The first round of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) 2015 Community-University Partnerships (CUP) Grant Program opened for applications on Sunday 1 March.

Applications are invited from relevant community organisations across the University's regional footprint for the Rural and Regional Education Development Program category which replaces the former 'Schools Development Grants' category and now includes early childhood.

Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst, Mr Col Sharp, said, "Charles Sturt University's mission is to advance educational opportunity and research in ways that meet the particular needs and aspirations of our communities, and the Community University Partnership program looks to build both capacity and aspiration through partnership and support for local organisations.

"Last year, the University in Bathurst provided many individual grants totalling $15 000 for cultural, economic, sporting, or related activities to groups in our region.

"I encourage all who have a project or activity that meets the program criteria to apply."

Applications for CUP Rural and Regional Education Development Program category close on Monday 31 March.