Applications for several funding opportunities are open from 2 February to 13 March 2026.
MidCoast Council has a broad range of funding available for projects that will benefit the local community.
A total funding pool of over $235,000 is available to help support the community with projects that will benefit the MidCoast community.
Last years funding rounds helped the community deliver over 50 projects. Some of the supported projects included the Forster Main Beach Mural, the purchase of back up power supplies for 2 UHF base stations in Harrington, roof repairs for Cundletown Post Office (heritage building), NAIDOC events at Taree, Forster, Gloucester and Tea Gardens, Old Bar Beach Festival, Wingham Music Festival and more.
This funding also supports events such as the Bowls NSW Women's State Carnival, which is the largest all-female bowls participation event in the country. Council supported a 3-year partnership with Bowls NSW, which will see this event hosted on the MidCoast from 2026-2028 and result in a $7.67million injection to our local economy over the three-year deal.
"It is important for us to be able to provide this support for the community to deliver projects that are important to them and have a real benefit to the MidCoast community," said Alex Mills, MidCoast Councils Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services.
"We would also like to acknowledge our funding partners and sponsors that help to make these diverse range of grant programs possible to support our community," said Mr Mills.
Funding opportunities include:
NAIDOC Week Funding
Funding of up to $4,000 is available for whole-of-community events which are planned and run by a NAIDOC Planning Committee. The Planning Committee must meet with Council two months prior to the event to review approvals required. If a road closure is required, the committee must meet with Council three months prior to the event. Council is proud to partner with Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver these events.
NAIDOC Indigenous Art Scholarship
This program is proudly supported by Coastline Bank to celebrate emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in the MidCoast. The scholarship provides $1,000 for the artist to produce a body of work, with an additional materials allowance of up to $600, enabling the successful artist to grow their creative practice, share their story, and build professional experience in the arts. Proudly supported by Coastline Bank.
Local Heritage Fund
In partnership with Heritage NSW, Council offers grants to help restore heritage places back to their former glory. Owners of heritage places either listed as heritage or located in a heritage conservation area can apply.
Funding of up to $2,000 is available and involves a co-contribution from the applicant. A maximum of 50% of the total project cost can be funded where total project costs are less than $4,000.
MidCoast Art Support Program
This funding program aims to enhance opportunities for artists and contribute to a thriving community. The total grant pool in this year's program is $15,000, with up to $5,000 on offer for individuals or groups in the creative industries that have a great idea for a project that will benefit the MidCoast community.
Community and Cultural Development Grant Program (previously called annual donations)
This grant program provides one-off funding to support community and cultural capacity-building projects, events and activities or purchase equipment in support of community-based groups and eligible organisations. Eligible organisations may apply for funding of up to $5,000.
Events Sponsorship
This program aims to support events that capitalise on the strengths of the region in order to create a vibrant, connected community. This program is designed to support the delivery of diverse activities and event throughout the region, enhancing our reputation. Sponsorship of up to $10,000 is available. Applicants need to demonstrate that events drive:
· An increase in visitor expenditure and overnight stays from people outside the region
· Dispersal of event participants seasonally and geographically
· Collaborative commercial partnerships with event organisers.
