COMMUNITY groups across the Mid North Coast are being invited to apply for a new grant designed to help turn their ideas for a local project into reality.
The Community Grant will give an organisation access to professional building design and council application services, helping it take the early steps needed to progress a community project.
Many local organisations rely heavily on volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting families, creating opportunities and bringing people together.
While these groups may have plans to improve facilities or develop new community spaces, accessing the professional design, planning and approval services needed to progress a project can present an early hurdle.
Roadblocks can also arise before groups are ready to seek funding from government or an agency, leaving them needing to first invest in preliminary work.
Mid North Coast building designers Collins W Collins established the annual Community Grant after identifying this gap through more than 23 years working in the region.
Denielle Innes said community organisations make an important contribution to the region.
“Over two decades, we have seen first-hand the important role community groups play in bringing people together, supporting local families and creating opportunities for people to connect,” Ms Innes said.
“Many of these organisations are run by passionate volunteers who dedicate countless hours to making their communities better.
“They often have great ideas and ambitious plans, but turning those ideas into reality can be challenging, particularly when professional design and planning services are required.”
The successful group will receive building design and council application services that could help progress its project and support future funding applications.
“The grant is our way of contributing our professional skills and experience to projects that can make a genuine difference within the community,” Ms Innes said.
“It isn’t simply about providing a financial contribution. It’s about sharing what we know.”
Applications for the inaugural Community Grant close on 30 September 2026, with the successful community group announced before 1 November 2026.
By Sis HIGGINS
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