Community Grant Program

Have an idea to make our community a better place, but need the funds to bring it to life? Apply for a community grant.

Border Trust is the Community Foundation for the Albury Wodonga Region. We activate the power of giving by connecting the generosity of our donors with local community groups and not-for-profit organizations, funding projects that create positive change and lasting impact.

Annual Community Grant Program

 The Border Trust Community Grant Program considers applications from local, community based, not for profit organisations for projects that address areas of the highest need within the community. We take the time to understand local needs and to measure the impact that we, with our donors and grant recipients, make across our five Impact Areas:

  • Disaster Recovery, Resilience and Readiness
  • Climate Resilient Communities
  • Community Leadership
  • Community Connection and Wellbeing
  • Community Equity.

Generally, small grants of up to $5,000 will be considered. In exceptional circumstances, a grant of up to $10,000 may be considered following a discussion with Border Trust.

These small grants have the power to create a big impact, driving meaningful change in our region.

Granting Partners

In 2025, our Community Grant Round comprised funds pooled together from a variety of donors and partners, including:

  • Border Trust
  • ACE Radio 2AY with Philanthropic Partner, Handbury Foundation
  • Adroit Insurance & Risk Named Sub Fund
  • Michael and Sue Houlihan Named Sub Fund
  • Katharine Sleeman Named Sub Fund
  • Mount Pelion Foundaiton
  • The Scots School Albury Named Sub Fund.

Eligibility

To be eligible, your organisation must:

  • Be a not-for-profit community-based organisation which functions for charitable purpose
  • Operate for the benefit of communities within the Local Government Areas of Albury, Federation, Greater Hume, Indigo, Towong and Wodonga
  • Have a registered ABN or Incorporated Association Number
  • Meet any other specific eligibility requirements as noted.

Key Dates

KEY DATES (confirmed annually)

Open 1 Feb, Close March

Successful Applicants notified early May

Grants Awarded @ the Big Give Event – held May/June

Projects funded for a one-year time frame unless otherwise agreed.

Progress reports and a satisfactory acquittal are to be provided as outlined in the Grant Agreement.

Contact:  Glenys Atkins, Community Engagement + Impact Border Trust

glenysa@bordertrust.org.au or

0447 684 506

The support you need to get the grant

In addition to our community grant round, all community organisations are invited to participate in our free grants workshop series running from June.

Please follow us on our socials and through our website for further information.

Workshops include:

  1. Unpack your Project
  2. Grant Preparation & Writing
  3. Prepare to Pitch
  4. Practice your Pitch.

The Big Give Annual  Showcase

On May 15 2025, at The Big Give, as part of Border Trust’s 20th anniversary year, we proudly celebrated the awarding of $881,784 in community grants to support 37 grassroots initiatives across the six LGAs of Albury, Wodonga, Indigo Shire, Federation, Towong, and Greater Hume.
 
These grants will help bring to life a wide range of local projects making a real difference across our Border region.
 
In this milestone year, the Big Give continues to show the powerful impact of local giving. Since 2005, Border Trust has now distributed $5,778,353 to help turn life-changing ideas into reality. It’s a true celebration of locals caring for locals, working together to build a stronger, more connected community. 💛
 
 

Download 2025 Big Give 20th Birthday Celebration Program

Congratulations to the following successful organisations – recipients of the 2025 Grant Round

Hothouse Theatre
Project: Voices of Tomorrow
Amount: $8,700

Funded by Adroit Insurance & Risk and
Michael & Sue Houlihan Named Sub Fund
s

Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau
Project: Homework Help at Hyphen
Amount: $5,000

Uniting (Vic/Tas) Wodonga
Project: Food without Barriers
Amount: $5,000

Funded by Mount Pelion Foundation

Ronald McDonald House Charities (Wodonga)
Project: Nourishment Program
Amount: $4,525

The Carevan Foundation Ltd
Project: Back to Basics Community Kitchen
Amount: $7,000

Thurgoona Public School P&C
Project: Excursion Relief
Amount: $4,000
Funded by:

YES Unlimited
Project: The Hive Resource Centre Leadership Programs
Amount: $10,000
Co-Funded by: Mount Pelion Foundation, The Scots School Albury & Border Trust

Funded by Katharine Sleeman Named Fund Grant

Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau
Project: Drive to Connect
Amount: $5,000

Funded By Scanlon Foundation

Wodonga Congolese Cultural School
Project: School Equipment and Resources
Amount: $6,000

Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau
Project: Cultural Exchange & Multicultural Exercise Programs
Amount: $21,000

Funded by Hume Bank Safer Communities Fund

The Carevan Foundation Ltd
Project: Community Support Connection
Amount: $20,000
Rounds 1 and 2

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service
Project: Essential Support for Survivors of Violence
Amount: $15,000
Round 2

Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau
Project: Women’s Gathering
Amount: $15,000
Round 2

Junction Support Services
Project: Therapeutic Group Work – Recovery from Family Violence
Amount: $10,000
Round 1

YES Unlimited
Project: Women and Children’s Safety Fund
Amount: $25,000
Rounds 1 and 2

Youth Albury Wodonga
Project: Change the Story: Early Education for Prevention of Violence Against Women
Amount: $15,000
Round 1

Funded by  ACE Radio 2AY with Handbury Foundation Grants

Albury Wodonga Community Chest Inc
Project: Defibrillator for West Albury Hall
Amount: $1,848

Howlong Men’s Shed
Project: Tipping Capacity Project
Amount: $2,500

Splitters Creek Rural Fire Service
Project: Mobile and Data Plan
Amount: $4,000

Wodonga Men’s Shed
Project: CNC Software
Amount: $3,272

Wodonga Urban Landcare Network
Project: Seeding Change in Baranduda Fields
Amount: $5,380