Search Grants & Funding

The Stronger Communities Programme (the program) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver social benefits in communities across Australia by funding projects in each of the 150 Federal electorates. The program provides grants for community projects to strengthen and benefit local communities and is part of the Government’s 2026-27 budget initiatives.

The objective of the program is to deliver infrastructure projects that provide social benefits for local communities, by supporting one or more of the following:

• support or encourage interstate or international tourism
• support or celebrate Indigenous Australians
• commemorate Australians killed or injured in war or who contributed to Australia’s war efforts
• support veterans and defence force members, their families and communities
• support the participation and settlement of newly arrived (i.e. within the last five years) immigrants who are not citizens
• provide benefits to a specific cohort or cohorts of students
• enable or foster the use of electronic communications
• provide medical services or facilities, or services or facilities incidental to the provision of medical services
• enable or foster the use of electronic communities
• support the provision of community infrastructure that:
  • promotes and supports the mental and physical abilities of children
  • supports positive mental or physical health, or facilitates community participation to promote tolerance, and social cohesion or health
• support the acquisition or deployment of greenhouse gas emissions mitigation measures
• support community infrastructure that promotes climate adaptation and resilience and/or native flora/fauna biodiversity
• support the dignity of persons (including children) with disabilities by enhancing their access to public infrastructure
• address gender inequality or discrimination in access to public infrastructure or sport
• support access for children to public infrastructure which enables interstate or overseas travel, accommodation, or education or health care infrastructure or services.

The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are to:

• encourage and support participation in local projects
• improve local community participation
• contribute to vibrant and viable communities.

Community consultation is a critical element of the program. In consultation with their community, each MP must identify potential applicants and projects in their electorate and invite them to apply for a grant. We will assess invited applications against the program’s eligibility and assessment criteria through a closed non-competitive process.

For this round, grant funding will be up to 100% of eligible project costs for all eligible applicants, except for local governing bodies. Grant funding for local governing bodies will be up to 50% of eligible project costs. This means local governing bodies must provide at least 50% of the eligible project costs in matched funding contributions.

The NSW Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP) grants provide funding to local councils and organisations to repair, replace, or improve public boating infrastructure damaged by natural disasters or severe weather events.

The Program acknowledges that public boating infrastructure not only serves recreational and commercial boaters but also provides access points to NSW waterways, with some assets also providing evacuation points for regional communities.

The types of projects that will be considered for funding under the BIERP are summarised below:

• Repair or replacement: the reinstatement of the infrastructure asset to its working condition prior to the natural disaster or severe weather event.
• Betterment: minor changes to replacement design that improves resilience of the asset against future natural disasters or severe weather events.
• Access for repair and reinstatement: Work to provide access for repair, replacement and betterment can be funded if it is directly related to the above works. For example, the removal of a collapsed tree across a jetty to gain access to repair the pontoon at the end of the jetty

Applications are welcomed from local councils, government agencies, community groups and the private sector :

• Councils – Local government authorities responsible for public boating infrastructure.
• Government Agencies – State or federal agencies managing public boating assets.
• Community Groups – Not-for-profit organisations involved in managing or maintaining public boating facilities.
• Private Sector – Private organisations that own, manage, and operate public boating infrastructure.

Applicants can submit separate applications for different asset locations or project sites affected by the same natural disaster or severe weather event.

The Net Zero Planning Grant round 2 is a unique opportunity for eligible NSW businesses to receive up to $25,000 in funding, to cover up to 50% of the cost to strategically plan for and progress their path to net zero. Advance your net zero planning, identify cost-saving opportunities, improve resilience, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market with expert guidance and support.

The grant is provided in 2 stages:

Milestone 1: up to $2,000, covering up to 50% of the costs, to identify the key actions needed to advance your net zero journey. The action categories include: 

• Strategy (including climate-related risk and opportunity assessment)
• Governance
• People and capability
• Data
• Targets
• Net zero action planning
• Finance
• Stakeholder engagement
• Reporting. 

Milestone 2: up to $23,000, covering up to 50% of costs, to: 

• support detailed work in one or more of the action categories to address any gaps within your NSW operations. This may include developing a greenhouse gas inventory, a net zero action plan, climate risk and opportunity assessment, or other eligible net zero planning activities. This work must follow the key actions of the Net Zero Business Guide and align with nationally and/or internationally recognised frameworks. 
• use the net zero planning tool to reassess your organisation’s net zero progress at the end of Milestone 2, focusing on activities delivered under this milestone.

The Boating Infrastructure Maintenance Grants Program aims to improve the condition of existing boating infrastructure by returning it to its optimal operating condition and extending the benefits these assets provide to the community. The program focuses on essential maintenance and repair works that improve safety and accessibility for all boaters by addressing deterioration and wear and tear of public boating facilities. This program seeks to enhance the boating experience through better maintained assets.

