Community Grants Program in action
- Home > Community Grants Program in Action
The Collective Impact Community Grants Program has been supporting sustainable positive projects with social outcomes since 2021. The total amount allocated since 2021 has been over $194,000. In the financial year 2025 over $40,000 was allocated to some amazing projects.
Here we profile some of the deserving recipients and their successful sustainable projects.
Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra
Through the support of a grant of $9,000 through The Collective Impact Community Grants program, the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra has welcomed a gleaming new set of copper timpani to the stage.
These instruments don’t just shine, they bring a deep, resonant richness that elevates performances and enhances the experience for audiences across the Highlands. At the same time, they create new opportunities for local musicians to grow, perform, and refine their craft.
The impact goes beyond the stage. It’s about strengthening local arts, enriching our cultural landscape, and building a vibrant, connected community through music.
It’s a powerful reminder of what collective support can achieve: backing local talent, creating opportunity, and delivering lasting cultural impact for our region.
Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens
Made possible through the Gardens’ own fundraising efforts, alongside a $10,000 Collective Impact Community Grant Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens has purchased an eCart.
The eCart is already making a meaningful difference. It’s helping more people access and enjoy the space, while also supporting volunteers who give their time to keep the gardens thriving.
This initiative doesn’t just improve access; it strengthens participation, inclusion, and connection within the community. It ensures the gardens remain a place that everyone can experience, regardless of mobility.
The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens are already a treasured community asset, and this is another step in their journey to becoming even more welcoming and accessible for all.
A huge well done to the entire team for their ongoing commitment and impact.
Berrima District Historical Society
What happens when community investment meets local history and passion for preservation?
Through the support of The Collective Impact, the Berrima District Historical Society have completed the digitisation of the South Portland Cement Works newsletters and captured more than 30 years of rich history from our region.
Once the major employer in the area, the Cement Works played a significant role in shaping the local community and holds a special connection as the place where BDCU was founded over 60 years ago. Preserving these stories is about more than archiving the past; it’s about recognising the people, moments, and milestones that have helped define our region.
Delivered by the Berrima Historical Society, this important project was made possible through a $5,000 contribution from BDCU. The digitisation ensures these newsletters are now accessible for future generations, protecting a valuable piece of our shared history while making it easier for the community to connect with its roots.
The impact goes beyond preservation. It strengthens community identity, supports local storytelling, and keeps the legacy of the region alive for years to come.
It’s a powerful reminder of what collective support can achieve: honouring the past, investing in knowledge, and creating lasting value for our community.
Well done to Ian and the team on bringing this important project to life.
Exeter Public School
The Collective Impact Grant of $9,100 supported the development of digital learning at the schools.The iPads purchased have been actively used in the production of the podcast, allowing students to engage in creative and technical roles. Students have used the iPads to record, edit, and produce high-quality episodes, while also developing important digital literacy skills, such as audio editing and multimedia management. The podcast has been a resounding success in connecting the school with its local and global community. The program has strengthened the schools relationships with the local community, who have expressed enthusiasm and provided links and connections for future collaborations.
Bundanoon Community Garden
The Bundanoon Community Garden was successful in receiving a grant for $5,300 to finish and install a pest proof fence to protect the plants and vegetables. A true community initiative the garden not only provides connection and engagement it will also be used for educational purposes amongst the Bundanoon Community.
The garden’s completion revitalised community spirit, inspiring gardening among all ages. Planned workshops, composting initiatives, and preserving days share knowledge and produce, fostering community engagement and sustainability.
Meals On Wheels Southern Highlands
Meals on Wheels Southern Highlands provides an essential service in not only delivering food but supporting connection. The Collective Impact have twice provided significant financial assistance through our Community Grant Program for critical upgrades to commercial kitchen equipment. These improvements have enabled Meals On Wheels to increase their capacity, ultimately supporting more people in need.
Additionally, our collaboration during Pie Time pie drives and the distribution of Winter Warmer blankets to clients underscore our shared commitment to fostering care and compassion within our community.
BDCU Goulburn Hospital Fundraising Inc
BDCU Goulburn Hospital Fundraising Inc. is dedicated to raising funds to equip Goulburn Base Hospital with modern medical equipment for effective patient care. Medical professionals often face challenges drawing blood from patients, especially children, the elderly, and the acutely ill. Locating veins can be difficult, leading to multiple needle sticks and causing pain and anxiety. Two AccuVein devices are in continuous use in the dialysis and paediatric units. These devices project a real-time map of veins on the skin, improving care by reducing pain, increasing first-attempt success rates, and reducing cross-contamination. However, a third unit was needed for community health nurses to visit patients at home, benefiting those with mobility issues or for whom hospital visits are burdensome.
A $4,600 grant from BDCU enabled the purchase of a third AccuVein Handheld device, allowing community health professionals to provide care in patients’ homes, enhancing accessibility and convenience.