Free workshop to help groups secure grant funding

Published on 27 August 2026

Individuals, community groups, clubs and organisations across the Armidale Region are encouraged to build their funding skills and bring their project ideas to life through a free Community Grant Writing Workshop hosted by Armidale Regional Council.

The practical, hands-on workshop will be held on Thursday 8 October at NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale, and is designed to support anyone interested in sourcing and applying for grants to fund projects, initiatives and community activities.

Mayor Sam Coupland said the workshop would provide valuable skills and confidence to community members seeking funding opportunities.

"This hands-on workshop will give community organisations, volunteers and local leaders the tools and confidence to turn great project ideas into successful funding applications," said Mayor Coupland.

"Council is keen to help great ideas get off the ground."

The workshop will be delivered by Margot Davis from Unearthed Prosperity, an experienced economic development practitioner, marketing specialist and place-making expert who has successfully secured grants, tenders and project funding for a wide range of organisations and communities.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of successful grant writing, including project planning, defining outcomes, preparing compelling applications and managing grants once funding has been secured.

A key focus of the workshop will be identifying practical funding opportunities for rural and regional communities.

Attendees will work through real-world examples and practical exercises, supported by templates and resources that can be applied to future grant applications. The workshop will also explore how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can assist with grant writing by saving time, improving structure and strengthening applications while maintaining an authentic community voice.

By the end of the session, participants will have developed a draft project summary, gained a stronger understanding of funder expectations and learned practical strategies for reporting and grant acquittal requirements.

“This is an ideal opportunity to improve your grant writing skills, share experiences and connect with others who are working to strengthen our region," said Mayor Coupland.

"Grants support local projects that respond to specific community needs, creating benefits that flow across the region. I hope this workshop helps the people driving those projects secure funding and bring their ideas to life. It's a win for all of us."

The Community Grant Writing Workshop is delivered and funded by Armidale Regional Council. The event builds on the success of previous grant writing workshops held in 2023 through the NSW Reconstruction Authority Community Recovery Program, then in 2024 and 2025 through Council funding.