Applications are now open for The Hills Shire Council’ s grants program, offering significant funding for events, community services, Orange Blossom Festivalassociated activities and, for the first time, public art projects.

The grant categories now open for applications include:

• Community Grants

• Arts, Culture and Events Grants

• Public Art Grants

• Orange Blossom Festival Grants

• Minor Grants Mayor of The Hills Shire, Michelle Byrne, said Council’ s grants program is designed to give community-focused projects the financial support they need to thrive.

“ Through our grants programs, we’ re empowering local residents and organisations to deliver projects that have a real impact and enhance community life across The Hills,” Mayor Byrne said.

“ This is the first time we’ re offering Public Art Grants, and I’ m excited to see how our community transforms blank canvases across The Hills into inspiring public spaces.

“ To support applicants, Council will run free grant training sessions covering eligibility criteria for each program, along with step-by-step guidance on the

application process.

“ We’ ve also extended the application period to eight weeks, giving applicants ample time to prepare strong submissions.”

Council’ s Minor Grants program will remain open year-round until funding is fully allocated. COMMUNITY GRANTS Who can apply: Community groups and not-for-profit organisations. What: Projects must benefit Hills residents and address one or more of the following priority areas:

• Youth

• Seniors

• Children and families

• Disability

• Domestic and family violence

• Community safety

• At-risk communities

• Multicultural communities Funding: Grants between $ 1,000 and $ 30,000 are available. Funding up to $ 5,000 does not require dollar-for-dollar matching. Grants between $ 5,001 and $ 30,000 require matched funding.

ARTS, CULTURE AND EVENTS GRANTS

Who can apply: Community groups, not-for-profit organisations and for-profit organisations.

What: Projects must deliver arts, cultural or event opportunities for Hills residents.

Funding: Grants between $ 5,000 and $ 30,000 are available. All grants require dollarfor-dollar matched funding.

PUBLIC ART GRANTS

Who can apply: Individuals, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, for-profit organisations and other entities.

What: Projects should deliver public art that enhances and activates spaces across The Hills. Proposed locations must be visible and accessible to the community.

Funding: Grants between $ 5,000 and $ 50,000 are available. All grants require dollar-for-dollar matched funding. MINOR GRANTS Who can apply: Community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

What: Funding for community services, small events or cultural activities for Hills Shire residents.

Funding: Grants between $ 100 and $ 1,000 are available. Minor Grants do not require matched funding. One application per financial year will be considered. The program remains open year-round until funds are exhausted.

Applications close on Monday, 25 May 2026. Funding will be allocated based on merit, with applications assessed by a panel in accordance with Council’ s Grants Policy.

To apply or find out more, visit www. thehills. nsw. gov. au and search for“ Grants”.