Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will launch its Community University Partnerships (CUP) program on Friday 24 February with thousands of dollars available to support local organisations and groups.CSU Director of Government and Community Relations Mr Peter Fraser said the CUP grants are an example of how the University is fostering the development of vibrant regional communities."This year's CUP program will support Indigenous, arts, educational and sporting activities in regional NSW through direct grants from Charles Sturt University totalling $100 000," Mr Fraser said."We want young people in the Riverina to aspire to higher education and to be aware of the opportunities in their own local region."Charles Sturt University is proud to be able to support projects that can make a real difference in our community and we've seen in the past that some of these small projects grow to have far-reaching effects."In 2016, CSU provided 103 CUP grants across all its regions.In the Riverina projects included the creation of a dry riverbed garden at a pre-school, providing uniforms and training for a rugby league group and new equipment for schools.CUP funding applications for the Arts opens on Monday 27 February. Further information about CUP is available here.