Our Impact
Since 2007, the RAS Foundation has awarded $9,120,000 in scholarships and grants across rural and regional communities.
The difference we make
Through our scholarships program, we help to relieve financial stress for students from regional and rural communities, better enabling them to manage their immediate economic needs and supporting their mental well-being and resilience during their studies. With less financial pressure, students from regional and rural areas are able to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities linked to their chosen career path.
“The RAS Foundation Scholarship has made it possible for me to help on the farm during breaks from university and still able to chase the same education dreams as students from metropolitan areas” — Brad Chapman 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholar.
The Community Grants program provides much-needed financial support to local projects that deliver strong community benefits and enhanced economic and social outcomes for rural and regional communities. Each year, we help bring bright ideas to life that are driven by the community, for the community.
“Being the successful applicant for a RAS Foundation Community Grant has been a huge boost to our community and our aim is to continue to improve our community for the here and now and also for future generations – so they can confidently continue the tradition of community events and connectedness” — Rhonda Watt, Cumnock Show Society, RAS Foundation Community Futures Grant recipient.
View the 21/22 RAS Foundation Annual Report
View the 22/23 RAS Foundation Annual Report
Support the growth of rural communities with a donation or gift in will
The RAS Foundation (RASF) helps rural students and communities to grow and prosper through our Scholarship and Grant Programs. A donation to the RASF creates education and career opportunities for young rural people in NSW, and supports projects that deliver strong community benefits resulting in enhanced economic and social outcomes in regional and rural areas. All the operating costs of the RASF are covered by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. This allows us to use your donation for the purpose for which it was given.