2026 United Wambo Joint Venture Community Investment Round 2 (Australia)

The United Wambo Joint Venture Community Investment Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering community projects in Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Mid-Western Local Government Areas of New South Wales. Funding supports initiatives that improve community wellbeing and address local priorities in areas such as health, environment, education, Indigenous communities, and identified community needs.

About the United Wambo Community Investment Program

The program is part of Glencore Coal’s commitment to supporting communities located near its operations. It is designed to fund practical, community-focused initiatives that create measurable local benefits.

The program prioritises projects that:

• Address a clearly identified local need.
• Deliver positive outcomes for residents.
• Encourage strong community participation.
• Have realistic and achievable objectives.
• Demonstrate sound financial and project management.
• Contribute to community wellbeing and long-term sustainability.

Key Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to $5,000.
• Larger funding requests: May be discussed directly with Glencore before applying.
• Project duration: Projects should generally be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.
• Multi-year projects: May be considered where a multi-year arrangement is approved.
• Geographic focus: Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Mid-Western Local Government Areas, New South Wales.

Priority Funding Areas

Projects must align with at least one of the program’s priority areas.

Health

Projects can address community health and wellbeing needs and improve access to activities or services that benefit local residents.

Environment

Environmental initiatives that address local environmental priorities and encourage community participation may be considered.

Education and Training

Funding can support initiatives that create educational, training, learning, or skills-development opportunities for community members.

Indigenous Communities

Projects that support Indigenous communities and respond to locally identified priorities are eligible.

Identified Local Needs

The program can also support projects addressing other clearly demonstrated community needs, provided they deliver a meaningful benefit to one or more target communities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Not-for-profit organisations.
• Incorporated organisations.
• Able to demonstrate professional capacity to manage the proposed project.
• Able to maintain a separate and auditable bank account.
• Able to demonstrate that the project will primarily benefit at least one of the target communities.

Applicants should also demonstrate financial sustainability and have secured funding for project costs that will not be covered by the United Wambo grant.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not support:

• Individuals applying in their personal capacity.
• For-profit organisations.
• Political activities.
• Religious activities.
• Core operating costs.
• Projects that have already been completed.
• Projects that do not primarily benefit the target communities.

What Projects Are Prioritised?

Strong applications should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activity and a local community need.

Projects are more competitive when they:

• Have strong community involvement.
• Provide clear and measurable outcomes.
• Address a documented or substantiated need.
• Benefit residents in Singleton, Muswellbrook, or Mid-Western LGAs.
• Have realistic budgets and implementation plans.
• Demonstrate organisational capacity.
• Have additional funding secured where required.
• Can be completed within the required timeframe.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their proposal around the program’s community investment priorities.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure the organisation is incorporated, operates on a not-for-profit basis, and has a separate auditable bank account.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly explain the issue the project will address. Include evidence or local information demonstrating why the project is needed.

Step 3: Define the Project

Describe:

• What activities will be delivered.
• Who will benefit.
• Where activities will take place.
• How the community will participate.
• What outcomes are expected.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Develop a realistic project budget showing how the requested funding will be used. Identify any other funding sources required to complete the project.

Step 5: Demonstrate Sustainability

Explain how the organisation will manage and sustain the project and how any costs not covered by the grant will be financed.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application according to the United Wambo Joint Venture Community Investment Program requirements.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Failing to demonstrate a genuine local need.
• Providing vague or unmeasurable project outcomes.
• Requesting funding for core operating expenses.
• Applying for a project that has already been completed.
• Failing to show community participation.
• Omitting other sources of project funding.
• Proposing activities that primarily benefit people outside the eligible communities.
• Submitting a budget that does not clearly connect costs with project activities.

Why This Grant Matters

Community investment funding can help local not-for-profit organisations turn community-identified needs into practical projects. By prioritising health, environmental sustainability, education, Indigenous communities, and local needs, the program supports initiatives that can strengthen community participation and wellbeing.

The requirement for applicants to demonstrate need, community involvement, financial sustainability, and measurable benefits also encourages projects that deliver meaningful value rather than short-term activities without clear outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can apply for up to $5,000. Larger funding requests may be discussed directly with Glencore before an application is submitted.

Which areas are covered by the program?

Projects must primarily benefit communities in the Singleton, Muswellbrook, or Mid-Western Local Government Areas of New South Wales.

Can individuals apply?

No. The program is intended for eligible not-for-profit incorporated organisations rather than individuals.

Can for-profit organisations receive funding?

No. For-profit organisations are not eligible.

What types of projects are supported?

Priority is given to community initiatives addressing health, environment, education and training, Indigenous communities, or an identified local need.

Can funding be used for core operating costs?

No. Core operating costs are specifically excluded from funding.

How long do funded projects have to run?

Projects should generally be completed within 12 months of receiving funding, unless a multi-year arrangement has been approved.

Conclusion

The United Wambo Joint Venture Community Investment Program offers up to $5,000 to help eligible not-for-profit organisations deliver community-focused projects in Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Mid-Western NSW. Organisations with strong local partnerships, clearly demonstrated community needs, measurable outcomes, realistic budgets, and sustainable delivery plans are well positioned to develop competitive applications.