More than $800,000 will be invested into grassroots organisations across regional New South Wales through the latest Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Grassroots Grants program, supporting projects that improve health, wellbeing, inclusion and community connection.
Twenty-three organisations have received funding through the 2026 program, with initiatives spanning healthcare access, mental health, disability support, family services, food relief, Indigenous wellbeing, homelessness prevention and volunteer development.
NGM Group Chief Distribution Officer and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation spokesperson Paul Juergens said the latest funding round highlights the important role local organisations play in strengthening regional communities.
“It’s inspiring to see the breadth of work being delivered by grassroots organisations across regional New South Wales and we’re proud to support projects that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Mr Juergens said.
“Whether it’s helping families access essential services, supporting people through challenging circumstances, improving health outcomes or creating stronger community connections, these organisations are delivering practical support where it’s needed most.
“The strength of this year’s recipients lies in their deep understanding of local communities and their commitment to creating lasting positive change.”
Since its establishment in 2003, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $27 million to community organisations and initiatives across regional New South Wales.
- CareFlight: $45,000 to purchase a Schiller Touch 7 Patient Monitor, enhancing clinical oversight and patient safety during aeromedical retrievals and medical transfers across regional New South Wales.
- Coolamon Community Incorporated: $50,000 to expand support for Indigenous mothers and babies across regional NSW through the provision of safe sleep spaces, essential baby items and practical care delivered in partnership with Aboriginal Health Services.
- Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation: $38,000 to replace two ageing vehicles used to transport breast cancer patients to treatment and deliver practical support services across the Hunter region.
- Kamira Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services: $33,000 to co-design and create a restorative garden at its Wyong residential rehabilitation service, supporting recovery, wellbeing and connection for women and their children.
- STARTTS: $37,000 to deliver an expanded refugee girls’ soccer and wellbeing program in Newcastle, combining weekly sport participation with health, education and capacity-building workshops.
- Rural Doctors Foundation: $38,000 to equip nine rural medical practices with ear loupes and training, improving the early detection and treatment of ear disease across regional New South Wales.
- Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT: $30,000 to provide early intervention therapies and assessments for children with disability in the Central West, improving access to specialist support closer to home.
- The Arthritis Movement: $50,000 to distribute 800 pain management packs and deliver a regional health seminar, helping people living with arthritis better manage their condition.
- Friends of Really Excellent Dentistry (FRED): $40,000 to co-design preventive oral health education modules for frontline workers supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
- Waves of Wellness Foundation: $45,000 to deliver youth surf therapy programs in Newcastle and surrounding areas, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
- Eat Up Australia: $34,000 to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to 3,300 disadvantaged students across 60 schools in Newcastle and the Central Coast.
- Home Address Australia: $50,000 to deliver a lived experience initiative in Orange, strengthening support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through community engagement and service collaboration.
- We Care Connect: $26,000 to support the fit-out of a new East Maitland warehouse, improving conditions for volunteers and service delivery to vulnerable families.
- Survivors R Us: $30,000 to expand its Hearty Starts Breakfast program, increasing meal capacity and volunteer support to provide regular nutritious breakfasts for people experiencing hardship.
- RSPCA NSW: $40,000 to expand Healthy Pet Day programs across the New England, Central Coast and Mid North Coast, providing essential veterinary care and support for vulnerable pet owners.
- Bowen Community Technology Centre: $25,000 to deliver WorkReady workshops in Orange, helping participants build digital skills, create résumés and improve employment readiness.
- Early Connections – Manning & Great Lakes: $25,000 to replace outdated communication systems across its Taree and Tuncurry offices, improving responsiveness and support for local families.
- Maitland Family Support: $45,000 to purchase a hybrid outreach vehicle, enabling staff to safely and efficiently deliver support services to families across the Maitland region.
- Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative: $35,000 to purchase a van and engage a part-time driver, supporting employment opportunities for refugee women through its sewing and alterations program.
- Ngabul Foundation: $50,000 to expand its Indigenous Men’s Group program across the Hunter, Central Coast and New England, supporting young men transitioning from youth justice custody.
- Refugee Education Australia: $39,000 to deliver professional development workshops for settlement service workers and educators, strengthening support for refugee learners across regional NSW.
- Family Inclusion Strategies in the Hunter (FISH): $47,396 to produce a series of lived experience videos helping parents navigate child protection systems and stay connected with their children.
- Mark Hughes Foundation: $25,000 through the Grassroots Volunteer Grant program to develop a volunteer management system that strengthens the recruitment, training and coordination of its growing volunteer network.