Eligibility

Councils, government agencies, community groups, and private sector entities are eligible to apply, provided they own, manage, or operate public boating infrastructure that is accessible to the general boating public. Applicants must either own or have tenure over the assets, or provide clear evidence of landowner support and approval to carry out the proposed maintenance works.

Types of projects funded under this grant

The BIM Program funds maintenance and repair works to keep existing boating infrastructure at optimal operating condition, including boat ramps, recreational jetties and wharves, pontoons, pump-out facilities, slipways, boat ramp parking areas, and some supporting amenities that directly benefit boaters. Examples include removing marine growth from boat ramp surfaces, replacing deteriorating deck planks on jetties, fixing loose fittings like cleats, repairing potholes near boat ramps, and implementing preventative maintenance measures.

The program specifically excludes upgrades or capital improvements, repairs to assets that don't directly benefit boaters (like pedestrian boardwalks or toilet facilities), maintenance of severely deteriorated facilities without ongoing maintenance plans, and emergency repairs from specific weather events like storms or floods.

As part of the NSW Government's support package for the industry, eligible Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) owners can apply for a one-off fuel relief grant of $1,425 per eligible WAT vehicle. The grant recognises the higher operating costs associated with providing wheelchair accessible transport services and helps offset the impact of increased fuel prices. Applications will open from 14 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.

Eligibility

The WAT Fuel Relief Grant is available to owners of WAT vehicles who meet the following conditions. The conditions are also detailed in the grant application form available on the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) website through the supporting Smarty-Grants link.

To ensure fairness and consistency, all eligibility assessments will be determined based on the information available to TfNSW during the assessment period, irrespective of when an application is submitted.

Conditions include:

1. the vehicle registration type supports WAT services and is registered in NSW,
2. the operator is an authorised Taxi Service Provider (TSP) or an Affiliated TSP,
3. where a WAT vehicle owner has received a Prohibition Notice as issued by the Point-to-Point Commissioner within 12 months of the date a grant application being made, the required compliance actions must have been addressed before the application can be assessed,
4. Greater Sydney WAT vehicles should have at least logged into the Wheelchair Book & Ride service within the last 12 months at the time of application or have completed an M50 job through TTSS to be eligible for application,
5. WAT vehicles outside of Greater Sydney should have at least completed an M50 job through TTSS or have an email from their TSP or Affiliated TSP supporting the completion of WAT work to be eligible for application, and 
6. have no outstanding TTSS investigations at the time of application or have been suspended from performing M50 work through the TTSS program.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant offers women with an idea, cause, or vision the chance to create impact in rural and emerging industries and communities by providing opportunities for learning and development to bring their vision to life.

The Grant is open to all women involved in rural and emerging industries, and rural and regional businesses and communities. Women must be over the age of 18, and must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. No formal qualifications are required.

• Seven x $7,000 Acceleration Grants for learning and development are awarded each year.
• Applicants are required to have an idea, a cause or a vision in its early stages.
• The grants are awarded on merit, not per State/Territory.
• Successful AgriFutures Rural Women's Acceleration Grant applicants can apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in the future.

The Growing Football Fund is designed to support the coaches and players of tomorrow by creating more opportunities for women and girls in football. 

The primary objective of the Growing Football Community Grants Program is to provide tangible support to clubs and associations, with a focus on initiatives that look to attract or retain women and girls in football. 

The Community Grant Program will also aim to:

• provide quality experiences for new and returning football participants that encourage ongoing participation in football.

• support the education and development of community coaches that improve the skills and knowledge of coaches to provide quality football experiences.

• support clubs and associations in developing inclusive and safe environments to support the retention of women and girls at their club. 

The Bupa Foundation Community Grants program funds and supports innovative, capable organisations working to prevent and control disease*. As a health promotion charity, we are committed to making a positive difference in communities by offering funding of $10,000, $25,000 and $50,000 for eligible organisations and charities conducting projects and initiatives designed to positively impact the communities where Bupa operates.

The key focus areas include:

• Healthier People,
• Healthier Communities,
• Healthier Planet.

*For the purposes of this program, diseases include any mental or physical ailment, disorder, defect or morbid condition, whether of sudden onset or gradual development and whether of genetic or other origin. Examples include asthma, cancer, clinical depression, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and viral infections.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.

The $15,000 grant is awarded to each State/ Territory Winner, providing the financial resources to support a project, business or program that will benefit rural industries, businesses and/or communities.

