Apply Now: Annual Community Grants Program 2026-2027 (Australia)

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) Annual Community Grants Program 2026–2027 provides grants of up to $15,000 to eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups across the seven Northern Rivers LGAs in New South Wales. Funding supports projects addressing social disadvantage, community wellbeing, inclusion, disaster resilience, education, environmental sustainability and other local priorities through Local Impact Grants and the Community Infrastructure Fund.

About the Annual Community Grants Program

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation’s Annual Community Grants Program supports local organisations working to create positive social and environmental outcomes across the Northern Rivers region. Applicants should ensure that the proposed expenditure directly relates to the eligible project and its intended community outcomes. Assessment Criteria Applications will be assessed by the NRCF Community Grants Assessment Committee.

Key considerations include:

Community need: How clearly the project responds to an identified local need.

Outcomes: Whether proposed outcomes are measurable and achievable.

Value for money: Whether the requested funding represents good use of grant resources.

Organisational capacity: Whether the applicant has the skills and resources to deliver the project.

Sustainability: Whether the benefits can continue beyond the grant period.

A strong application should clearly explain the problem being addressed, who will benefit, what activities will be delivered and how success will be measured. Supporting Documents Applicants should provide the supporting documentation required by NRCF as part of their application. Depending on the project, documentation may include information demonstrating: Organisational eligibility. Project need. Project plans. Proposed outcomes. Budget and expenditure. Organisational capacity.

Partnerships and community support

Applicants can contact the NRCF grants team for assistance before their application is assessed. Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation meets NRCF’s organisational, geographic and revenue requirements.

Step 2: Select a Grant Stream

Choose between the Local Impact Grants and Community Infrastructure Fund based on the nature of your project.

Step 3: Develop the Project

Clearly define:

The community problem. Target beneficiaries. Project activities. Expected outcomes. Timeline. Budget. Sustainability approach.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect the required organisational and project documentation, including any relevant partner letters or supporting evidence.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application according to NRCF’s requirements.

Step 6: Assessment and Notification

Applications are reviewed by the NRCF Community Grants Assessment Committee. Applicants are expected to be notified of outcomes in early November, with grant agreements and funding distributed at that time. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should avoid describing their project only in terms of activities. Instead, demonstrate the community change the funding will create.

A strong proposal should explain:

What local problem exists. Why the problem is important. Who is affected. Why the organisation is well placed to respond. What activities will be delivered. How many people will benefit. What measurable changes are expected. How the funding provides value for money. How benefits will be sustained after the grant. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding is available? Both grant streams provide funding of up to $15,000. What are the two funding streams? The programme offers Local Impact Grants for activities, services, programmes and organisational capacity building, and the Community Infrastructure Fund for eligible assets and infrastructure. Who can apply? Eligible charities, not-for-profits, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, Crown Land Managers, eligible unincorporated entities and certain qualifying local branches can apply. Where must applicants be located? Applicants should be based in Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron or Tweed, or work with a local partner that can provide a letter of support. When can funded projects start? Projects can commence from 31 December 2026 and run for up to 12 months. When is the acquittal report due? The acquittal report must be submitted within 30 days of project completion and no later than 13 months after the project start date. What types of projects are prioritised? Projects addressing social disadvantage, community wellbeing, disability inclusion, disaster resilience, education, environmental sustainability, First Nations communities, health, housing, multicultural inclusion, women and girls, young people and other identified local priorities are eligible areas of focus. Are personal hardship grants eligible? No. Requests for personal hardship grants and medical expenses are not eligible. Conclusion The NRCF Annual Community Grants Program 2026–2027 provides an opportunity for Northern Rivers community organisations to secure up to $15,000 for projects that deliver meaningful public benefit. Through its Local Impact Grants and Community Infrastructure Fund, the programme supports initiatives that strengthen community resilience, reduce disadvantage, improve inclusion and protect the environment across the Northern Rivers region.