In total, 15 charities were awarded grants. It includes $48,000 for the Marathon Sports Sense Rugby Program and $125,000 for the state-wide rollout of a PCYC mental health and resilience pilot program GRIT.

Marathon Health occupational therapist Mandy Colless said the Rugby Sense program would have a positive affect on Dubbo kids.

"This Charitable Foundation grant will see us deliver a really innovative and exciting sports program to local kids in Dubbo who have a disability. We don't have programs like this in this regional area so it's really exciting we'll be able to offer it to local kids," she said.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

"Sport is a great way to engage young people with disability. The program is delivered by occupational therapists who can work alongside the kids on their goals and support them to find success and enjoyment in sports.

"The Sense Rugby program will give local kids with a disability a safe environment to try something new. We think it will really empower these kids by building their confidence and their support network."

Ms Colless thanked the Charitable Foundation for the support.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair Jennifer Leslie said the grants went to projects and initiatives that directly addressed disadvantage, marginalisation or isolation for people, to much-needed health projects, initiatives that helped vulnerable young people, or programs that built resilient and connected communities.

LOVE LOCAL NEWS? SIGN UP TO OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER