On 20 November 2025, the Northern Rivers Community Foundation celebrated another milestone in community giving, announcing more than $400,000 in grants to 31 local community organisations working to strengthen connection, resilience, and wellbeing across the Northern Rivers.
Hosted at Elements of Byron, the annual event brought together donors, community leaders, and grassroots changemakers to recognise the people and projects driving meaningful change in the region.
“These grants highlight both the level of need in our region and the extraordinary capacity of our local organisations to deliver place-based impact where it matters most,” said NRCF CEO Sam Henderson. “It’s the generosity of our donors and partners that makes this work possible. Evidence-based, community-led grantmaking is at the heart of what we do, and it’s a privilege to help channel that support directly into the hands of the people creating lasting change across the Northern Rivers.”
Now in its 21st year, NRCF’s Annual Community Grants Program continues to back grassroots initiatives addressing social disadvantage and promoting environmental sustainability. This year’s funding supports projects across diverse areas including mental health, housing and homelessness, food security, youth wellbeing, education, and environmental restoration.
Funding was distributed through Local Impact Grants, which support community-led programs creating social and environmental change, and Community Infrastructure Grants, which help organisations purchase vital equipment and assets to deliver their work more effectively.
This year also saw the continuation of NRCF’s first multi-year partnership, with Wardell CORE receiving the third instalment of its $120,000 Thriving Together Grant (2024–2026), supported by the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
In addition to this year’s grants, NRCF also launched two new philanthropic funds – the Arts & Culture Fund and the Climate Action Fund – to respond to growing community demand for targeted, place-based support in these areas. The funds will strengthen local capacity, from empowering artists and cultural projects that connect and inspire, to advancing grassroots climate initiatives that build long-term regional resilience.
Introducing the 2025 – 2026 Community Grants Recipients:
A total of $416,385 was awarded to support 33 projects across the seven Northern Rivers LGAs.
This year’s Community Grant recipients are:
Wardell CORE, The Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club Inc, Ballina Masonic Centre Inc, Kyogle Together Incorporated, Murwillumbah Community Centre, Mullumbimby Organic Food Cooperative, Byron Bay Community Centre, Support for New Mums Inc, Together She Thrives, Byron Youth Theatre, RiverTracks, Clarence River U3A Mens/Womens Shed, Human Nature Adventure Therapy, Seaside Shelter Inc, Magpie Centre Indigenous Corporation Limited, Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, Kyogle Family Support Service, Rainbow Roos AU, Family Support Network, Mental Health Support Group, The Lower Clarence Community Garden, Rock Valley Hall, Tyalgum Community Hall Assoc. Inc, Clarence Valley Conservatorium of Music, Casino Senior Citizens Centre, RSL Woodburn & Evans Head Sub Branch (Evans Head RSL Day Club), Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, Richmond Landcare, Katia Project Inc, Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) Ballina and District Branch, Grafton Community Shed
Read more about this year’s Community Grants recipients and their projects here.
Photos courtesy of Value Imagery:
