Mayor Leah Anderson said the launch of this year's program ensures the continued support of initiatives that make the Port Stephens community vibrant, inclusive and resilient.

"This year, we’re really excited to introduce the Sporting Excellence Fund, giving much needed help to our talented local athletes representing Port Stephens at national and international levels,” Mayor Anderson said.

The newly introduced Sporting Excellence Fund offers grants ranging from $300 to $800, with a total pool of $4,000 available and aims to alleviate the financial burden on elite local athletes pursuing their sporting dreams.

"This fund is all about recognising our local sports stars and removing the barriers that might stand in the way of them chasing their dreams,” she added.

The Community Funding Program features 12 distinct funding streams, some open all year, while others open in rounds throughout the year.

“The year round grants that are now open ensure our community has flexible access to funding when needed, allowing local talent and initiatives to receive timely support," Mayor Anderson emphasised.

"Whether it's promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening community connections, or celebrating our unique culture and heritage, these grants help turn great ideas into reality,” she added.

The Community Funding Program has already delivered significant benefits across Port Stephens over the years, including:

• Community Event Development Fund: Supporting events like the Sustainable Living Festival, Medowie Parkrun, and the Medowie Lions Annual Art and Craft Show.
• Major Event Sponsorship Fund: Contributing to the success of events such as Sail Port Stephens, the Peter Wilson Memorial Cup, and the Port Stephens Pro Surfing Competition.
• Vibrant Place Micro Grants: Providing new sporting equipment to the Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation, replacing seating for the Boat Harbour Volunteer Group, and supporting Sourdough Workshops for the local Country Women’s Association.

While many funds are open year round, Round 1 for the Aboriginal Projects Fund, Community Support Fund, and Vibrant Spaces Fund open on 1 August and close on 1 September 2025, with up to $5,000 available per application.

Other annual funds, such as the Environmental Project Fund, Mayoral Academic Scholarship, and International Women’s Day Scholarship, will open throughout the financial year.

“There’s a great cross section of funding streams available to empower applicants to reinvigorate our streets and neighbourhoods, support local businesses, and enhance the social, cultural, environmental, and economic life of our communities,” Mayor Anderson said.

"It’s a quick and simple online application form, but if you get stuck and need some help, or have any questions, contact the team to get some helpful tips for a successful application.

“We're looking forward to seeing a range of new applications come through this year,” she added.

For more information, contact the Vibrant Places team on 4988 0255 or email pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

For full details on how to apply and to access the application forms, visit the Port Stephens Council Grants and Funding Page at pscouncil.info/grants-funding-scholarships

Grants currently open:

Grant	Opens	Closes
Funds open all year round (or until funds are exhausted)
Community Event Development Fund	1 July 2025	30 June 2026
Sporting Excellence Fund	1 July 2025	30 June 2026
Major Event Sponsorship Fund	1 July 2025	30 June 2026
Vibrant Spaces Micro Grant Fund	1 July 2025	30 June 2026
Rapid Response	1 July 2025	30 June 2026
Mayoral Funds	1 July 2025	30 June 2026
Funds with 2 rounds per year
Aboriginal Project Fund - Round 1	1 August 2025	1 September 2025
Aboriginal Project Fund - Round 2	1 February 2026	1 March 2026
Community Support Fund - Round 1	1 August 2025	1 September 2025
Community Support Fund - Round 2	1 February 2026	1 March 2026
Vibrant Spaces Fund - Round 1	1 August 2025	1 September 2025
Vibrant Spaces Fund - Round 2	1 February 2026	1 March 2026
Funds with one round per year
Environmental Project Funds	1 September 2025	30 September 2025
Mayoral Academic Scholarship	22 July 2025	3 December 2025
International Women's Day	13 January 2026	13 February 2026

News image credit: Megann Evans Photography