We are taking a staged approach to deliver Inland Rail. The sections between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales are prioritised for completion by 2027.
From 1 August, our Sponsorship and Donations Program will become the Inland Rail Community Grants Program with a focus on providing support to regional communities between Beveridge and Parkes.
We offer funding between $1000–$4000 for individuals and organisations in eligible regional communities on the Inland Rail alignment between Beveridge, in Victoria, and Parkes, in New South Wales.
Read our Inland Rail Community Grants Program Guidelines to see if your organisation is in an eligible local government area and meets requirements for funding.
Funding will be available to short-term projects and activities that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing and sustainability, such as upgrading community facilities and equipment, implementing unique STEM projects in schools, mentoring and developing local business communities, and hosting community events.
Annual grant rounds
Round 1
Applications open 1 February to 30 April
Round 2
Applications open 1 May to 31 July
Round 3
Applications open 1 August to 31 October
Round 4
Applications open 1 November to 31 January
How to apply
If you have an activity, event or project that will benefit your local community and you represent a community group or organisation that is a not-for-profit or local government body, we welcome your application.
Please refer to the Inland Rail Community Grants Program Guidelines for eligibility requirements, assessment processes and terms and conditions of funding.
Download guidelines Download application form
Application forms must be sent to ircommunitygrants@inlandrail.com.au by 6:00pm on the due date.
Please be aware that outcomes of each round can take up to 6 weeks after the closing date to be finalised and applicants will be contacted in due course.
Funding round dates
We offer four rounds of funding each year. Check the table below to find out when you need to apply.
| Date of your event or activity |
Applications open |
Applications close |
Funding round |
| June-August | 1 February | 30 April | Round 1 |
| September-November | 1 May | 31 July | Round 2 |
| December-February | 1 August | 31 October | Round 3 |
| March-May | 1 November | 31 January | Round 4 |
Applications must be received before the funding round closing date to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Representatives from across the Inland Rail team sit on our assessment committee, including team members from Community Engagement, Social Performance, Cultural Heritage, Communications, Marketing, and Project teams. Each application is assessed by the committee to ensure local knowledge and understanding is included in each assessment process.
Supporting our communities
Learn how the DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum in Drayton, QLD, has benefitted from Inland Rail funding.
Find out more
For more information about the Inland Rail Community Scholarships and Donations program or to check if you’re eligible to apply, please phone 1800 732 761 or email ircommunitygrants@inlandrail.com.au.
