Cronulla RSL Club has opened applications for its 2026 Community Grants Program, with $150,000 available to support local clubs, schools, and community organisations across the Sutherland Shire.

The annual program, now in its 15th year, has distributed over $1.8 million to Shire community groups since its inception, funding everything from sporting equipment to disability services to environmental initiatives.

Grant Categories

Funding is available across four categories:

Community Support ($500 - $10,000) For general community organisations including service clubs, support groups, and neighbourhood initiatives. Past recipients include Sutherland Shire Meals on Wheels, Miranda Neighbourhood Centre, and various church welfare programs.

Youth Development ($500 - $15,000) Supporting programs that benefit young people in the Shire, including school initiatives, youth groups, and junior sporting programs. Priority given to applications demonstrating measurable outcomes for participants.

Veterans and Defence Families ($500 - $20,000) Dedicated funding for organisations supporting current and former defence personnel and their families. This category reflects the RSL’s core mission and receives priority consideration.

Environmental and Sustainability ($500 - $10,000) New for 2026, this category supports environmental initiatives including bushland restoration, wildlife protection, and community sustainability projects.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a registered not-for-profit organisation or auspiced by one
• Operate within or primarily serve the Sutherland Shire
• Have appropriate insurance and governance structures
• Not have outstanding acquittals from previous RSL grants
• Demonstrate community benefit from the proposed use of funds

Schools may apply but must demonstrate the project benefits extend beyond standard curriculum activities.

Previous Grant Recipients

The 2025 program funded 38 projects, including:

• Sutherland Shire Environment Centre: $8,000 for native plant nursery expansion
• Gymea Bay Public School: $5,000 for sensory garden accessible to special needs students
• Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club: $12,000 for junior equipment and training
• Shire Veterans’ Support Network: $15,000 for peer support program
• Miranda Hawks Junior AFL: $4,000 for girls’ program equipment

“These grants make a real difference to organisations that might otherwise struggle to fund important initiatives,” said RSL Club president John Flanagan. “We’re proud to support the community that supports us.”

Application Process

Applications open January 5 and close February 28, 2026. The process involves:

1. Online application form (approximately 30 minutes to complete)
2. Supporting documentation including quotes, project plans, and organisation details
3. Review by grants committee (March)
4. Notification to applicants (early April)
5. Funding distributed (April-May)

Successful applicants must provide an acquittal report within 12 months demonstrating how funds were used.

Information Sessions

For organisations new to the grants program, the RSL is hosting two information sessions:

• January 15, 6pm: Cronulla RSL Club, Gerrale Street
• January 22, 10am: Online via Zoom (registration required)

Sessions will cover eligibility requirements, application tips, and what the committee looks for in successful applications.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through the Cronulla RSL website at cronullarsl.com.au/community-grants. Paper applications are available for organisations without reliable internet access by contacting the club directly.

For questions about the program, contact the RSL’s community liaison officer on (02) 9523 2222 or email [email protected].

“We encourage every eligible organisation to apply,” Flanagan concluded. “If you’re doing good work in the Shire, we want to hear about it.”