The foundation awarded $68,828.41 in grants to 14 local community groups.
The Nambour Community Foundation (NCF) has awarded $68,828.41 in grants to 14 local community groups at its Annual Grants Ceremony, held on 21 October at the Nambour RSL, celebrating 10 years and a total of $540,000 in community giving.
This year's projects range from new beds for a domestic and family violence shelter to financial support for families of children with rare cancers, and heart-safe equipment for supported accommodation.
NCF Board Chair Al Upton said the grants reflected the generosity of the Nambour community. "These grants are a testament to the generosity and spirit of our community. By supporting local organisations, we are investing in the wellbeing and future of Nambour. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our community partners and the tireless work of all our grant recipients."
2026 grant recipients
• Here and Say – $3,090 for 18 new clinical chairs for children with hearing loss and their families (supported by Ken Mills Toyota)
• PCYC Sunshine Coast – $1,500 for food, mentoring and "boxing after dark" youth activities (supported by Ken Mills Toyota)
• Sonshine Sanctuary Association – $6,881 for eight replacement beds for a domestic and family violence shelter (Nambour RSL $5,000, NCF $1,881)
• Brookes Street Nambour Community Kindergarten – $6,000 for a patio upgrade for child play (Ray White Nambour Rodeo $5,000, NCF $1,000)
• Sunshine Coast Railway Modellers Society – $6,000 to repair and upgrade passenger train carriages (anonymous donor $5,000, NCF $1,000)
• Lily House – $6,500 for furniture to create dignified bedroom spaces for residents
• Wishlist (Reed House) – $5,950 for two automated external defibrillators
• Somewhere To Go Foundation – $4,200 for children's and family wellbeing resources, including art therapy and workshops
• Oz Assist – $5,000 for food cards for people experiencing disadvantage
• The Leila Rose Foundation – $5,000 to support four Sunshine Coast families of children with rare cancers
• Anglican Parish of Nambour – $5,000 for Friday Night Burgers
• Nambour Special School P&C Association – $5,000 for play equipment for students
• Restoring Hope Parkinson's Therapy – $4,500 for the Choir of Sound program
• Blackall Range Care – $4,207.41 for modern frost-free freezers for its meals program for seniors
Ten years of local giving
Founded in 2016 by Sundale Limited, NCF aims to grow and sustain an annual giving program. To date the foundation has provided more than $540,000 in grants to more than 100 community groups in Nambour and surrounds.
"Our success would not be possible without the strong local involvement of our founding organisation, Sundale Limited, which provided the initial $1 million that underpins the annual grants, and the ongoing support of local corporate partners Ken Mills Toyota, Nambour RSL, Nambour Rodeo and other local donors," Mr Upton said.
Partners on why they give
The foundations longest term community partner, Ken Mills Toyota Dealer Principal Brett Mills, said the foundation helps the dealership reach smaller organisations.
“This year, we’ve chosen to support Hear and Say and PCYC Sunshine Coast, two organisations doing wonderful things for local children, young people and families. Whether it’s helping children with hearing loss access the care they need or giving young people a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow, these are the kinds of initiatives that make a real difference. We’re proud to play a small part in helping these organisations continue their great work and look forward to supporting the Nambour community for many years to come.”
Nambour RSL Club CEO Suzanne Long said the foundation allowed the club to give back to the people who support it every day. “Boldbridge Group, owners of Nambour RSL Club is proud to support Sonshine Sanctuary, a domestic violence shelter, through the Nambour Community Foundation. This long running, critical grants program is about providing meaningful, practical support to organisations that are making a genuine difference in our local community. For women and children escaping domestic and family violence, having somewhere safe to go is critical, but so too is having a space that provides comfort, dignity and a sense of security during an incredibly difficult time.”
“We are proud to provide the required funding for eight replacement beds for the shelter. It is a very tangible project - we know exactly where the funding is going and the difference it will make for the families who rely on Sonshine Sanctuary. As a community club, we believe our role extends well beyond our venue. The support our members and guests give Nambour RSL Club enables us to reinvest back into organisations like Sonshine Sanctuary and help strengthen the community we all share.”
Nambour’s Rodeo Committee is now in their fourth year as an NCF partner, directing funds raised through the Ray White Nambour Rodeo into the community.
They contribute to and NCF grant because it spreads its funds to the grass roots of our community, helping the mum and dad organisations prosper. And this year proudly support Brooke Street Kindergarten.
Get involved
To learn about becoming a Community Giving Partner, making a donation, or applying for a 2026 grant (applications open annually 1 June to 31 July), visit www.ncf.org.au.