Deadline: 31-Oct-26
The Mangoola Open Cut Community Investment Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to incorporated not-for-profit organisations for projects benefiting communities around Glencore’s Mangoola Open Cut operation in New South Wales. The program supports initiatives addressing local priorities such as health, environment, education and training, Indigenous needs, and other demonstrated community needs.
About the Mangoola Open Cut Community Investment Program
The program is part of Glencore Coal’s Community Investment Program, which supports community development initiatives in areas surrounding its Australian mining operations.
The Mangoola Open Cut program focuses specifically on projects that create positive and sustainable outcomes for communities in:
- Muswellbrook
- Denman
- Sandy Hollow
- Wybong
Projects should respond to a substantiated local need, involve the community, and provide clear benefits to residents.
What the Grant Supports
Funding is available for community initiatives that address one or more priority areas.
Eligible focus areas include:
- Health: Projects that improve community health, wellbeing, safety, or access to relevant services.
- Environment: Activities that protect, restore, or improve the local environment.
- Education and training: Initiatives that develop skills, knowledge, educational opportunities, or community capacity.
- Indigenous communities: Projects supporting Indigenous communities and addressing identified local needs.
- Other local priorities: Projects addressing a clearly demonstrated community need may also be considered.
Individual Glencore operations may identify additional local or regional priorities, so applicants should ensure their proposal reflects the needs of the community it intends to serve.
Funding Amount
Applicants can generally request up to $5,000.
Key funding conditions include:
- Grants of up to $5,000 are assessed based on merit and community value.
- Requests above $5,000 may be considered after discussion with Glencore.
- Projects should generally be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.
- Multi-year projects may be considered where approved in advance.
- Applicants seeking partial funding should demonstrate how the remaining project costs will be covered.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Incorporated organisations
- Able to maintain a separate, auditable bank account
- Capable of managing and delivering the proposed project professionally
The proposed project must:
- Take place in Muswellbrook, Denman, Sandy Hollow, or Wybong
- Primarily benefit one or more of these communities
- Address a demonstrated or substantiated community need
- Show meaningful community involvement
- Demonstrate financial sustainability beyond the grant period
Who Is Not Eligible?
The program does not generally support:
- Individuals
- For-profit organisations
- Political activities or organisations
- Religious activities or organisations
- Projects that have already been completed
- Projects that are primarily the responsibility of government
- Projects that do not demonstrate a clear community benefit
Applicants should ensure that the proposed activity meets the program’s community investment objectives before submitting an application.
What Makes a Strong Application?
A competitive application should clearly explain what community problem the project addresses, who will benefit, and what measurable difference the funding will make.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A clearly identified local need
- Strong community participation
- Direct benefits for residents
- A realistic and cost-effective budget
- The organisation’s ability to deliver the project
- Additional funding or resources where required
- Long-term benefits or sustainability where applicable
Projects with strong local partnerships and demonstrable community support may be particularly well positioned.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare their proposal with clear information about the project, its beneficiaries, costs, and expected outcomes.
1. Define the community need
Explain the local issue the project will address and provide evidence showing why the activity is needed in Muswellbrook, Denman, Sandy Hollow, or Wybong.
2. Describe the proposed project
Provide details of:
- Project activities
- Target beneficiaries
- Project location
- Expected outcomes
- Community involvement
- Implementation timeframe
3. Prepare the budget
Provide a realistic breakdown of project costs and identify any other funding or contributions supporting the project.
4. Demonstrate organisational capacity
Explain the organisation’s experience, governance arrangements, financial management systems, and ability to complete the project successfully.
5. Submit the application on time
Applications must generally be submitted at least eight weeks before the planned project implementation, or within the applicable funding-round timeframe.
Applicants should check the relevant Glencore application requirements before submitting.
Application and Project Requirements
Successful applicants may be required to enter into a project agreement with Glencore.
Grant recipients may also need to provide:
- A project completion report
- An expenditure statement
- Evidence of how grant funds were used
- Other documentation specified in the project agreement
Grant recipients should retain appropriate financial and project records throughout implementation.
Why This Grant Matters
The Mangoola Open Cut Community Investment Program provides targeted support for organisations working directly with communities affected by or located near Glencore’s operations.
By supporting projects in health, environmental sustainability, education, Indigenous communities, and other local priorities, the program can help community organisations respond to practical needs and create lasting benefits for residents.
Key Points at a Glance
- Funder: Glencore Coal
- Program: Mangoola Open Cut Community Investment Program
- Location: New South Wales, Australia
- Eligible communities: Muswellbrook, Denman, Sandy Hollow, and Wybong
- Maximum standard grant: $5,000
- Larger requests: May be considered after discussion with Glencore
- Applicant type: Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Project duration: Generally up to 12 months
- Priority areas: Health, environment, education and training, Indigenous needs, and identified local priorities
- Application timing: At least eight weeks before planned implementation or within the relevant funding-round timeframe
- Reporting: Project and/or expenditure reporting may be required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants can improve their proposals by avoiding common weaknesses such as:
- Failing to demonstrate a genuine local community need
- Providing insufficient evidence of community benefit
- Submitting unrealistic or poorly explained budgets
- Applying for activities outside the eligible communities
- Requesting funding for completed projects
- Failing to explain other sources of project funding
- Overlooking the requirement for an incorporated not-for-profit structure
- Submitting too close to the planned project start date
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mangoola Open Cut Community Investment Program?
It is a Glencore Coal community grant program supporting not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects that benefit communities around the Mangoola Open Cut operation in New South Wales.
How much funding can organisations receive?
Applicants can generally request up to $5,000. Larger requests may be considered if discussed with Glencore before applying.
Which communities are eligible?
Projects must benefit communities in Muswellbrook, Denman, Sandy Hollow, or Wybong.
What types of projects can receive funding?
Projects may address health, environment, education and training, Indigenous needs, or other identified local priorities, provided they demonstrate a clear community benefit.
Can individuals apply for the grant?
No. The program is intended for incorporated not-for-profit organisations with a separate, auditable bank account.
How long should funded projects take?
Projects should generally be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Multi-year projects may be considered if approved.
When should applications be submitted?
Applications should generally be received at least eight weeks before the planned implementation of the project, or within the applicable funding-round timeframe.
Conclusion
The Mangoola Open Cut Community Investment Program offers up to $5,000 to incorporated not-for-profit organisations delivering meaningful projects in Muswellbrook, Denman, Sandy Hollow, and Wybong. Strong applications should demonstrate a genuine local need, clear community benefits, meaningful participation, sound financial planning, and the organisational capacity to deliver sustainable outcomes.
For more information, visit Glencore.
