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Country Education Foundation Merriwa was established to provide financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing further education and training is often much higher than their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes, these costs can be prohibitive.
With this in mind, CEF Merriwa fundraises throughout the year to provide financial grants to celebrate the aspirations of our local youth and help them achieve their goals.
Country Education Foundation Merriwa was established to provide financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing further education and training is often much higher than their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes, these costs can be prohibitive.
With this in mind, CEF Merriwa fundraises throughout the year to provide financial grants to celebrate the aspirations of our local youth and help them achieve their goals.
Our impact
since 2002
63
Students Supported
$138,700
In Financial Support
Our local grants
Local grants are provided to enable rural and regional youth to continue their education and training post high school, whether that’s university study, a trade, a diploma or certificate, or an apprenticeship.
Local grant funds are given as reimbursements to cover educational expenses like textbooks, travel, laptops, accommodation, tools, uniforms and other study related costs.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a grant from CEF Merriwa you:
• Are aged between 16-25;
• Live or went to school in the Merriwa footprint;
• Can demonstrate need; and,
• Show commitment to achieving your goal.
After applications close, the committee will review all applications.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, with grants allocations based on the application and interview.
The CEF Extra Program provides additional scholarships funded by generous donors, corporate and philanthropic partners.
When you receive a local grant, you may be nominated for a CEF Extra scholarship.
Student FAQs
Which postcodes meet the eligibility criteria?
If you lived or attended school in 2329, you are eligible to apply for a grant from CEF Merriwa.
What local schools are covered by the foundation?
Our local area schools
Merriwa Central School
Is there an age criteria?
You must be between the ages of 16 and 25.
Your obligations
When you receive a CEF grant, you agree to the following obligations:
Notify CEF if any of your circumstances change. This includes contact or enrolment details.
Report to CEF every six months (mid and end of year).
Where possible, assist with and attend local foundation fundraising and promotional events.
Mid and End of Year Progress Reports
As part of receiving a grant, you will need to report to CEF Merriwa and the CEF national office every six months on how you are progressing, how the grant has assisted you and provide your marks/grades for the semester if applicable. You will receive an email asking you to fill out an online form for mid-year and end-of-year progress reports.
How do I claim funds?
We do not provide cash grants directly to grant recipients. CEF Merriwa reimburses you for a pre-agreed expense or pays for the goods and services directly to the provider.
You cannot be reimbursed for more funds or spend more money than you have been allocated in any financial year.
Please contact our Treasurer if you have questions about claiming funds.
Send us an email
CEF Connect Program
When you receive a CEF scholarship or grant, you automatically become a member of the CEF family.
Membership is free and opens up a range of benefits from mentoring and networking opportunities to speaker events.
See more about the CEF Connect Program here.
Can I apply again next year?
Grants are given on an annual basis, so you need to apply each year for funding. Keep an eye on the open and close dates of your foundation.
Our CEF Merriwa Team
Country Education Foundation Merriwa is run by a committee of enthusiastic local volunteers. If you would like to get involved, volunteer or donate, please reach out to us.
Our CEF Merriwa Supporters
Our work in Merriwa is made possible thanks to the support of generous individuals, local businesses and groups.
They help us continue our work to support local students.
Our local scholarships
Thanks to the support of local donors, we also offer the following scholarships.
What our CEF Merriwa students & volunteers say
Cost of living in Sydney is high and I was worried I’d need to work extra hours to afford everything, including textbooks and uni supplies. This could have meant choosing between lower grades or switching to part-time study.
Support from CEF meant I didn’t have to make that choice, allowing me to maintain a healthy balance between
university, work and a social life.
Support from CEF meant I didn’t have to make that choice, allowing me to maintain a healthy balance between
university, work and a social life.
Bonnie
BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF FORENSIC SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY
Cost of living in Sydney is high and I was worried I’d need to work extra hours to afford everything, including textbooks and uni supplies. This could have meant choosing between lower grades or switching to part-time study.
Support from CEF meant I didn’t have to make that choice, allowing me to maintain a healthy balance between
university, work and a social life.
Support from CEF meant I didn’t have to make that choice, allowing me to maintain a healthy balance between
university, work and a social life.
Bonnie
BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF FORENSIC SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY
CEF Merriwa News
Standout students and alumni celebrated at the 2025 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumni Awards
Standout students and alumni celebrated at the 2025 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumni Awards
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CEF grant season in full swing
CEF grant season in full swing
Read MoreCEF Merriwa News
Standout students and alumni celebrated at the 2025 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumni Awards
Standout students and alumni celebrated at the 2025 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumni Awards
Read More
CEF grant season in full swing
