Pictured: New Year's Eve event at Rouse Hill Town Centre (past Arts, Culture and Events grant recipient)
BRING LOCAL IDEAS TO LIFE THROUGH THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL'S GRANTS PROGRAMS
Applications are now open for The Hills Shire Council's grants program, providing significant funding for events, community services, Orange Blossom Festival associated events and public art for the first time.
The categories opening for applications include:
- Community Grants
- Arts, Culture and Event Grants
- Public Art Grants
- Orange Blossom Festival Grants
- Minor Grants
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said Council's grant program is designed to give community-focused projects the financial boost they need to flourish.
"Through our grants programs, we're empowering local residents and organisations to deliver projects that have a real impact and enhance community life across The Hills," Mayor Byrne said.
"This is the first time we're offering Public Art Grants, and I'm excited to see how our community will transform blank canvases across The Hills into inspiring public spaces.
"To support applicants, Council will run free grants training sessions covering eligibility criteria for each program and providing step-by-step guidance on the application process.
"We've also extended the application period to eight weeks, giving applicants ample time to prepare strong submissions."
Council's Minor Grants program also remains open year-round until funding is fully allocated.
THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL'S GRANTS PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY GRANTS
Who can apply: Community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
What: Proposed projects must be provided to Hills residents and incorporate one or more of the following priority areas:
- Youth
- Seniors
- Children and Families
- Disability
- Domestic and Family Violence
- Community safety
- At-risk communities
- Multicultural communities
Funding: Grants between $1,000 and $ 30,000 are available. Grants between $1,000 to $5,000 are available without dollar-for-dollar match funding. Grants between $5,001 and $30,000 are available for dollar-for-dollar match funding.
ARTS, CULTURE AND EVENTS GRANTS
Who can apply: Community groups, not-for-profit organisations and for-profit organisations.
What: Proposed projects must be arts, culture and event opportunities for Hills residents.
Funding: Grants between $5,000 and $ 30,000 are available. All grants are required to provide dollar-for-dollar match funding.
PUBLIC ART GRANTS
Who can apply: Individuals, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, for-profit
organisations and other entities.
What: Public art that breathes new life into The Hills. Any Hills Shire location that's visible and accessible to the community can be proposed for public art.
Funding: Grants between $5,000 to $50,000 are available. All grants are required to provide dollar-for-dollar match funding.
MINOR GRANTS
Who can apply: Community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
What: For community services, small events or cultural activities for Hills Shire residents.
Funding: Grants between $100 to $1,000. Minor grants do not require dollar-for-dollar match funding. Council will consider one Minor Grant application per Financial Year. The program is open year-round until budget allocation has been exhausted.
Council's free grants training sessions will be held on:
- Monday 13 April & Tuesday 14 April (in person at Council's Administration Building, 3 Columbia Court, Norwest
- Thursday 23 April (online session)
Applications will close on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Funding will be allocated based on the merit of each application and assessed by a panel in accordance with Council's Grants Policy.
To apply for a grant or for more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for 'Grants'.
