What funding is available?

Whitehaven accepts applications for any amount and assesses them on merit, value to the community, and alignment with Whitehaven’s community investment objectives.

Projects seeking partial funding will not generally be considered unless the balance of project costs has been secured through the applicant organisation or other confirmed funding sources.

Whitehaven reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to approve or decline any application and is not required to provide funding merely because an application meets these guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria

Funding will be considered for projects and organisations that:

• Are submitted by an established organisation with a separate auditable organisational bank account
• Primarily benefit communities where Whitehaven operates
• Demonstrate direct benefits to the local community
• Show community participation and broad community benefit
• Demonstrate financial sustainability without ongoing reliance on Whitehaven funding
• Include clearly defined objectives and timeframes
• Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Whitehaven community investment will typically be associated with one or more of the following categories:

• Economic prosperity and resilience – town liveability, community services, facilities and infrastructure
• Education and training – upskilling, apprenticeships and career pathways for local youth
• Environment – climate resilience, environmental stewardship and water security
• Community health and wellbeing – including sport, recreation and community services

Whitehaven may withdraw or suspend funding where information provided in an application is materially inaccurate or where the recipient fails to comply with funding conditions.

Ineligible Applications 

• Political parties, politicians, candidates for public office or political organisations

• Individuals seeking support for study, travel, sporting participation or fundraising

• Conferences, guest speakers, advertising or marketing activities

• Core operating expenses including salaries and administration costs

• Overseas appeals, research projects or retrospective funding requests.

Project Completion

Projects should be completed within 12 months of funding approval unless otherwise agreed in writing by Whitehaven.

Funding Agreements

Successful applicants may be required to enter into a funding agreement, which includes provisions to:

• Recognise Whitehaven’s contribution in a manner agreed by both parties
• Include Whitehaven branding and acknowledgement in relevant promotional materials and communications
• Provide verbal, written or visual acknowledgement of Whitehaven’s support during the project or event

• Provide opportunities for Whitehaven representatives to participate in or attend the project or event, where appropriate and practical
• Provide photographs and updates showcasing the project’s outcomes and community benefits, and permit Whitehaven to use these materials for promotional purposes
• Provide reports, reconciliations, evaluation outcomes and evidence of project completion.

Application process

To be considered, applications must be submitted before the end of each sponsorship round. To apply, please complete the Sponsorship application form at whitehavencoal.com.au/sponsorship.