Cowra Council has announced that applications are now open for the first round of the 2025–2026 Community Grants Program, offering funding to support local volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisations in delivering projects that benefit the wider community.
The Cowra Shire Council’s Community Grants Program is designed to support local, not-for-profit, and primarily volunteer-run groups within the Cowra Shire. Since its launch in August 2015, the program has provided valuable funding to help community organisations enhance infrastructure, improve resources, and run initiatives that benefit the local area.
Available twice a year, the program offers grants of up to $3,000 per financial year. Since its inception, it has funded more than 360 projects and distributed over $430,000 to local initiatives — a figure that has now grown to more than $456,000 supporting 382 community projects. This long-running initiative demonstrates Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering the community, boosting everything from grassroots sport to essential facility upgrades and new community events.
Funding can be used across five key categories:
Building and facility development
Latest Stories
Arts and culture
Small capital equipment
Sport and recreation
New community events
The goal of the program is to foster growth, inclusivity, and sustainability in the local community by supporting projects that have a direct and positive impact on residents. By offering financial assistance, the program helps community groups achieve their goals and further their missions, making Cowra a better place to live and work.
The most recent funding round saw 21 local projects share in more than $26,700, with beneficiaries including Cowra Little Athletics, Cowra Uniting Food Hall, Woodstock Memorial Show, and the Salvation Army Cowra. Funded projects ranged from air-conditioning and lighting upgrades to new equipment and event infrastructure.
The program also supports the Cowra 2036 Community Strategic Plan, which sets out a shared vision of “a leading, innovative and creative community, proud of our place in history, offering opportunity with the best of country living.” The community has identified eight key directions for achieving this vision:
Health and Wellbeing
Innovation and Education
Liveability
Community Leadership and Engagement
Business and Industry
Transport and Infrastructure
Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship
Reconciliation and Inclusion
To be eligible, organisations must:
Be an incorporated not-for-profit entity
Be primarily volunteer run
Be based within the Cowra Shire and able to show how their project will directly benefit local residents
Have acquitted all previous Cowra Shire Council grants
Have no outstanding debts to Council
Applications for Round 1 close on Thursday, 29 August 2025. The application process is straightforward, with guidelines available from the Cowra Council website or the Council administration building. For assistance, applicants can contact the Council’s Grants and Executive Projects Officer.
