2026 grant round opens
Stand Like Stone is calling on community organisations with ideas to strengthen the Limestone Coast to apply for funding through the foundation’s 2026 Community Grants Round.
Applications open on 1 September and close on 15 October 2026, with funding available for projects that enhance health and wellbeing, education, welfare, community development, arts and culture, inclusion and the environment.
Stand Like Stone Foundation CEO Jason Wallace said the annual grants round was an opportunity for community groups to turn local ideas into meaningful action.
“Behind every great community project is a group of people willing to step forward and make a difference – our grants program exists to help those ideas become reality,” Mr Wallace said.
“We know there are great ideas across the Limestone Coast that just need a helping hand to become reality. Whether it's supporting health and wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people, improving community facilities or bringing people together through arts and culture, we encourage organisations to apply.”
The foundation's 2025 grants round distributed more than $100,000 to 16 projects across the Limestone Coast, supporting causes as diverse as cancer support services, food relief, women's safety initiatives, education programs, activation of community hall, arts projects and youth inclusion activities.
Mr Wallace said the breadth of projects funded each year demonstrated the strength of the community foundation model and the grants would not be possible without the generosity of donors.
“What makes community foundations unique is that local generosity stays local - donations are invested for the long term and the income generated is returned to the Limestone Coast year after year through grants and scholarships, creating a lasting source of support for the region,” he said.
“Every grant tells a story - it might be equipment that helps a charity support more people, a project that improves community wellbeing or an initiative that creates opportunities for learning, creativity and connection- collectively, these projects make our region stronger.”
Eligible organisations are encouraged to begin preparing their applications now.
Further information, grant guidelines and application forms are available at www.standlikestone.com.au/grants
Meanwhile, Stand Like Stone Foundation's 2026 Scholarship Round will open on 1 October 2026 and close on 15 November 2026, providing support for local individuals pursuing educational, vocational and career development opportunities.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
