Sixteen Local Organisations Share In Community Grants Funding

Community wellbeing, accessibility and cultural connection will be strengthened across the region through Mackay Community Foundation’s 2026 Grants Program, with more than $247,000 awarded to 16 local non-profit organisations.

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Funded projects include community gardens, emergency relief initiatives, cultural spaces, youth programs and community infrastructure aimed at improving inclusion, accessibility and community participation.

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Mackay Community Foundation Chair Melissa Green announced that this year’s recipients reflected a growing focus on projects that create long-term value for the wider community.

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“Many of these organisations are thinking beyond their immediate organisations and looking at how their projects can create broader opportunities for community use,” Ms Green said.

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“Many of these grants' recipients are thinking beyond the needs of their immediate organisations and strategising how the benefits of their projects can extend beyond their own clients’ needs and into the broader community.”

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Among the 2026 grant recipients is Crossroad Arts, with Mackay Community Foundation contributing $35,000 towards the delivery of a 15-metre diameter dome designed for local large productions and community events.  

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Crossroad Arts Artistic Director Autumn Skuthorpe said the vision behind the dome was “centred on creating more inclusive and accessible experiences for the community”.

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“Through this project, we’re creating something that not only supports diverse artists and audiences, but something the wider community can experience,” Ms Skuthorpe said.

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“Our long-term vision is to provide a versatile community asset that can support future touring opportunities across Central-North Queensland, and activate public spaces, which will contribute to Mackay’s growing art cultural identity.”  

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Community members interested in supporting future local initiatives can visit the foundation at www.mackaycommunityfoundation.com.

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Businesses interested in learning more about the ‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’ employee giving program are encouraged to contact the Mackay Community Foundation at admin@mackayfoundation.com.au.  

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2026 Mackay Community Foundation Grant Recipients:

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CASA Mackay — $21,818 — New mobile outreach vehicle to strengthen the ability to offer housing services.

Clontarf Foundation — $9,375 — Driver training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men.

CQUniversity — $5,000 — Provide financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardship.

Crossroad Arts — $35,000 — 15M diameter dome for large-scale productions.

Kidney Support Network — $35,637 — Replacement vehicle for patient transport service.

Mackay Pet Rescue Inc — $13,370 — Assist in preventing avoidable pet surrenders.

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club — $15,000 — Replacement of the Surf Club’s roof.

Mackay Youth Service — $5,200 — Furnishing and resources of essential office IT and equipment.

Mind Australia Limited — $18,730 — Creation of the Yarning Circle and cultural garden.

My Hospital Foundation — $10,000 — Advanced imaging machine for breast cancer surgery.

Project Pink — $8,045 — Purchase essential training equipment for youth boxing program.

RSL Cares — $12,000 — Cyber safety program for seniors.

Safe Sleep Mackay — $11,568 — Support the completion of the battery fit-out of Sleepbus 3.

The Held Project — $9,773 — Wellbeing bags for mothers experiencing isolation.

The Neighbourhood Hub — $22,230 — Staff training for evidence based parenting programs.

The Salvation Army — $15,000 — Create a safe, welcoming healing garden for women and children.

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More than $247,000 has been awarded to 16 local non-profit organisations through the Mackay Community Foundation’s 2026 Grants Program to support projects that strengthen wellbeing, accessibility, inclusion and community connection across the region. Photos supplied

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