Following a record‑breaking community grants program in 2025, the GrainCorp Community Foundation (GCF) has continued its strong momentum in the first grant round for 2026, with nearly $300,000 invested in regional and rural communities.
The grants funding will support 26 community organisations delivering a broad range of initiatives across education, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and youth development – helping local, often volunteer‑led groups continue their important work.
“Community organisations are at the heart of regional and rural communities, bringing people together in times of celebration as well as support them through periods of challenge,” says Kyle Docherty, Community Engagement Manager.
“These grants are about backing the people behind our communities and strengthening their ability to continue delivering lasting local impact.”
Helping young people find their voice
One of the successful recipients is Moorambilla Voices – a regional arts education organisation empowering young people across regional NSW through creativity, cultural connection, while honouring First Nations voices, languages and stories.
The GCF grant will support the creation of MAXed UP, a new senior ensemble responding to growing demand for Moorambilla’s programs. This expansion will double senior ensemble participation from 75 to 150 young people and increase overall engagement in 2026.
“GrainCorp’s support is enabling us to expand our senior ensemble, opening the door for more regional young people to access life‑changing creative opportunities,” says Sandy McNaughton, Program Manager.
“Importantly, the grant helps us keep participation accessible, maintaining heavily subsidised access and full scholarships so young people from remote and disadvantaged communities can be involved.
“The impact extends well beyond participants to families, schools and communities, building wellbeing, pride and stronger connections, particularly in farming communities where isolation can be a challenge.”
Expanding essential support for children in need
In southern Queensland, Hope for Our Children supports vulnerable children and youth across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs to help them navigate some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
The GrainCorp funding will support the groups Bags of Hope program, providing children experiencing hardship with essential items and emotional reassurance during times such as entering care, fleeing domestic violence or adjusting to a new community.
“Bags of Hope is about letting children know they are seen, cared for and not alone during incredibly difficult moments,” said Jules Davey, Chief Executive Officer.
“Support like this allows us to reach more vulnerable children across the Darling Downs and continue wrapping practical care, dignity and compassion around those who need it most.”
The program is delivered by local volunteers through the Hands of Hope initiative, bringing together people from all walks of life to pack bags and support delivery. This volunteer involvement helps ensure Bags of Hope can be delivered consistently while also fostering connection, inclusion and purpose within the community.
The GCF grant will help expand the reach of Bags of Hope, supporting the purchase of essential items, materials and equipment, and enabling Hope for Our Children to meet growing demand across the region.
Want to learn more?
The GrainCorp Grants program provides financial support to organisations and projects that support positive economic, social and cultural growth, with two funding rounds held per year in February and July. Find out more.
Successful grant recipients – Round 1, 2026
| Organisation name | Project / Program | Location |
| Underbool Bowls Club | Outdoor Area Furniture and Storage Project | Underbool, VIC |
| Coonamble Meals on Wheels Association Incorporated | Meal Voucher Program | Coonamble, NSW |
| Geelong City Cricket Club | Storage Shed Fit Out Project | Geelong, VIC |
| Ouyen Roxy Theatre | Equipment Update Project | Ouyen, VIC |
| Trangie United Services Memorial Club | Community Club Upgrade Project | Trangie, NSW |
| Bellata War Memorial Committee Inc | Memorial Hall Electrical Rewiring and Safety Upgrade Project | Bellata, NSW |
| Country Education Foundation of Nyngan | Student Support Program | Nyngan, NSW |
| Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW Ltd (PCYC Walgett) | Afternoon Activities Program | Walgett, NSW |
| Moree Motorcycle Club | Amenity Upgrade Project | Moree, NSW |
| Te Pahu Preschool | Outdoor Safety Blinds Installation Project | Te Pahu, NZ |
| Berrigan Community Golf and Bowling Club | Irrigation System Upgrade Project | Berrigan, NSW |
| Murrin Bridge Preschool | Stronger Together Community Space Project | Murrin Bridge, NSW |
| Lockhart Football Netball Club | Goal Post Netting Installation Project | Lockhart, NSW |
| Hope for Our Children | Bags of Hope Program | Darling Downs, QLD |
| Goondiwindi Golf & Country Club | Facility Improvement Project | Goondiwindi, QLD |
| Horsham Swimming Club | Club Marquee Upgrade Project | Horsham, VIC |
| Rainbow P–12 College | Hands on Learning Education Centre Project | Rainbow, VIC |
| Glenelg Pony Club Inc. | Cross Country Course Reinstatement Project | Heywood, VIC |
| Nangus Recreation Reserve and Public Hall Trust | Hall Floor Refurbishment Project | Nangus, NSW |
| Carrington Public School Parents & Citizens Association | Outdoor Quiet Space Refurbishment Project | Carrington, NSW |
| Condobolin & District Landcare | Livestock and Landscape Resilience Program | Condobolin, NSW |
| Carranballac Cricket Club | Recreation Reserve Water Tank Project | Carranballac, VIC |
| Baiame Burrul Pty Ltd | Walking Together on Country Program | Moree, NSW |
| Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council | Dhawun Gamil – Strong People on Country Program | Gunnedah, NSW |
| Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW/ACT | Flying Start Paediatric Clinic Program | Coonamble, NSW |
| Moorambilla Voices | Up and Out Regional Youth Support Program | Parkes, NSW |
