The Community Grants Program supports not for profit community groups or organisations, located in the Northern Rivers, that strengthen and enhance our regional communities. 

Local Impact: ($15,000 per grant)

Local Impact Grants support organisations wishing to implement small projects that:

• deliver activities, events, programs and services that support positive social and environmental change in the Northern Rivers; or
• build the capacity of organisations to deliver outcomes (e.g. staff training, project management support)

Community Infrastructure Fund (up to $15,000)

The Community Infrastructure Fund is generously supported by the James Frizelle Foundation.

The Community Infrastructure Fund supports the purchase of assets and other infrastructure to enable more connected and inclusive regional communities. Examples of eligible purchase include but are not limited to the purchase, repair or maintenance of:

• Machinery (e.g. lawn mowers)
• Playgrounds and play equipment
• Computers and IT equipment
• Sporting equipment
• Upgrades and renovations to existing buildings
• Technical equipment (radios, transmitters etc.)
• Furniture

Note: Please refer to additional eligibility requirements in the guidelines for applications to this stream

Projects must be completed by 31 December 2026.

Eligibility:

Any not-for-profit group or charitable organisation that is:

• Registered with the ACNC and/or
• Incorporated as an Association with NSW Fair Trading and
• Holds DGR-1 tax status; OR can nominate a DGR-1 auspice to receive the funds on their behalf

Applicants who do not already have a relationship with a DGR-1 auspice will be supported to identify and auspice organisation. Please contact ahead of time to discuss your specific circumstances. NRCF cannot fund applications from businesses, including companies or sole traders, even if they are not.

NRCF supports:

• Organisations based in the 7 LGAs of the Northern Rivers (Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron and Tweed); OR
• Organisations based outside the Northern Rivers that demonstrate local governance through a board or committee based in the Northern Rivers; OR
• Organisations based outside the Northern Rivers that are working in partnership with a local organisation to implement a program or service (priority will be given to a local applicant where the project is substantively similar)

• Phone: 0499 862 886
• Email: grants@nrcf.org.au