Community Living Supports (CLS) 2026

The Ministry of Health welcomes applications from eligible community managed organisations (CMOs) and/or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) who would like to apply to deliver CLS in partnership with NSW local health districts (districts).

The CLS program provides community-based, psychosocial support to people with severe mental health conditions so that they can live independently in their communities. It is a holistic and culturally responsive service that builds on the strengths and aspirations of people with severe mental health conditions, working together to create and achieve meaningful goals and personal change for a fulfilling life within their communities.

The objectives of CLS are to:

• Deliver individually tailored, and person-led psychosocial supports that help people to create meaningful goals, build independence in daily life and contribute to recovery within their communities.
• Reduce the frequency of hospital admissions and length-of-stay for people with severe mental health conditions. 

The CLS Open Grant Opportunity follows a comprehensive review of the service model and pricing structures which merged the existing Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) and CLS into a single program known as ‘Community Living Supports’ from 1 July 2026. Applicants must carefully review the CLS Service Model as it forms the core specification against which grant responses will be assessed.

​To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following requirements: 

1. ​Must be a not-for-profit non-government organisation (NGO), specifically: 

• ​Incorporated Association registered with NSW Fair Trading (Fair Trading)- external site 

​OR 

• ​A not-for profit company limited by guarantee (must be registered with ACNC and/or have DGR status) Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission- external site 

​OR 

• ​NSW based Indigenous Corporation (must be registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)- external site 

2. Must hold public liability insurance with a reputable insurer with a value of at least $10 million. 
3. ​Must have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN). 
4. Must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience delivering community-based, recovery-focused psychosocial support for people with complex mental health needs in Australia. 
5. Must be solvent and not under external administration. 
6. Must be able to and agree to meet the requirements of the Long Form Grant Agreement and Proforma Contract Standard Terms and Conditions. 
7. ​Must be able to address all requirements of the Grant Guidelines.