The newly crowned Lake Macquarie Citizen of the Year founded NFP Connect, a networking group which is having a profound effect in the non-profit sector.

It encourages non-profit organisations to network and support each other, and benefit from training tailored to address the industry's unique challenges.

Ms McLean said NFP Connect started because she struggled with a feeling of isolation that came from working with a non-profit group in a regional area.

"I wanted to see if other people [in the non-profit industry] were experiencing the same thing and I realised we are all dealing with similar issues," she said.

The Booragul resident said the response to NFP Connect has been amazing.

The group now has more than 180 members from more than 80 charities.

This year, in particular, Ms McLean doubled the size of the group and raised the calibre of speakers at the monthly meetings so that attendees can learn, get the support they need and grow their business acumen.

Mayor Jodie Harrison said Ms McLean was an outstanding Lake Macquarie citizen.

"Grace identified a gap within the not-for-profit sector and made it her mission to fill it, by connecting organisations from across Australia so they can network, learn from each other and get better access to industry-specific training," she said.

"By empowering the people behind not-for-profit organisations, Grace has created a trickle-down effect that ultimately benefits the many Australians assisted by those organisations."

Ms McLean is now on a mission to grow the group nationally.

The first NFP Connect Central Coast meeting will be held in February and Ms McLean hopes it will continue to expand.

"If we can help not-for-profit groups in regional communities not feel so isolated and more supported they can have a greater impact and every dollar they raise will go further," she said.