We are proud to give back to our communities that are home to Inland Rail.
Since 2019, our sponsorships and donations program has benefitted more than 120 community groups in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria with grants worth more than $380,000.
We offer funding between $1000–$4000 for individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail route that contribute to local and regional prosperity, well-being and sustainability.
Our funding supports short-term or one-off initiatives like:
- sponsoring local festivals and celebrations
- upgrading sporting facilities
- purchasing new laptops for students
- supporting health and wellbeing groups
- mentoring programs
- hosting guest speakers
Annual sponsorship rounds
Round 1
Applications open 1 February to 30 April
Round 2
Applications open 1 May to 31 July
Round 3
Applications open 1 August to 31 October
Round 4
Applications open 1 November to 31 January
How to apply
If you have an activity, event or project that will benefit your local community and you represent a community group or organisation that is a not-for-profit or local government body, we welcome your application.
Please refer to the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program Guidelines for eligibility requirements, assessment processes and terms and conditions of funding.
Covid-19 Update
As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, we are still accepting applications to our 2020 Community Sponsorships and Donations Program.
However, with government social distancing measures expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future, we will only fund events and activities that comply with state restrictions.
Applications for large community events received as part of Round 4 (closed 30 April) and Round 5 (closed 31 July) will be assessed in August as part of the Round 6 application assessment period.
For future rounds, applicants holding any events are strongly encouraged to provide new applications or additional information to existing applications. Applications for these events should include the event’s COVID-19 management plan as well as any contingency plans.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue, we encourage applications for projects that:
- increase the capacity of your organisation to deliver services; for example, installing or upgrading tech hardware or software to improve your online services and your staff’s ability to do their job
- support online literacy education programs to local communities
- include capital works which can be done by local tradespeople
- include equipment which can be bought locally
- create online STEM programs for students while they are being home-schooled.
The amount of funding you can apply for remains between $1,000 and $4,000. Eligibility requirements also remain the same. Successful applications must address each question fully, providing details on why the event is worthy of funding, how it will be held and who will benefit.
Funding round dates
We offer four rounds of funding each year. Check the table below to find out when you need to apply.
| Date of your event/activity
|
Applications open
|
Applications close
|
Funding round |
| June-August | 1 February | 30 April | Round 1 |
| September-November | 1 May | 31 July | Round 2 |
| December-February | 1 August | 31 October | Round 3 |
| March-May | 1 November | 31 January | Round 4 |
Applications must be received before the funding round closing date to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Representatives from across the Inland Rail team sit on our assessment committee, including team members from Community Engagement, Social Performance, Cultural Heritage, Communications, Marketing, and Project teams. Each application is assessed by the committee to ensure local knowledge and understanding is included in each assessment process.
Supporting our communities
Learn how the DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum in Drayton, QLD, has benefitted from Inland Rail funding.
Community sponsorships and donations application form
Community sponsorships and donations guidelines
Guidelines for Inland Rail Community Sponsorship & Donations program
Find out more
For more information about the Inland Rail Community Scholarships and Donations program or to check if you’re eligible to apply, please phone 1800 732 761 or email ircommunitysponsorships@artc.com.au
