groups undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, on land or in air, rural or urban. We will direct organisations and individuals to the right support grants available.

     

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    		 Description
    4th December 2020 Resilient Communities Small Grants Applications for the 2020 Resilient Communities Small Grants are now open. Grants of between $1000 and $5000 are being offered to community groups for projects which improve community resilience and focus on; Soils and land aquatic ecosystems; Terrestrial ecosystems; Significant species; Caring for Country.  
    9th February 2021 Small Grants Program - Highways & Byways

     In 2021, Highways & Byways - A Community Of Service is seeking applications from projects that promote HEALING - particularly healing our land, our earth, our ecosystems and our people. The 2021 program will help communities through initiatives that focus on healing the land in holistic ways and increasing opportunities to build community through practical projects, skills acquisition and knowledge transfer. Applications for projects to assist people and communities to address disadvantage and inequality, particularly in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia are welcomed.


     

    Agriculture

    Funding, grants and assistance for agriculture industries can be found here.

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    Drought

    Funding, grants and assistance for drought affected communities can be found here.

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     Ongoing Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness The Australian Government has released a drought response, resilience and preparedness plan. The plan is focusses on 3 themes; Immediate action for those in drought; Support for the wider communities affected by drought; Long term resilience and preparedness. Visit the website to find out more about current support available to individuals, business and communities.



    Business

    Funding, grants and assistance for businesses can be found here.

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    14 May 2021 (or when program funding has been fully allocated)

    		  Regional Job Creation Fund The Regional Job Creation Fund supports regional investment and job creation by offering up to $10 million in co-funding to activate or bring forward regional projects in engine, enabling or emerging engine industries. The Regional Job Creation Fund’s focus is to co-fund projects creating at least five sustainable regional jobs. Detailed information about the Regional Job Creation Fund, the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the assessment process can be found in the Regional Job Creation Fund Program Guidelines.



    Grant Success Stories

    In the 2019/20 financial year, eleven grants have been successful to a total value: $6,452,382.00. We continue to strive for more success stories for our community. Please contact us if you need help with your next grant application.

    Community Group Success Story

    The Forbes Dragon Boat Club were successful in obtaining a grant through Forbes Shire Council's Community Funding Program. The club has purchased a new trailer with the funds to help them move their 10's boat in and out of the water and into storage.  Well done to those involved and happy rowing!

    Dragon Boat 2 Dragon Boat 1