Record number of applicants for 2026 Canberra Community Chest
The Canberra Racing Club has received a record 28 applications for the 2026 Canberra Community Chest, as local charities and community groups compete for their share of a minimum $50,000 fund to support 12 causes across the region.
The Canberra Community Chest sees 12 local charities and community groups united with 12 equine heroes at Thoroughbred Park, with partners for this year's event to be announced in the coming weeks.
Among this year's applicants is 2025 partner Palliative Care ACT, which has taken part in the Community Chest previously and says the record interest reflects the strength of Canberra's community sector.
"We had such a positive experience last time that applying again was an easy decision.” Palliative Care ACT Chief Executive Officer Paul Arztenhofer said.
“Community Chest isn't just a fundraiser, it's also a community builder. We met people and organisations we may never have crossed paths with otherwise, and as a small organisation, those connections are incredibly valuable."
Arztenhofer said the record number of applications this year highlighted both the depth of need and the strength of Canberra's charity sector.
"It highlights both the strength of Canberra's community sector and the growing demand for support across our region. There are so many organisations doing important work, often with limited resources, and this level of interest shows how valuable opportunities like the Community Chest are for helping charities continue to do the important work they do." Arztenhofer said.
He said the event resonated with charities because it offered something beyond funding alone.
"Community Chest is something quite special. It raises vital funds, but it also gives charities a platform to tell their story and connect with people who care about their work. While everyone's hoping their horse has a good day on the track, there's a real sense of camaraderie off it as charities share stories, make connections and celebrate the collective impact of Canberra's community sector." Arztenhofer said.
One relationship formed through the Community Chest has already had a lasting impact. Palliative Care ACT first connected with the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre at the Black Tie Partner Draw held ahead of last year's event, a meeting that has since grown into a formal partnership.
"We first met Tiffany and the team from CRCC at the Black Tie event in the lead up to last year's Community Chest. From that we have had several conversations about how some of the clients or people who we would deal with would overlap. The team at CRCC mentioned that quite often when people are going through a major life changing event such as a life limiting diagnosis, they tend to reflect on their lives and what has happened to them, which might lead to disclosure of past sexual violence events." Arztenhofer said.
That connection has since led to specialised training for staff at both organisations and Canberra Health Services, equipping them to respond to disclosures of past trauma with confidence and care.
"The collaboration has enabled us to organise a training, not just for our staff and volunteers, but also for Canberra Health Services staff, to enable them to be better prepared to handle a disclosure when they occur, and understand what supports are there for them as well so that they don't suffer vicarious trauma as well." Arztenhofer said.
Also applying this year is Camp Quality, which currently supports 333 families across the ACT and surrounding region. Camp Quality Chief Commercial Officer Sandie Hall said the organisation has a strong and longstanding connection to the Canberra community.
"We currently have 333 families registered for Camp Quality services in the ACT and surrounding region, so there is a very real local need for the support we provide. Community Chest is a fantastic opportunity to not only raise funds to support children and families impacted by cancer, but also to strengthen our connection with the Canberra community and shine a light on the families we support locally." Hall said.
Hall said the record number of applications this year spoke to both the strength of Canberra's community sector and the reputation the Community Chest has built.
"There are so many organisations doing important work across the ACT, and a record number of applications demonstrates both the level of need in the community and the willingness of local organisations to work hard to create positive change. It also highlights how valuable initiatives are that bring the community together around a shared purpose." Hall said.
Camp Quality supports children aged up to 15 who are facing their own cancer diagnosis or the diagnosis of a parent, carer or sibling, with programs including Kids' Camps, Family Camps, Family Fun Days and a Cancer Education Program, all provided free of charge to registered families.
"Any funding received through the Canberra Community Chest would help Camp Quality continue providing our programs and services to children and families impacted by cancer, including the 333 families currently registered with us in the region. For families already dealing with the emotional and financial pressure that cancer can bring, having access to these experiences without another bill attached makes a meaningful difference." Hall said.
Hall said the value of taking part extended well beyond the funding itself.
"The community connection is incredibly valuable. Camp Quality is powered by an amazing network of volunteers and supporters, and an event like the Community Chest gives us an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate their contribution and introduce new people to our cause." Hall said.
She said Camp Quality was hoping for a day filled with the same spirit the organisation is built on.
"We'd love it to be exactly what Camp Quality is about, fun, laughter, connection and community. We would hope to have our volunteers, supporters and members of the wider Canberra community alongside us, cheering very loudly for our equine hero and enjoying a day where we can celebrate the families we support." Hall said.
With partners for the 2026 Canberra Community Chest to be announced in the coming weeks, Hall said Camp Quality was excited and hopeful.
"With a record number of applicants, we know there are many deserving organisations in the running, so simply having the opportunity to put Camp Quality forward and share the needs of families is valuable. We would be incredibly proud to represent the 333 local families registered with Camp Quality and would absolutely love the opportunity to join the Canberra Community Chest family in 2026." Hall said.
The 2026 Canberra Community Chest will be held at Thoroughbred Park on Sunday 22 November.
The first 11 Canberra Community Chest partners will be announced by Wednesday, 16 September. They will be selected by an independent selection committee, with all other applicants to then enter a public vote with the community to determine the 12th and final partner.