Search Grants & Funding

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is working to reduce good quality food suitable for human consumption from being disposed to landfill. The Food Rescue Rebates are available to expand food rescue and relief capacity to safely manage increasing amounts of rescued food in NSW. The rebates are part of a suite of organics programs available to support NSW to halve organics waste to landfill by 2030.

The objectives of this rebate program are to:

• increase the diversion (i.e. rescue) of quality food suitable for human consumption from landfill
• support NSW food rescue and relief organisations to expand their capacity to manage increasing amounts of rescued food to provide to the community
• provide a simplified funding alternative for small food rescue and relief projects.

Eligible applicants can submit an application for funding up to $2,000 (inc. GST) per financial year, per eligible address. 

When regional town and village supplies are threatened by circumstances that could not be reasonably planned for, such as an extreme dry period or extreme water quality event, the NSW Government can help local water utilities to ensure critical human water needs are met. The Water Utilities branch within NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment can provide technical assistance and advice to local water utilities, and support when applying for financial assistance from the government.

The government can help local water utilities by providing technical and/or financial assistance to assist in managing depleted or at risk supplies, including help to implement emergency capital works or to cart water to towns, depending on the particular situation.

Where the source of supply is at very high or imminent risk of failure or has failed as the result of an extreme event, undertaking emergency capital works may be the recommended course of action. Works can include constructing emergency bore supplies, creating a temporary or permanent connection to another water source or water supply scheme, temporary emergency capital works or developing new emergency water sources.

This grant was launched in early 2024 to fund road safety treatments. $91.8 million of funding is available to councils across NSW.

The outcomes and objectives of the program are to: 

• Deliver lifesaving road safety treatments on remote, regional, and urban roads. 

• Implement treatments that deliver improved Road Safety Outcomes linked to the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 and the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25, as well as the NSW Governments Road Safety Action Plan 2026. The goal of this Program is to reduce fatal injuries by 50 per cent and serious injuries by 30 per cent on NSW roads by 2030. 

• Improve risk ratings on roads to a minimum of ‘three-star’ rating on high-risk highways and arterial roads.  

• Improved protection for vulnerable road users, particularly on urban footpaths, shared pathways, cycleways and road crossings.

This Program contains 4 sub-programs: 

1. School Zone Infrastructure sub-program   

2. Heavy Vehicle Rest Area sub-program – State roads only 

3. Walking and Cycling Infrastructure sub-program 

4. Pedestrian Protection sub-program. 

The $2-for-$1 Native Fish Stocking Program provides two dollars in funds for every one dollar in funds offered by community groups to stock native fish (Australian Bass, Murray Cod, Golden Perch) into rivers and dams across NSW.  The objectives of the program are to support local communities in the stocking of high value native fish to protect and enhance our valuable state-wide recreational fisheries. The program also supports the development of regional aquaculture ventures which produce high quality fish stock for release into public waters to benefit recreational fishers.

Who can apply

• Non-government and not-for-profit groups undertaking approved fish stocking activities in NSW public waters (a group includes a fishing club or other community service organisation).
• Individuals involved in community fish stocking programs to benefit recreational fisheries.
• NSW councils and local government agencies.
• HQAS accredited fish hatcheries (to supply fish for the program)
• Non-government authorities.

Apply now for a metering plan implementation grant and receive up to $100,000 to cover up to 50% of the costs of installing an energy metering and monitoring system. 

The objectives of this funding are to:

• improve energy performance in NSW businesses.
• enable businesses to identify, prepare and verify energy and emissions reduction projects.
• provide robust data to site managers to make informed investment decisions that help achieve net zero emissions objectives.
• demonstrate the link between energy metering and monitoring systems and energy and cost savings.

The Small Grants Program provides grants to support time critical Language activities by NSW Aboriginal not for profit Community orgs, groups, and Aboriginal sole traders, consistent with the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017.

