Every year council gives away $30,000, split into two rounds, to community groups for items such as fridges, hire costs and new computers.

However, in the latest round of funding, only two groups applied.

The Walter T Grant Memorial Seniors Group applied for, and received, $6230 to cover the fee for them to hire a room at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, as well as to cover quarterly excursions and a Christmas luncheon.

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The Muller Park Tennis and Croquet Club also received $2900 to buy and Automated External Defibrillator and a training session on how to use it.

Mayor Ben Shields said he was shocked not to hand out the full $15,000 to community groups.

"This is extraordinary that in 20 years every time we've asked the community to put in for assistance grants we've always got it," he said.

"If there was $10,000 we'd have $60,000 worth of grant applications come in and we'd have to cull community groups and give them that horrid news that they've been unsuccessful."

In round one of the program, there were three applications. Again, the full $15,000 was not given out.

LeaderLife was given $2000, the Dubbo District Concert Band received $1845 and $5000 went to the Wellington Men's Shed. There was $6155 left unclaimed.

Cr Shields said it was unprecedented to see such a small number applying for the Financial Assistance Program.

"We do it regularly and yet we're still not getting those community groups putting their hand up for this financial assistance. It is quite extraordinary that this is going on," he said.

The mayor encouraged community groups to go on the Dubbo Regional Council website and look at the grants they could apply for. He said council was willing to help out the organisations.

"I am disappointed that this round of funding has not been as successful as it could have been for whatever reason community groups have not put their applications in," Cr Shields said.