Costa Tomato Exchange

Well Grown Community Grants Program

Costa Tomato Exchange has initiated a Well Grown Community Grants Program to provide support for community organisations within the Guyra and Armidale regions.

Applications for funding for 2024 open on Monday, January 22 and close on Monday, February 19.

Sustainable Commercial Farming Principles

Community is one of Costa’s 10 Sustainable Commercial Farming Principles, which underpin our operations.

Costa operates in many rural and regional areas and is actively involved in supporting the social fabric of these communities. Our commitment is to act and behave as a responsible corporate citizen, and to work closely with communities so they can benefit both economically and socially from our ongoing presence. 

We aim to support local or regional activities, events and organisations which align with the Costa values of Passion, Determination, Accountability, Sincerity and Respect and which provide clear benefits to the community.

In 2024 we will be awarding five grants up to a total of $4000 each, with ONE grant to be awarded in each of the following category areas:

  • Sporting event/activity which promotes and supports healthy active lifestyles.
  • Community event which is aimed at supporting cultural diversity and/or creating strong community connections.
  • School project/initiative which enhances education or educational opportunities, particularly in the areas of healthy eating; or nutrition; or sustainability.
  • Environmental initiative/activity which promotes the enhancement of our environment.
  • Community organisation project aimed at supporting disadvantaged youth and/or Indigenous youth projects.

To be considered for a grant applicants should consider how their activity/event/program provides benefits for the local community.

Applicants will need to complete an online Expression of Interest including the following details:

  •  Organisation’s contact details.
  •  Description of the organisation.
  •  Description of the event/activity/program which funding is being applied for.
  •  Benefits to the community.
  •  How the event/activity/program relates to the Eligibility Criteria.
  •  Details of sponsorship including promotional/advertising plans.
  • Organisations with direct links to tobacco or alcohol, negative impacts on health or the environment, or associated with risk-taking activities.
  • Events/projects that are inconsistent with the Costa values.
  • Activities which denigrate, exclude, or discrimate against minority community groups.
  • Projects, events or organisations undertaking high-risk activities or with poor occupational health and safety performance.
  • Events, projects or organisations that expose Costa to reputation or financial risks.

Monday January 22, 2024: 2024 Expression of interest opens

Monday, February 19, 2024, 5pm: 2024 Expression of interest closes

Monday, March 4, 2024:  Successful grants announced for 2024

Applications for 2024 have now closed.

2024 Successful applications

Thank you to all the organisations which applied for funding in 2024. The organisations which have been successful for 2024 are listed below. Due to the large number and quality of applications in the sporting event/activity category we have split the funding among three recipients.

Sporting event/activity: Guyra Shamrock Hockey; Armidale Blues Netball; Duval Dam Buster Trail Run
Community event: Guyra Trout Festival
Community Project: Young Life Armidale
School project/initiative: Kelly’s Plains Public School
Environmental initiative/activity: Guyra Neighbourhood Centre

2023 Successful applications

Newling Public School
Bald Blair Public School
Guyra Junior Rugby League Spuds
Drummond Memorial Public School
Global Citizens at St Mary of the Angels Guyra
Sandon Public School
Guyra Super Spuds Rugby League Club
Armidale City Public School
Guyra Volunteer Rescue Association
Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival Committee inc.
Yarm Gwanga Preschool and Early Education Centre
Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club
Guyra United Soccer Club
Guyra Cricket Club
Armidale Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Little Bear Child Care Cottage
Guyra & District Chamber of Commerce Inc
Guyra Cycling Community
Armidale Blues Netball Club