Community Support Program (CSP)

Our (CSP) caters to the local community and not-for-profit organisations looking for funding assistance with an event, small project, or purchase of equipment.

Applications open twice a year, in April and September 2025. From 2026 onward, applications will be called for in March and September. Grants of up to $5,000 AUD are available. However, we request that funds provided by One Rail Australia be matched by existing funding or partnerships already in place. This ensures the project is not solely reliant on One Rail Australia’s funding and ensures the resilience of the program or project being funded.

Due to the increasing need for funding from so many organisations in our region, funding is not guaranteed. One Rail may elect to partially fund applications, where deemed appropriate by the Assessment Panel. One Rail reserves the right to make discretionary decisions regarding the awarding of grants.

Please refer to our Application Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria below.

If you have any queries, please contact us via email Community.Support@1rail.com.au

To submit an online application, please click here

If you’d prefer, you can download a copy of our PDF application form below and send it to Community.Support@1rail.com.au

Eligible applicants are those who:

• Can demonstrate the capacity to use funds effectively to benefit programs or events for Newcastle and the surrounding community. One Rail has a particular focus on the communities located close to our operations. However, applications from across the Newcastle region are equally encouraged.
• Respond to a need that leads to tangible outcomes with community or health benefits.
• Assist the community at large rather than an interest group or set of individuals.
• Are a not-for-profit organisation, organisation registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) or local community-focused group.
• Applications for funding must be submitted using the One Rail Australia CSP application form

One Rail Australia will typically not fund;

• Private companies seeking finance for individual business activities.
• General operations such as salaries.
• Political parties.
• Projects that are traditionally funded by governments.

• We request that all applicants include a budget breakdown that explains how the funding will be used if successful. Please outline the specific details of how and where the funds will be spent to support the delivery of your program/event.
• Successful applicants will receive one-off funding for their approved program/project.
• Applications for the purchase of items or equipment over $1,000 in value must be accompanied by two written quotes.

It is a condition of receiving a grant that the successful applicant assume all normal commercial responsibilities, including public risk and/or any other appropriate insurance cover for the project.

Information associated with applications will remain confidential unless otherwise approved by the applicant.

• If your organisation is not a legally constituted body, you will need to provide the name of a suitable organisation (for example a registered charitable organisation or an incorporated body) which is prepared to receive and administer the grant on your, or your organisation’s behalf

• Incomplete application forms will not be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all fields are completed prior to submission to NCIG for consideration.
• Late applications will not be considered but may be deferred until the next intake of applications.
• Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on the final day of the application window

• Applications for funding are invited twice a year, in April and September 2025. From 2026 onwards, applications will be called for in March and September.

One Rail Australia will convene an Assessment Panel to consider all eligible applications. The Panel will consider the total budget available for the funding round and the following questions when assessing funding applications:

• Does the organisation fit within the required eligibility criteria?
• Does the application align with One Rail Australia’s focus areas?
• What are the benefits to the broader local community?
• What difference will the funding make in the achievement of project outcomes?
• Is the budget for the project realistic?
• Could the project be successful with a smaller amount than requested?

All applicants will be notified by One Rail Australia in writing following the approval or rejection of an application.

An applicant may receive less than the requested value.

Successful applicants are required to provide:

• Regular reports on progress of the project.



• A completed report on the final outcome of the project.
• Provide media of their event or project, e.g. photos

Successful applicants may be requested to participate in media events and/or promotion for One Rail, such as social media posts, case studies and photo opportunities.