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Stronger Country Communities Fund
Round Three of this fund is now open and will continue to deliver crucial local infrastructure and programs to improve the quality of life of people living in regional NSW.
Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) has supported more than 1000 local projects that make regional communities even better places to call home.
In Round One, the NSW Government invested $100 million to improve community facilities such as town halls, recreation facilities, shared paths and playgrounds. Through Round Two, the NSW Government invested a further $200 million to provide high quality community and sports-related infrastructure.
Round Three will provide an additional $100 million for community projects in regional NSW, with at least $50 million for youth-related projects. The third round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund increases the total value of the Regional Growth Fund to $1.7 billion.
Get involved
Councils, not-for-profits and organisations that have a public purpose are eligible to apply for Stronger Country Communities Fund support. If your area needs a playground update, new sporting facilities, youth projects or a community event that will make life better for the folk in your area, put your ideas forward to your local council or a not-for-profit organisation.
Projects must seek funding of $50,000 or more. You’ll find the detail in the Stronger Country Communities Fund Guidelines (PDF, 1.06MB).
Key changes
Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Three:
- dedicates $50 million to youth related projects
- invites applications from councils and, for the first time, not-for-profit and community organisations
- has been expanded to cover programs and events as well as infrastructure
- has extended the application period to three months giving organisations time to submit their applications.
Key dates
| Applications opened | 9am, Monday 1 July 2019 |
| Applications close | 5pm, Friday 27 September 2019 |
| Eligibility, assessment and approval process | October 2019 to January 2020 |
| Announcement of successful projects | From January 2020 |
Program information
Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Three Guidelines (PDF, 1.06MB)
Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Three frequently asked questions
Resources
Sample funding deed for councils
Sample funding deed for non-councils
Submit an application
Submit an application via the SmartyGrants online portal.
Applications must be completed and submitted by 5pm, Friday 27 September 2019 AEST.
Webinar
The Stronger Country Communities Fund team held a live webinar on 31 July 2019 on how to apply for project funding in your Local Government Area.
A PowerPoint from the presentation is now available. (PDF, 1.28MB)
Stronger Country Communities Fund approved projects – rounds one and two
Contact us
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1300 679 673