2025 Small Grants Program now open
Published on 30 July 2025
Central Darling Shire Council, the City of Broken Hill and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Far West on behalf of the Unincorporated Area of Far West NSW, have announced the launch of the Community Drought Resilience Small Grants Program.
The Councils and the Unincorporated Area are offering the 2025 Small Grants Program to support community groups, field day organisers, and Not-For-Profit organisations operating in drought-affected and recovering regions of Far West NSW. These grants will fund events, programs and activities that support and bolster drought resilience in the region.
Examples of projects which may be funded include events (such as conferences, gymkhanas, wellbeing activities) which specifically address drought preparedness and resilience, initiatives to improve community capability, skills and understanding of drought risks, leadership building activities, and materials which promote drought resilience.
These grants are important for our communities. In the Far West we have experienced dry times. At the moment, White Cliffs town water supply is estimated at 4 months’ supply remaining. There is no emergency supply for White Cliffs and water restrictions are in place.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available, with applications open from 4 August 2025. With projects to be delivered by 30 November 2025.
The Program’s objective is to deliver events and activities that improve skills development, drought awareness, and community resilience.
The Community Drought Resilience Small Grants Program aligns with and is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government as part of the Far West NSW Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
Grant applications must be lodged by 5pm, on Friday, 22 August 2025.
Both the Grant Guidelines and Application form can be found on the'related information' tab of this page.
Successful applicants are expected to be notified of their outcome in early September 2025, and their project will need to be completed and acquitted by 30 November 2025.