SHCF Community Grants 2026

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 Southern Highlands Regio of NSW. 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.

This year, we will also consider funding organisations / projects that have received funding from SHCF in the past 12 months (including those yet to acquit). The SHCF grants committee will give priority to the areas of greatest need regardless of prior funding committed.

. The SHCF grants committee will give priority to the areas of greatest need regardless of prior funding committed.

The Grants Process

• The 2026 SHCF Grants Program will open on July 1^st and close on August 31^st.
• The total granting pool for 2026 is $130,000  
• With $30,000 of this total towards youth (under 25) specific projects.
• 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

• 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 (10-25 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.