Funding and Resources

Apply for an Open Applications grant, now

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has opened the Social Sector Support Fund’s Open Applications grants.

What is this grant for?

This grant is to help charities and not-for-profits (NFPs) to remain viable and meet increased demand for their services during COVID-19 outbreaks and recovery.

It’s open to all registered charities and NFPs that deliver services in the social, health, disability and animal welfare sectors in NSW.

How can the payment be used?

The funds must be used for services your organisation would normally deliver to clients and communities in NSW.

Read the grant guidelines on our website.

How much is the grant payment and when will it be paid?

You’re able to nominate the amount your organisation requires.

We expect grant payments to be expended by 30 April 2022.

If your organisation applies and is confirmed eligible for the grant, we’ll issue a Funding Deed. Once you sign the deed we’ll make the grant payment to you.

How to apply for this grant

We’ve aimed to make the process of applying for this grant as straightforward as possible for your organisation, and based it on eligibility criteria. It’s not a competitive tender.

Your organisation is required to complete a form in SmartyGrants, confirming you’re able to meet the eligibility criteria and other requirements outlined in the grant guidelines.

You’re not required to submit a proposal or budget. The grant guidelines outline how DCJ will assess your application.

Even if your organisation registered interest for a Support Fund grant, you’re still required to formally apply for an Open Applications grant. The registration process wasn’t an offer of funding.

While you’re required to answer similar questions, the application requires you to provide more information and, in some cases, evidence to support your answers.


Funding and Resources

Services Australia offers lump-sum payments for people who lost work and income due to a New South Wales COVID-19 public health order.

Eligibility:

  • you’re an Australian resident or hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia
  • you’re 17 years or older
  • you’re not getting an income support payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Dad and Partner Pay or Parental Leave Pay
  • you’re not getting the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, a state or territory pandemic payment or a state small business payment for the same period
  • you’ve lost income on or after day 8 and don’t have any appropriate paid leave entitlements.

You can check your visa details and conditions, including your right to work in Australia, using the Department of Home Affair’s VEVO system.

Payments:

  • Range between $325 and $600 per week depending on your circumstances.
  • No asset tests apply for the Covid-19 Disaster Payment.

How to Claim:

If you are an Australian resident, you can claim online via your myGov account

If you’re an eligible working visa holder, eg. have a bridging visa or student via, you can call the Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66 to make a claim (Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat and Sun 9am to 4pm). You can contact the Multilingual Phone Service on 131 202 (Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm) for further information.

For more information go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment-new-south-wales.

The latest information including translated information can be found on Services Australia’s social media on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The Services Australia YouTube channel has 2 new videos about COVID-19 Disaster Payment

The videos, available only in English, provide clear and simple messaging about how people can claim online and prove their identity.

How to claim the COVID-19 Disaster Payment
For people who have lost income due to a stay at home order, this video explains how people can claim using their myGov account.

Claiming the COVID-19 Disaster Payment online
This video is about how people can prove their identity to claim the COVID-19 Disaster Payment online.


Reminder: we have 4 myGov task cards available in 12 languages:

These and all other translated information products are available on the Information in your language web page.


Funding and Resources

Calderwood Valley Seedling Fund

Now open for grant applications.

Applications for this round opened on 1 June, with a total $15k of funding up for grabs for eligible clubs, groups and organisations.

The application period closes on 31 August 2021.

For those who are not aware, the Seedling Fund is a grant fund where 10 cents from every dollar spent at the Bean Roasted @ Sprout Hub café at Calderwood Valley is reinvested into the community fund.

The Seedling Fund grant program supports local clubs, groups and initiatives.  It aims to promote and enable local not-for-profit groups to do great things in the community.

Small grants are provided to grassroots initiatives and groups for projects that will benefit residents in Calderwood Valley in some way.  In a process similar to crowd funding, locals get to vote for a project, and then the Seedling Fund money is divided between three finalists depending on their percentage of the votes.


