Applications for grants are processed through the CEF website. When you apply for a grant, you will need to apply on the CEF National webpage and choose ‘Coolah’ as your local CEF foundation. If you are successful your grant will be awarded and managed by us.

CEF grants are non-cash. Instead you are reimbursed for education or work related expenses, or a supplier can be paid directly.

Grants can cover a broad range of education or work related expenses such as text books, tools, work equipment, petrol, transport, accommodation, laptops, internet access.

Please note: We are not able to provide grants for the payment of HECS fees, debt or course fees.

Grants are available to local youth who have lived and/or attended school in the region for the majority of their high school years. Grants are based on financial need, not academic success. You will however, need to demonstrate commitment to achieving your goal. The four essential selection criteria are:

• You have a demonstrated need;
• You are aged 16-25 years;
• You have attended school in or currently live in our region; and
• You are able to demonstrate commitment to achieving your goal.

Our grants open in 1 July 2023 and close on 30 November 2023 annually. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in early/mid January.

Please read these instructions before completing and submitting your application form.

• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria above.
• Create a profile so you can save and review your application later.
• Any supporting documents you would like to provide can be scanned or photographed and attached at the end of the online application.
• You will be advised of the outcome of your application by email.
• If shortlisted, you will be asked to attend an interview with the selection panel from CEF Coolah.

We do not provide cash grants directly to grant recipients – CEF Coolah reimburses you for a pre-agreed expense or pays for the goods and services directly to the provider.

You cannot be reimbursed for more funds or spend more money than you have been allocated in any financial year.

Please contact our Treasurer if you have questions about claiming funds: add email here

As part of receiving a grant, we ask that you report to CEF Coolah/ CEF National Office every six months on how your goal is progressing, how the grant has assisted you and your marks/grades for the semester if applicable. You will receive an email asking you to fill out an online form for mid-year and end-of-year reports. The CEF uses this information to report back to funders.

When you receive a CEF scholarship or grant, you automatically become a member of the CEF alumni family.

Alumni membership is free and opens up a range of benefits from mentoring and networking opportunities to speaker events.

See more about the CEF’s Alumni program here.

For general questions about applying for a grant, or about CEF Coolah, please contact: [email protected]

For help with claims, or awarded grants, please contact [email protected]

Please contact [email protected] if you want to change courses or need to defer your studies.

Yes! You are encouraged to apply / reapply in any year in which you are eligible (See ‘Who Is Eligible’ above). Grants are given on an annual basis, so you need to apply each year for funding.

Should you be successful in receiving a grant, we request that you agree to the following obligations:

Notify CEF if you receive any other grant/scholarship/funding from another source;

Agree to assist with and attend local foundation fundraising and promotional events if available at CEF’s request; and

Report to CEF every six months on how your goal is progressing, how the grant has assisted you and your marks/grades for the semester if applicable.

We reserve places on our Committee for CEF Alumni, and would love to hear from additional alumni who would like to join us.