Across the towns and regions GrainCorp calls home, local communities are creating real change – and GrainCorp is proud to be part of their journey.
In the first of two funding rounds this year, the GrainCorp Community Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 to 28 grassroots organisations, each playing a unique role in enhancing the social, economic, and cultural fabric of their local areas.
“These grassroots organisations are led by everyday people doing inspiring things for their communities,” says GrainCorp’s Community Engagement Manager Kyle Docherty.
“They know what matters most to their towns – because they live it every day. Whether it’s improving local facilities, supporting mental health, or creating spaces and experiences where people feel connected and included, their work is incredibly impactful.”
“It’s a real privilege for us at GrainCorp to back them and help bring their vision to life.”
Changing the conversation around mental health
Started by three close friends and schoolteachers in 2021, Speak & Share is a Victorian not-for-profit dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in rural communities.
They’ll use the funding on their Rural Mental Health Education Program which aims to make a real difference by fostering open, supportive conversations across schools and sporting clubs in regional and rural communities, where connection and mental well-being support are high on the agenda.
“For too long, mental health has been the elephant in the room. Our goal is to normalise speaking and sharing, especially in rural areas where isolation can hit hardest,” says one of Speak & Share’s Founders Nathan Scagliarini.
“We want to create healthier, happier school communities where mental health is no longer a taboo topic and we’re thrilled to have the backing of GrainCorp to help expand our reach to rural and regional areas”.
“We’re extremely grateful to receive this generous grant from GrainCorp, which will go a long way in helping us achieve our mission of becoming one of Australia’s most impactful mental health organisations.”
GrainCorp Community Grant recipients (February 2025)
| Organisation | Project/Program | Region |
| Rural Outreach Counselling | The Rural Empowerment Initiative | Southern NSW |
| Merriwagga Community Hall | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern NSW |
| Hannaford Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern Queensland |
| Zoe Support Australia | Connecting Young Families to Community through Skills-Based Programs | Victoria |
| Speak And Share | Speak & Share Rural Mental Health Education Program | Victoria |
| Murrayville Landcare Group | Infrastructure Improvements | Victoria |
| Temora Bowling & Recreation Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern NSW |
| Ultima Progress Association | Infrastructure Improvements | Victoria |
| Coolamon Touch Football | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern NSW |
| Warrumbungle Campdraft Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Northern NSW |
| Lions District 201N4 | All Ability Camp (Disability Camp) | Northern NSW |
| Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre | Wiradjuri Youth: Dance on Country | Southern NSW |
| Westmar Sports Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern Queensland |
| Marruk, supported by Swan Hill Neighbourhood House | The Marruk Project | Victoria |
| Charlton Neighbourhood House | Stronger Farmers, Stronger Minds | Victoria |
| Central Goldfields Historic Machinery Society | Infrastructure Improvements | Victoria |
| Boort Bowls Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Victoria |
| Mungindi Swimming Club | Equipment Upgrades | Northern NSW |
| Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council | Trangie Bellies and New Life Project | Southern NSW |
| Portland Memorial Bowling Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Victoria |
| Gurley Volunteer Rural Fire Service | Future proofing of Gurley Water Supply | Northern NSW |
| St Joseph’s Parish School, Hillston | Sustainability Education Program | Southern NSW |
| Callide Valley Agricultural and Pastoral Society | Callide Valley Show Wi-fi Grounds Capacity | Central Queensland |
| Goondiwindi Bowls Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern Queensland |
| Lifeline Central West | GrainCorp Gathers Guys for Growth | Southern NSW |
| Hopetoun & District Neighbourhood House | Hopetoun’s Mental Health First Aid Program | Victoria |
| Narrandera Junior Lizards Rugby League Football Club | Infrastructure Improvements | Southern NSW |
| Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall | Bogan Gate Hall Seniors Workshops | Southern NSW |
Looking Ahead
GrainCorp is backing local heroes who are creating real change on the ground – with a second funding round still to come in 2025, more community groups will have the opportunity to bring their projects to life.
For more information about the GrainCorp Community Grants Program and how to apply, visit our Community Fund page.