Types of projects funded under this grant

• Community driven Language activities that support the growth and recognition of Aboriginal Language  
• Strengthening Aboriginal Community participation in Language activities state-wide or nationally  
• Meeting short term Language training and development costs of Aboriginal Community organisations and groups

The following NSW Aboriginal not for profit Community organisations and groups are eligible: 

• an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the (Commonwealth) Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006  
• a company incorporated in Australia under the (Commonwealth) Corporations Act 2001  
• an Incorporated Association (incorporated under state legislation, and commonly have ‘Association’ or ‘Incorporated’ or ‘Inc.’ in their legal name)  
• an Incorporated Cooperative (incorporated under state legislation, and commonly have ’Cooperative’ in their legal name)  
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust  
• a Local Aboriginal Land Council under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) 

The following NSW Aboriginal Sole Traders are eligible where they are: 

• an Aboriginal sole trader whose primary business activity relates to cultural expression or revitalisation (noting projects must not be profit-making in nature) 

The Australian Government and the governments of NSW, South Australia, Queensland and ACT have agreed to extend the 30 June 2024 delivery deadline to return the 450 GL of water to the environment under the Murray Darling Basin Plan to 31 December 2027.

The Australian Government’s Off-farm Efficiency Program is a $1.54 billion initiative to upgrade water infrastructure to reduce water losses and increase water available for the environment. The program has three streams including $1.33 billion for state-led projects (open) and $150 million for grants provided direct to applicants (now closed). A further $60 million is available for on-farm projects, however NSW Government will not progress applications under this stream.

Projects funded under the program will provide long-term benefits through improved water infrastructure and reduced water losses. Water users and the community will also benefit from increased water reliability and the creation of job opportunities.

The program aims to:

• improve and modernise water delivery systems and reduce water losses to increase the volume of available water for the environment, irrigation, urban and industrial networks, irrigators and communities
• drive employment and create infrastructure opportunities for local communities through funding arrangements for suitable projects
• deliver on the NSW Government’s commitment to the Murray Darling Basin Plan to contribute to the return of 450 GL to the environment by June 2024.

The program is open to individuals and entities in the irrigation, urban and manufacturing sectors across the Murray Darling Basin for projects that will achieve water efficiencies and return water to the environment.

The following types of projects are eligible to apply for funding under the program:

• Irrigation networks: installing new, or upgrading existing, irrigation infrastructure and technology in water delivery networks to supply water to irrigators, including permanently decommissioning inefficient or underused sections of a water delivery network
• Industrial or mining: constructing, replacing, upgrading, installing, improving, or refurbishing industrial water uses, including reducing leakage, for the purpose of using water for producing goods and services
• Urban: constructing, replacing, upgrading, installing, improving, or refurbishing urban water supply arrangements, including reducing leakage for the purpose of urban water supply
• Stock and domestic: improving stock and domestic water supply on one or more properties for the purpose of watering stock and supplying water for human use.

Feasibility funding is available to help identify early project opportunities to reduce water losses and increase water available for the environment in the Murray-Darling Basin. This can include investigations into improving infrastructure, confirming water losses and savings, informing the potential costs of construction, and supporting formal discussions with stakeholders.

Some on-property projects are eligible such as the installation or replacement of pipes, tanks and troughs for stock and domestic systems These are considered ‘off-farm’ activities as stock and domestic water entitlements are not tradeable and do not impact the water market. Individuals or organisations proposing on-property stock and domestic projects to improve water delivery and reduce water losses are encouraged to contact winsw.programs@dpie.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Small businesses who have been directly affected by a declared natural disaster including floods, fires or storm damage, may be eligible for low interest loans of up to $130,000.

This low interest rate loan can help a small business:

• return to its normal level of trading or until the next major income is received within 12 months from the date of disaster
• replace and repair damage caused to your small business and associated improvements not covered by insurance.

A repayment term of up to ten years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the applicant’s ability to repay.

The repayment term is preceded by a two-year interest and repayment free period.

A list of declared disasters and the associated closing dates for applications is available on the Rural Assistance Authority website.

Small businesses who have been directly affected by a declared natural disaster including floods, fires or storm damage, may be eligible for low interest loans of up to $130,000.

This low interest rate loan can help a small business:

• return to its normal level of trading or until the next major income is received within 12 months from the date of disaster
• replace and repair damage caused to your small business and associated improvements not covered by insurance.