The grant can be used for formal training in leadership and business management; overseas study tours; establishing business plans or pilot programs; developing educational or promotional campaigns; networking at forums and conferences to grow your knowledge of industries and markets; developing training programs; testing information technology initiatives; developing or testing a new business concept or innovation; and publishing books.

The National Winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant and National Runner Up, an additional $15,000. These additional funds can be used for the above-mentioned activities, plus may also be used to assist in meeting national commitments such as speaking engagements as the National Winner or Runner Up.

Additional Benefits for State/Territory Winners 

• Learning and Development course of choice worth up to $7,500
• Access to the Rural Women’s Award Alumni Network with membership of over 450
• Media training valued at $2,000 
• Four day workshop to focus on further professional development skills valued at $2,500
• Long and short biographies written by professional copy writers valued at $1,000
• Access to a Wellbeing Program valued at $2,500
• Professional photo shoot valued at $1,000
• Professional videography created for the Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement which is available for use after the awards, valued at $10,000
• Guaranteed national publicity, brand awareness and increased visibility for your project including podcasts, print, radio and digital (achieved via an external PR company)
• Travel and accommodation associated with the engagements worth over $5,000

Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program offers grants of up to $5,000  for initiatives that create a lasting, practical benefit in communities near Transgrid projects or existing infrastructure.

Since 2023, more than 470 organisations have received over $1.9 million in Transgrid grants for a range of initiatives spanning from community infrastructure, to workshops, along with inclusivity and accessibility projects.

Applications are accepted from community groups which fit the following criteria: not-for-profit organisations, sporting groups, mens/womens sheds, etc.

The Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation (ALWF) proudly makes small grants available to help enable the community to take positive action in the area of health and wellbeing.

ALWF invites Expressions of Interest from schools, Lions Clubs and community groups interested in developing projects which help to increase the wellbeing of your community in your local area and are conducted in an alcohol and drug-free space. These projects can target any age group.

Some project suggestions are:

• Youth-friendly social events
• Environmentally conscious activities (recycling, re-use)
• Community gardens, art activities or workshops
• Sponsorship of charitable / awareness raising events (e.g., “a-thons”)
• An event / activity that supports Lions International Mental Health and Wellbeing service initiative

In March 2025, Bunnings launched the Green Shoots Program to contribute $1 million in grants over five years to support Australian and New Zealand growers.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help growers access confidential business development services from industry experts so they can build and refine their commercial skills. Grant opportunities are also available for financial relief in times of crisis.

Capability Building Grant

A Capability Building Grant gives you access to confidential business development courses delivered by experienced third-party industry experts. The courses are practical and adaptable, so you can focus on what’s most relevant to you and your business. Courses under this first round of funding will be facilitated by the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).

Crisis Relief Grant

Whether it’s an extreme weather event, a bushfire or another unexpected disaster—it can put real strain on your business and team. A Crisis Relief Grant offers you a helping hand when you need it most, providing short-term financial relief during those tough times that materially or severely disrupt your business operations.

The Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors who meet any of the below age guidelines.

• Participants turning 13-18 attending state championships
• Participants turning 14-18 attending state or national championships
• Participants turning 15-18 attending state, national, or international championships

If successful, applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

• Base Grant: $500
• Applicants travelling 800km - 1999km to their nominated championships: + $100
• Applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2000km to their nominated championships: + $200
• Applicants residing in a rural electorate: + $50

Through the annual Grassroots Grants the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation aims to distribute approximately $500,000 annually to support eligible charities delivering meaningful outcomes in their local communities throughout the Hunter, Central Coast, Central West, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions of NSW

These grants are designed to support small-scale initiatives that can be delivered within 12 months to create meaningful impact.

Grassroots Grants

Funding for community-led initiatives that support the health and social wellbeing of communities in regional NSW.

• Funding available:  Between $25,000 - $50,000 (inc GST)

Grassroots Volunteer Grant

One standalone grant is available for a charity that relies on volunteers. The recipient will be required to allocate funds towards the volunteer experience through capacity building. This includes training or mentoring, volunteer program development and recruitment, or relevant system enhancements.

• Funding available:  $25,000 (inc GST)

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Organisations that undertake arts programs, projects, or that provide services to artists, are welcome to apply.

Organisations can propose a single project, a suite of projects or an annual program of activity.

Grants are available from $20,000 to $100,000. Supported activities must last no longer than two years from the proposed start date.

Eligibility

You can only submit one application from your organisation’s account to each closing date for Arts Projects for Organisations.

Only organisations may apply to this category.

Organisations that provide a service to the arts may apply.

International organisations can apply for projects that benefit practicing Australian artists, their work or Australian audiences.

Applications for funding to the First Nations panel must come from First Nations led organisations, with more than half (51%) or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait membership of its governance board.