The GrainCorp Community Foundation (GCF) is wrapping up another significant year of supporting regional and rural communities, with 52 organisations across GrainCorp’s network receiving grants throughout FY26.
What’s more, the Foundation’s final grants round in July 2026 attracted a record number of applications, reflecting the passion and dedication of local organisations delivering initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, build resilience and promote connectedness in meaningful and practical ways.
From education and youth development programs to health, wellbeing and community infrastructure initiatives, the Foundation continues to support a diverse range of projects that respond to the unique needs of regional communities.
“Community organisations understand what their people need most and the difference that local support can make,” says Kyle Docherty, Community Engagement Manager at GrainCorp.
“We’re proud to support another 26 organisations through this grants funding round and, importantly, back the people who give their time, energy and passion to creating stronger, more connected regional communities.”
Connecting young people to culture through dance
One organisation previously supported by the GCF, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, has helped bring First Nations young people together to strengthen their connection to culture, creativity and community through the power of dance.
Based in the heart of Wiradjuri Country, the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre delivered Garabari, a contemporary dance program developed in partnership with leading First Nations dance organisations BlakDance and Joel Bray Dance, following support from a GCF grant awarded in February 2025.
Created by acclaimed Wiradjuri dancer and choreographer Joel Bray, Garabari draws inspiration from corroboree traditions and was developed in collaboration with Wiradjuri Elders and young people. Through storytelling and movement, the work shares the story of Balana, whose actions created the Murrumbidgee River and saved the animals of the Country.
“For many participants, dance is more than movement. It’s a connection to identity, culture and Country,” says Claire Harris, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Manager.
“By learning from a Wiradjuri artist, young people have built confidence and strengthened their cultural pride.”
The project engaged local Aboriginal dance groups and students at St Joseph’s Primary School, Red Hill Public School, Ashmont Public School and Wollundry Dreaming Dancers, giving them the opportunity to learn choreography from Garabari and perform elements of the work alongside professional artists.
GrainCorp’s support helped remove barriers to participation by funding free workshops, mentoring opportunities, transport assistance and subsidised tickets for First Nations young people and Elders, ensuring more members of the community could take part.
“By investing in accessible arts experiences, we can help create lasting opportunities for young people and bring communities together through the power of storytelling and dance,” says Kyle Docherty.
Aussie Helpers: Serving up a strong start for rural students
One of the organisations supported through the Foundation’s latest grants round, Aussie Helpers, will expand its Brekkie in a Bag program, which provides free, nutritious breakfasts to students in rural and remote communities.
The program offers practical support to farming families facing cost-of-living pressures, while helping ensure children have access to the nutrition they need to engage in school.
With demand in the program continuing to grow, Brekkie in a Bag aims to provide 325,000 breakfasts to 1,652 children across 65 rural and remote schools, significantly increasing the program’s reach.
“Something as simple as breakfast, or even a juice after a long journey in, can change a day for a student,” says Matt Shortus, Project Manager at Aussie Helpers.
“When enough days are changed, that can have a lasting impact on child’s confidence, wellbeing and outlook.”
Aussie Helpers prioritises Australian grain-based products, creating a natural connection between the program and the agricultural communities it’s aiming to support. Local volunteers and school staff also play an important role in distribution, bringing people together to provide practical support where it is needed most.
“GrainCorp’s support will help us reach more farming families and communities through this program.” Matt says.
To find out more about the GrainCorp Community Foundation Grants program, visit: https://www.graincorp.com.au/community-foundation/
Successful grant recipients – Round 2, 2026
| Organisation | Program/Project | Project Location |
| Aussie Helpers Ltd | Brekkie in a Bag | Queensland |
| Two Eight Two Eight Inc | Café Solar & Battery Upgrade | Narrandera, NSW |
| Young’s Local Health Advisory Committee & Lions Club Young | Free Skin Cancer Screening Bus | Young, NSW |
| Newcastle Men’s Shed | CNC Router Replacement | Newcastle, NSW |
| Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock Saints Football Club | Portable Video Scoreboard | Brocklesby/Burrumbuttock, NSW |
| Coleraine Football Netball Club | Electronic Scoreboard Installation | Coleraine, VIC |
| Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | Narrabri Imagination Library Program | Narrabri Shire, NSW |
| Farming for Kids Inc | Farming for Kids Scholarship Program | Multiple regional communities |
| Lake Cargelligo Bowling Club | Outdoor BBQ Area Upgrade | Lake Cargelligo, NSW |
| The Stick Shed | Safe Access & Visitor Infrastructure Upgrade | Murtoa, VIC |
| Natimuk Bowling Club Inc | Natimuk Bowling Club Rebuild | Natimuk, VIC |
| Ouyen Inc / Ouyen Lake | Ouyen Lake Security Cameras | Ouyen, VIC |
| Portland Colts Cricket Club | Turf Wicket Renewal | Portland, VIC |
| AgForce Queensland Farmers Limited | Rural Mental Health & First Aid Training | South East Queensland |
| Urana Bowling & Community Club | Automatic Access Door Installation | Urana, NSW |
| Warren Little Athletics Club Incorporated | Get Active Project | Warren, NSW |
| Centre for Participation | Wimmera Food Security Distribution Service | Wimmera Region, VIC |
| West Wimmera Health Service | Vein Access Technology Initiative | West Wimmera Region, VIC |
| Hillston Ex-Servicemen’s & Citizens’ Club Ltd | Club Furniture Upgrade | Hillston, NSW |
| Gilgandra Golf Club Co-op Ltd | Accessible Entrance Upgrade | Gilgandra, NSW |
| Moura Playgroup (Play Matters) | Shade Structure Project | Moura, QLD |
| CareFlight Limited | Trauma Care Training for First Responders | Junee, NSW |
| Manangatang Improvement Group | Streetscape Beautification Project | Manangatang, VIC |
| Rainbow Lake Association | BBQ Shelter Project | Rainbow, VIC |
| The Aim Higher Academy | Regional Development Program | Narrandera and Yanco, NSW |
| Voices of Women | Wellbeing & Connection Program | Southern NSW |
