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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Grant |
Description |
| 20 September 2020 |
Supplementary Volunteer Grants |
The State and Territory volunteering peak bodies, on behalf of the Australian Government, are offering 2020 Supplementary Volunteer Grants to volunteer involving organisations across Australia to support the efforts of volunteers in building stronger, more resilient communities. Grants of $1000 – $5000 can be used by volunteer based organisations to support the efforts of their volunteers and encourage and increase participation in volunteering. The grants can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers or for the reimbursement of volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, amongst other things.
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| 30 October 2020 |
Northparkes Community Investment Program |
Northparkes has two Community Investment Program rounds each year with $40,000 awarded to successful applicants each round. Initiatives should contribute to the Parkes and Forbes local government areas in the following categories: economic development, culture and recreation, education and youth, environment and health. |
| 31 October 2020 |
Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations |
Applications are still being accepted for the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program, however only projects that comply with State restrictions in relation to COVID-19 will be considered. Grants of between $1,000 and $4,000 can be applied for and projects with a focus on the following are encouraged to apply; increase the capacity of your organisation to deliver services eg: digitisation; support online literacy education programs to local communities; include capital works which can be done by local tradespeople; include equipment which can be purchased locally; create online STEM programs for students while they are being home-schooled. |
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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Grant |
Description |
| 30th September 2020 |
Active Kids Grants |
The Australian Sports Foundation Active Kids Grants Program applications are now open. The program focuses on volunteer run grassroots and community clubs with young members aged under 20, with priority given to clubs in disadvantaged and/ or rural communities. |
| 7th October 2020 (5pm) |
Local Sport Program
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The Local Sport Grant Program (LSGP) aims to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities in sport in NSW. Through this program the Office of Sport are working towards goals to achieve; Participation, Places & Spaces and Sector Sustainability. The Local Sports Grant funding is available across all electorates in NSW. There are four project types within the program: Sport Development; Sport Event; Sport Access; and Sport Facility.
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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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Grant |
Description |
| 29 September 2020 |
Country Arts Support Program (CASP) |
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program and is guided by the Arts and Cultural Funding Program three major objectives; grow creative leadership and programming excellence in NSW
strengthen NSW arts and cultural activity that drives community and social benefits
showcase NSW as a leader for strategic arts and cultural governance and strong financial management.
CASP is not a recurrent fund.
The fund is delivered in partnership with the 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations.
Grants of up to either $3,000 or $5000 (depending on region) are available primarily for professional artists’ fees, travel and accommodation. To find out the maximum amount you can apply for contact your local Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO). |
| Ongoing (until funds expended) |
Recovery Boost - Regional Arts Fund Relief Grants
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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.
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| 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 |
30 September 2020
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Habitat Action - Small Grants
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The Habitat Action Grant program is a developed grant program directing money raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee toward projects that improve local fish habitats across NSW. If you are considering submitting an application you must contact the DPI to discuss your project and ensure applications are consistent with priorities and funding. Small grants of up to $2,000 are available. For further information please contact the Habitat Action Grants Administrator on fish.habitat@dpi.nsw.gov.au or ring (02) 6763 1206. |
| 30 September 2020 |
Habitat Action - Large Grants |
The Habitat Action Grant program is a developed grant program directing money raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee toward projects that improve local fish habitats across NSW. If you are considering submitting an application you must contact the DPI to discuss your project and ensure applications are consistent with priorities and funding. Grants of up to $40,000 are available and co-contributions are required in the form of cash or in-kind.
For further information please contact the Habitat Action Grants Administrator on fish.habitat@dpi.nsw.gov.au or ring (02) 6763 1206.
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Agriculture
Funding, grants and assistance for agriculture industries can be found here.
Drought
Funding, grants and assistance for drought affected communities can be found here.
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Grant |
Description |
| 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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Grant |
Description |
| 24 September 2020 |
Energy Efficient Communities Program (EEC)High Energy Using Business Grants |
The Energy Efficient Communities Program – High Energy Using Business Grants provides businesses with grants of up to $25,000 to improve their energy efficiency. Grants may be used for equipment and component improvements, energy audits, feasibility studies and/or energy use and emission monitoring.
The objective of this grant opportunity is to support high energy using businesses to save energy through: replace existing equipment with higher efficiency equipment; install or replace a component/s to help an existing system run more efficiently; carry out energy audits; carry out monitoring of energy usage and emissions
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| 20 October 2020 |
Regional Connectivity Program |
The Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) is a $53 million competitive grant opportunity to expand the economic, social and public safety benefits of improved digital connectivity to regional, rural and remote Australian communities. |
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 Wirrinya Aquatic Club was successful in obtaining funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund to upgrade the bathroom amenities and power supply at the Ski Dam. The upgrades have been a fantastic boost for the club and the wider Wirrinya community, especially given the tough times with the drought over the past few years. The new facilities will enable the club to continue and grow the events held at the dam, including "Dam Fine Evening', the annual Family Fun Day, New Years Eve and Australia Day celebrations.
Photos supplied by Wirrinya Aquatic Club.
