Programs and initiatives at a local community level that support members of the Southern Highlands community to prosper.  They support programs across the wide community spectrum including health and wellbeing, education, arts, families, aged, youth, environment and first nations people and culture.

The total granting pool for 2026 is $130,000.  Applications for grants of up to a maximum of $25,000 from eligible organisations will be comsidered.

Multi-year Funding:

• 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 (10-26 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.

To receive funding from the SHCF organisations must:

• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN);
• Hold charitable registration with the ACNC;
  • The charity does not necessarily have to have DGR 1 but cannot be DGR 2,
• Be compliant with ACNC governance standards,
• Have a management or board structure,
• Have a registered bank account in the organisations name; and
• Have the ability to report on impact and outcomes of grant.

• Phone: 0401 004 013
• Email: office@shcf.org.au