Supporting communities in the Pilbara region
We are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the communities where we operate. Our Community Grants Program supports local organisations and community groups that strengthen community wellbeing, build resilience and create long-term value across Port Hedland and surrounding communities.
The annual Community Grants Program provides funding of up to $10,000 for community-led projects and community organisations aligned with our focus areas of education, community resilience and energy transition.
We fund community initiatives such as community events, youth and education programs, health and wellbeing activities, and sustainability improvements to local services and facilities.
Key dates
Applications open: 2 June 2026
Applications close: 30 June 2026
Successful applicants announced: Early August 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, your organisation and project must meet the following criteria. Eligible organisations include:
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Incorporated community and sporting groups
- Aboriginal corporations
- Groups based in Port Hedland, Strelley, Yandeyarra and surrounding areas or delivering Pilbara-wide initiatives.
We do not fund:
- Retrospective activities (projects that have already been completed)
- Private or commercial entities
- Political or religious activities
- Ongoing operational costs, such as salaries
- Projects already funded by government
- Applications from organisations outside our geographic focus area.
Note: Applications are assessed at PLS’ discretion. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.
How it works
Our Community Grants Program follows a defined process to ensure funding supports projects that deliver meaningful community outcomes:
1. Check eligibility – confirm your organisation and project meet the program guidelines.
2. Submit your application – complete the application form during the funding round.
3. Assessment – we review applications based on community benefit and alignment with our focus areas.
4. Outcome – we notify all applicants of the result.
5. Project delivery – successful applicants deliver their project and submit a short report on outcomes.
PLS assesses all applications and makes final funding decisions at its discretion.
Apply for a grant
Applications close 30 June 2026.
Submit your application via the form below and send it to our Community team at community@pls.com.
For more information, contact our Community team.
Apply nowOur community partnerships
Earbus Foundation WA
Focus Area: Community Resilience
Earbus is dedicated to improving ear health as a pathway to stronger educational outcomes, with a focus on supporting First Nations children. By addressing ear disease early, the program helps strengthen speech and language development, creating lifelong benefits in health, learning and social participation.
With the support of PLS, the East Pilbara Outreach Program has enabled Audiologists, Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners/General Practitioners to regularly visit remote communities and towns in the region. These clinics provide comprehensive ear screening, diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, medications are prescribed and dispensed on the spot at no cost to families, removing barriers to care and ensuring timely treatment.
Strelley Community Project
Focus Area: Energy Transition
In partnership with Pacific Energy and the Strelley Community, PLS supported the establishment of a Renewable Energy and Lithium Battery Project at the Strelley Community and School in the Pilbara region.
The Project, which was completed in 2023, comprises 44.2kW of solar PV (96 solar panels) and a 144kWh lithium battery storage system. This new renewable power system has reduced the Strelley Community’s reliance on diesel generators. It is anticipated that this will reduce carbon emissions by more than 150 tonnes per year and will save approximately 170 litres of diesel per day.
The Smith Family
Focus Areas: Community Resilience and Education
The PLS and Smith Family partnership began in 2023 and has since supported 200 primary school students experiencing disadvantage in Western Australia.
Through the Learning for Life program, students receive financial support for school essentials, personal support for both children and families to encourage motivation and engagement, and practical support through mentoring and tutoring programs.
In 2024, all participating students had access to twice-weekly Learning Clubs, where they took part in structured homework sessions enriched with STEM-focused activities. Long-term results highlight the program’s impact, with 84% of Learning for Life students who completed Year 12 in 2022 engaged in education, training or employment two and a half years later.
Teach Learn Grow Partnership
Focus Area: Education
Teach Learn Grow’s Rural Program takes university student volunteers to schools in rural, remote and regional communities twice a year to provide curriculum aligned, one-on-one tutoring to students during a week-long visit.
By targeting remote schools where children experience disadvantage, the organisation aims to improve education outcomes to see all children reach their potential. In 2023 and 2024, the program supported by PLS engaged 111 volunteers who delivered 2,128 hours of mentoring to 272 students in Pilbara priority communities. I
n recognition of the importance of STEM, Teach Learn Grow increased STEM training for volunteers and increased accessibility to STEM education kits in 2024.
Foodbank nom! Schools Program
Focus area: Community resilience
Foodbank’s nom! Schools Program empowers school-aged children in the Pilbara and across Perth with engaging nutrition education sessions, including cooking, to support healthy food choices and food safety.
In 2024, 455 students in priority Pilbara communities were engaged in nutrition education and an additional 1,076 students were engaged in the Perth metro area through the nom! Schools Program. 100% of teaching staff reported that the program was enjoyable and engaging, supported students’ understanding of healthy eating and exposed students to new foods. 94% of teachers surveyed said that there is a need for nom! Schools Program.
Community Grants Program
Focus area: Community resilience
Since 2023, we’ve supported 37 community projects across Port Hedland and surrounding communities, helping build a stronger and more connected region. The program supports local organisations and community groups that strengthen community wellbeing, build resilience and create long-term value across Port Hedland and surrounding communities.