A repayment term of up to ten years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the applicant’s ability to repay.

The repayment term is preceded by a two-year interest and repayment free period.

A list of declared disasters and the relevant application close dates are available of the Rural Assistance Authority's website.

Natural disaster relief loans assist voluntary non-profit organisations directly affected by a declared natural disaster including flood, fire or storm damage.

Low interest rate loans are available:

• for the restoration of essential facilities that have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster
• and may also be directed towards temporary storage or leasing of alternate premises

A repayment term of up to five years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the applicant’s ability to repay.

A list of declared disasters and the associated closing dates for applications is available on the Rural Assistance Authority website.

The Workplace Legal Advice Program provides eligible employers and employees with free independent legal help to deal with workplace issues. 

The service is only for employment issues that involve:

• dismissal
• general protections
• bullying at work
• sexual harassment at work.

Law firms with specialist workplace experience provide the advice. It is free and confidential.

From 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System will provide broad support to the economy through wage subsidies for eligible employers in priority occupations. Priority occupations are those listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

The objective of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program is to contribute a highly skilled and relevant Australian workforce that supports economic sustainability and competitiveness.

This is achieved by encouraging:

• genuine opportunities for skills-based training and development of employees; and
• people to enter into skills-based training through an Australian Apprenticeship.

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program contains a range of payments. Eligibility criteria apply to all Australian Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentives payments. Further information regarding eligibility can be obtained from your Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.

Support through the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program is also provided to employers of Australian Apprentices working towards a Priority Occupation. The eligible Priority Occupations are Aged Care, Child Care, Disability Care Workers and Enrolled Nurses.

There are a range of financial and non-financial supports available, including:

• Commencement payments
• Retention payment
• Recommencement payment
• Completion payment
• Wage subsidy
• Identified skill shortage payment
• Assistance for apprentices with a disability

The Clunies Ross Technology Innovation Awards recognise contributions by dedicated individuals,
or teams, who have shared their vision and knowledge with others to apply technology for the
benefit of Australia, and beyond.

The selection criteria for the Clunies Ross Technology Innovation Awards are:

1. A significant contribution to the advancement of industry and/or the community and/or the environment through the application of science, technology and engineering for the economic, social and/or environmental benefit of Australia.
2. Evidence of outcomes and impacts of the technology-based innovation in Australia.
3. Promotion of innovators and contribution to community awareness of technology-based innovation and evidence of mentoring the next generation of technology innovators.

100 Women is a collaborative giving circle that amplifies the giving power of everyday people to create significant change for women and girls. Their ever-growing giving circle gathers people from all walks of life to contribute and celebrate the life-changing impact that we together can have on women and girls locally, nationally and globally.

100 Women awards grants to organisations that advance the safety, health, education and economic freedom of women and girls.

Applications will be considered for projects up to A$50,000 and for a maximum period of 24 months that:

• Improve economic outcomes for girls and women who are disadvantaged or face barriers; or
• Improve health outcomes for girls and women; or
• Improve educational outcomes for girls and women; or
• Provide safety to girls and women at risk from sexual abuse, sex trafficking or family violence; or
• Address any of the Targets for Goal 5: Gender Equality UN Sustainable Development Goals (where the beneficiaries of the grant are girls and women).

Organisations must be a fund, authority or institution:

• which is Charitable (or would be a charity within the meaning of the Australian Charities Act 2013 (Cth) if it were not a ‘government entity’, as defined in the Act);
• Classified with Item 1 Deductible Gift Recipient Status (DGR); 
• has been operating for at least 36 months; and 
• has a total annual revenue (as last reported to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) of less than $10 million.

The award recognises research in the physical and biological sciences, allowing interdisciplinary and sociocultural research that could straddle the social sciences and humanities, by outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD students and early- and mid-career scientists. It aims to support their research and/or the expansion and growth of their research networks and international knowledge exchange through visits to relevant international centres of research.

Awards will be for up to $20,000, with additional support provided to attend the Academy's biennial Science at the Shine Dome event.