Apply for Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program (Australia)

The Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program, part of Glencore Coal’s Community Investment Program, provides grants to eligible not-for-profit organisations for projects that benefit communities surrounding Glencore’s operations in New South Wales. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for initiatives addressing health, environment, education and training, Indigenous needs, or other demonstrated local priorities.

What Is the Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program?

The Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program supports community initiatives in areas surrounding Glencore Coal’s mining operations in NSW.

The broader program focuses particularly on the Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Mid-Western Local Government Areas.

Funding is intended for projects that respond to genuine community needs and produce direct, positive benefits for local residents.

What Projects Are Supported?

Projects must address at least one recognised priority area.

Health

Projects that improve community health, wellbeing, or access to health-related opportunities may be considered.

Environment

Environmental initiatives that provide positive outcomes for local communities can be supported.

Education and Training

Projects that improve access to learning, training, or skills development may be eligible.

Indigenous Needs

Initiatives addressing identified needs and priorities of Indigenous communities are within the program’s focus.

Other Local Needs

Projects may also be considered where they address a clearly demonstrated local need and provide substantial community benefit.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Eligible organisations can generally request up to $5,000.

Applications are assessed according to:

• Project merit.
• Community benefit.
• Demonstrated local need.
• Financial sustainability.
• Capacity to deliver the project.

Requests above $5,000 may be considered, but applicants should discuss larger funding requirements directly with Glencore before applying.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the program’s organisational requirements.

Eligible applicants must be:

• Not-for-profit organisations.
• Incorporated organisations.
• Organisations with a separate, auditable bank account.
• Capable of managing the proposed project professionally.

The project must primarily benefit communities within the relevant Glencore operational areas.

What Makes a Project Competitive?

A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate:

• A substantiated local need.
• Direct and meaningful community benefits.
• Broad community participation.
• A realistic project plan.
• Financial sustainability.
• The organisation’s ability to deliver the project successfully.

Projects should not become dependent on continuing Glencore funding.

What Projects Are Not Eligible?

The program does not consider several categories of applicants and activities.

Ineligible applications include those from or relating to:

• Individuals.
• For-profit organisations.
• Political activities.
• Religious activities.
• Sporting groups.
• Conferences.
• Core operating costs.
• Government responsibilities.
• Overseas appeals.
• Research projects.
• Retrospective funding requests.

Applicants should ensure that the proposal is for a specific community initiative rather than general organisational expenditure.

Project Timeframe

Projects must normally be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.

A longer implementation period may be possible where a multi-year arrangement is specifically approved.

Applications must be received:

• At least 8 weeks before planned project implementation, or
• Within the applicable funding-round timeframe.

Applicants should therefore allow sufficient time for assessment before scheduling the project.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Organisational Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation is an incorporated not-for-profit with a separate, auditable bank account.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Explain the specific issue or opportunity affecting the local community.

Use evidence wherever possible to demonstrate why the project is necessary.

Step 3: Link the Project to a Priority

Show how the initiative addresses:

• Health.
• Environment.
• Education and training.
• Indigenous needs.
• Another identified local need.

Step 4: Explain the Community Benefit

Describe who will benefit, how the community will participate, and what measurable improvements are expected.

Step 5: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Ensure that the requested funding is appropriate for the project’s scale and that any additional funding required is identified.

Step 6: Submit Within the Required Timeframe

Submit the application at least 8 weeks before implementation where applicable, or according to the relevant funding-round requirements.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate genuine need: Clearly explain the local problem.
• Show community participation: Explain how residents will contribute or benefit.
• Focus on outcomes: Identify specific results rather than simply listing activities.
• Keep the budget proportionate: Make the funding request realistic.
• Demonstrate sustainability: Explain how the project can continue without relying on ongoing Glencore funding.
• Apply early: Allow at least eight weeks before implementation.
• Avoid excluded activities: Check the eligibility rules carefully before submission.

Why This Program Matters

Local community organisations can identify needs that require targeted, practical solutions.

The Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program provides an opportunity for eligible not-for-profit organisations to develop initiatives that strengthen health, environmental outcomes, education, Indigenous community priorities, and broader community wellbeing.

Projects with clear local relevance, strong community involvement, and sustainable benefits are best aligned with the program’s objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program?

It is a Glencore Coal community funding program supporting eligible not-for-profit projects that benefit communities surrounding its NSW operations.

How much can an organisation apply for?

Applications of up to $5,000 are accepted. Larger funding requests may be considered after discussion with Glencore before applying.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants are incorporated not-for-profit organisations with a separate, auditable bank account and the capacity to professionally manage the proposed project.

What areas does the program support?

The program particularly supports communities in the Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Mid-Western Local Government Areas of NSW.

What types of projects are prioritised?

Projects should address health, environment, education and training, Indigenous needs, or another substantiated local need and demonstrate clear community benefit.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals are specifically excluded from the program.

When should applications be submitted?

Applications should be received at least 8 weeks before the planned implementation or within the applicable funding-round timeframe.

Conclusion

The Ravensworth Open Cut Community Investment Program offers funding of up to $5,000 for eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering community-focused projects in Glencore’s NSW operational areas. Applicants should build proposals around a clearly demonstrated local need, strong community participation, measurable benefits, financial sustainability, and alignment with the program’s priority areas while avoiding excluded activities and retrospective funding requests.