RAS Foundation powers rural initiatives through Community Futures Grant program

Passionate community advocates in rural and regional NSW have an exciting opportunity to bring their creative ideas and programs to life, with applications now open for the 2026 RAS Foundation (RASF) Community Futures Grant program.

Now in its twelfth year, the program empowers rural and regional communities in NSW by funding projects or initiatives that create enhanced economic and social benefits for the community and its members.

The 2026 program will deliver increased funding, providing up to $30,000 to selected projects that are community-driven, reflect the needs and priorities of the local people, and demonstrate strong potential to create lasting impact.

To date, the grants program has contributed over $1.5 million towards transformative community projects, however RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan, emphasises that the program’s value goes far beyond financial support.

“It’s an investment in the ideas and fortitude of rural and regional communities. The grants help drive local innovation and empower locals to take meaningful action, while also encouraging collaborative efforts and strengthening community spirit”, Logan said.

“To date, we have supported 88 community projects, ranging from the refurbishment of community facilities and infrastructure, to equipment upgrades for essential community services and the implementation of agricultural and educational programs for children. We’re thrilled to have increased funding for 2026 projects by $5,000, allowing us to invest more deeply in the selected projects and further strengthen the impact in the community.

“If you’ve got a project or idea that could make a real difference in your community, now’s the time to turn it into a reality. We encourage everyone to apply and help shape a stronger, more connected future for their town.”

Funds for the Community Futures Grant program are raised from a variety of RAS Foundation initiatives including the sale of the Give & Gather Bag and raffle tickets at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

In 2025, grants were distributed to eight deserving community organisations including Maclean High School, which launched an agricultural initiative titled ‘Clarence Valley Cluckers’. The project saw students build a chicken coop on their school farm, care for the chickens daily, and harvest their eggs to sell to local community members and cafes.

Teacher, Patrick Dwyer, said the project was designed to teach the students responsibility, animal care, and the fundamentals of running a business.

“The RAS Foundation has provided an opportunity for the students of Maclean High School to build a real agricultural business and learn all of the skills along with it. This will go a long way in providing our students, of all backgrounds and ability, with purpose and engagement for years to come”, Dwyer said.

Other benefiting organisations from the 2025 program include Barham High School, Tumut Show Society, Jerangle Rural Fire Service, Woodstock Memorial Show, West Wyalong Show Society, Dubbo National Ram Sale Association Inc, and Commercial Merino Breeders Association.

Applications for the 2026 RAS Foundation Community Futures Grant Program will close on Friday, 12 December. Applicants must be residents of the rural NSW community the project will benefit. To learn more or to apply, please visit www.rasf.org.au

Attached photo: 2025 Community Futures Grant recipient, Dubbo National Ram Sale Association Inc, with students from the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge program which aims to educate high school students about the commercial production of Merino sheep, providing them with a 'hands on' learning experience.

For further information please contact:

Samantha Cannings

E: scannings@rasnsw.com.au M: 0411 864 836 P: 02 9704 1453

Nicola Dalby

E: ndalby@rasnsw.com.au M: 0434 579 906 P: 02 9704 1041

About the RAS Foundation:

The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships.

Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.