A reminder to community organisations, individuals and local businesses that have a project, event, or great idea, there is still time to apply for funding through Council's Annual Grants Program.
Applications for the 2026/27 Annual Grants Program are open for one more week, closing on Monday 4 May 2026.
There are 10 categories, including: Arts, Culture & Creative Industries, Community Programs & Projects, Environment, Events, Local Heritage, Neighbourhood & Rural Villages, Recreational & Community Facilities, Rural Halls, Small Business, and Youth Programs & Projects.
Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood says the funding grants available range from $1000 up to $10,000, depending on the category.
"Over the years, the grants program has been able to assist in turning hundreds of ideas into reality, from small events, multicultural sports days, and queer music workshops to rural hall improvements, youth-led and environmental initiatives, just to name a few," Alex Osgood said.
"Albury Wodonga FoodShare and South Wagga Rotary's Youth Circular Lids initiative, which were successful recipients last year, are examples of what can be achieved through funding from the grants program."
In the last round of funding Albury Wodonga FoodShare received $7500 through the Community Programs & Projects category, which CEO Katrina Pawley says enabled the organisation to expand it programs to Wagga Wagga.
"We only just started providing food supplies to the region in October last year, and in the last seven months, we've provided food equivalent to about 30,000 meals," Ms Pawley said.
"We supply nine local agencies, all reporting strong positive impact from increased fresh produce, meat and pantry staples supporting residents in Wagga and surrounding areas.
"These grants really help your local community, so if there's something that you can do to support any groups, I encourage you to apply for one because it really does make a big impact on our regional communities."
South Wagga Wagga Rotary Club's Youth Circular Lids initiative received just shy of $5000 under the Youth Programs and Projects category, which supported the purchase of a plastic shredder machine that allows it to repurpose plastic lids into carabiners and other items.
"From that, we've been able to run workshops every month, not always to young people, but also to older people, like the Men's Shed and the Trefoil Guild, as well as the Guides," South Wagga Wagga Rotary Club's Milenna Dunn said.
"I'd encourage lots of people to apply, because you can't get it if you don't apply, and Wagga City Council is giving it, so do apply, absolutely!"
Alex Osgood says community groups, not-for-profits, individuals and small businesses in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area have the opportunity to apply for these small grants to support their projects.
"If you've got a project or program in mind that you want to make a reality, get in contact with the grant officer for the category you might be interested in, to ask questions and get the support you need to complete a funding application" Ms Osgood said.
"All applicants need to talk to the grant officer before putting in their final submission, which is about making sure that you're putting the best application forward that's going to meet the funding guidelines criteria, but also be competitive."
Applications for the 2025/26 Annual Grants Program close Monday 4 May 2026 at 11:59pm.
