Stronger Country Communities Fund – Round Three is open now

Stronger Country Communities Fund – Round Three is open now

Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Three is now open, delivering $100 million to support crucial local infrastructure and programs that improve the quality of life of people living in regional NSW. Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has supported more than 1,000 local projects that make regional communities even better places to call home.

There are key changes in Round Three – the funding envelope is $100 million with at least $50 million of this dedicated to youth-related infrastructure and initiatives.

For the first time, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has been expanded to cover programs and events as well as infrastructure, and not-for-profit and community organisations can apply for funding. The application period has also been extended to three months, giving organisations more time to prepare their applications.

Key dates

Applications open – 9am, Monday 1 July 2019

Applications close – 5pm, Friday 27 September 2019

Applications assessed – October to January 2020

Successful projects announced – from January 2020

For more information

You can find the 2019 Program guidelines, frequently asked questions and project plan/budget templates on the Stronger Country Communities Fund web page.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online through the SmartyGrants online portal. Remember, applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 27 September.

Growing Local Economies Fund – temporary pause

Launched in August 2017, the Growing Local Economies Fund invests in the crucial projects needed to support job creation and economic growth in regional NSW.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the Growing Local Economies Fund maximises benefit to our towns and communities in regional NSW. A review of the program will make sure the program is being administered effectively and is on track to deliver the stated objectives.

A temporary pause on new applications will start from midnight on 14 July 2019. The fund will not be open to new applications from this date until further notice.

The Growing Local Economies Fund will re-open once the review has been completed.

You can read more information and frequently asked questions about the pause on the Growing Local Economies web page.