Who we are
The RAS Foundation helps to build strong, sustainable and resilient rural and regional communities in NSW, by providing scholarships for education and training, and grants for community development.
$8.17 Million
Invested in scholarships and grants since 2007
839
students in rural and regional Australia have received $4,201,210 in scholarship funds
170
recipients have been awarded $2,081,269 in community grants
$1,890,291
in kitchenware, toys and goods distributed to NSW regional communities
RAS Foundation Master of Teaching Scholarship for Ag Graduates
Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships
The Sydney Royal Wine Show, established in 1826, is one of the most prestigious wine shows in Australia, annually attracting over 2,200 entries from more than 350 producers across Australia.
The RAS Wine Committee together with the RAS Foundation, offer two national scholarship programs: the Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship and the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship. These scholarships are funded by the RAS Wine Committee from the sale of excess stock from the Sydney Royal Wine Show, and honour the memory and contribution of Graham Thorp, Chair of the RAS Wine Committee from 1984-1990.
Since 2021, The Len Evans Tutorial Foundation has also sponsored a scholar to attend the Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage and support professionals who are passionate about wine and committed to forging careers that will contribute to the Australian wine industry.
Applications for the Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship and the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship are now open.
RAS Foundation Community Futures Grant
The Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF) is offering opportunities for community-minded people to be awarded up to $25,000 in funding for community projects in their local area.
Previously funding has gone to projects including air-conditioning in the local hall to portable yard panels for the showground or a pop-up gazebo, satisfying community needs and benefiting many.
Taking part is easy:
- Identify a need in your rural NSW community
- Partner with a local community organisation
- Create a project plan for your initiative
JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications
The JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications is a prestigious national award that encourages and supports a young student who is passionate about pursuing a career in rural and regional journalism/communications upon graduation. The Award was established through a private donation from Mr John B Fairfax, AO.
RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships
Students in regional areas often have to relocate in order to study, leaving behind the support of family and friends and feeling torn between their education and their obligations. Fortunately, assistance in the form of a RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship can help ease some worries and allow greater freedom to more regularly visit home and lend a hand.
Our Rural Scholarship program goes a small way to ensure students from regional areas can chase the same education dreams as students from metropolitan areas.