Funding and Resources

Reduce Reuse Recycle Kiama is pleased to announce that due to the amazing efforts of its Kiama Boomerang Bag project that it is able to offer micro-grants up to the amount of $1500 to other local Not For Profit community groups or registered charities.

We are looking to support sustainability projects that are focused on reducing waste in the Kiama Municipality by encouraging people to work together, to educate and change the behaviours of residents and visitors towards waste.

We will also consider projects that that will improve the health and wellbeing of the local Kiama communities.

Application guidelines and form are available from the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Kiama website https://www.reduce-reuse-recycle-kiama.org/2021/03/29/grants-available-for-local-groups/

If you have a project but are not a registered charity or Not for Profit please do email us at admin@reduce-reuse-recycle-kiama.org and we may be able to incorporate your project within our remit.

Closes 14 May 2021


Funding and Resources

New Grant Finder

Please be advised that the Community Industry Group (CIG), with the support of Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), has launched a Grant Finder to provide the sector with a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities. This free service means you will keep up to date on all new regional funding opportunities.

Register to receive emailed alerts for new grants, save your favourites and access tips to help you apply for grants.

The site also lists available Grant Writers if you require additional help.

We hope that this resource helps you better navigate the diversity in the funding landscape.


Each year Shellharbour Council provides funding to assist local sporting, cultural, educational, health, welfare and other groups who have a demonstrated community need. This funding is also available to meet requests for ‘in lieu’ or ‘in kind’ contributions.

The first round of donations for the 2020/2021 financial year is now open. Applications can be made by completing and returning the attached application form by 4.30pm Friday 16th October 2020 to council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

More information on this funding can be found on our website https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/living-here/grants-and-donations. I have also attached our policy for your reference.

Please note that the total value of donation in any one financial year to any one organisation may not exceed $2,000.  In addition to this, latest Annual Financial Statements must be provided for all requests over $1,000 to enable the request to be considered. 

If you have any questions, please contact Community Connections on 4221 6007.


Funding and Resources

NSW COVID-19 Domestic & Family Violence Funding Tranche 2

Domestic, family and sexual violence services have had to respond to changes in service delivery, complexity or demand of their program resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSW Government is inviting frontline organisations which are experiencing increased demand in services as a result of COVID-19 to apply for a share in grant funding. 

The NSW Government is looking to fund:

  • Organisations that demonstrate an understanding of, and experience in working with people experiencing sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
  • Initiatives that target communities or areas of key interest, like prevention or early intervention.
  • Initiatives that relate to NSW Premier’s Priority to reduce domestic violence reoffending, including working with perpetrators and/or with victim-survivors.

The grant program aims to support sexual, domestic and family violence services to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19, including by assisting services to:

  • Adapt service delivery, for example by making service adjustments or modifications to respond to changing client needs or social distancing requirements.
  • Expand service delivery, for example by increasing capacity to deliver more services to more clients.
  • Introduce new services, in accordance with demand arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • provide a direct and frontline service to people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual, domestic and family violence; or provide services or programs for perpetrators, as part of their overall service delivery model; and
  • be established in NSW and operational.

Eligible applicants may include not-for-profit organisations including community organisations and/or faith based organisations.

Applicants that received funding under the recent Commonwealth Government and NSW Government stimulus packages are eligible to apply. However, priority may be given to:

  • applicants that did not receive such funding.
  • Services which assist Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities (including people on temporary visas), people with disability, the LGBTIQ+ community.
  • Initiatives which relate to the NSW Premier’s Priority to reduce domestic violence reoffending, including working with perpetrators and/or victim-survivors.

Applications close: 23 September 2020.

More information and application.https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding

Contact: WomenNSWGrants@facs.nsw.gov.au


Mercy Foundation Grants to End Homelessness 2020 EOI

The Mercy Foundation Grants to End Homelessness are available for seeding initiatives, services, projects, advocacy and research that will contribute to the goal of ending homelessness by supporting permanent housing, housing first and permanent supportive housing solutions.

Projects that focus on ending and preventing older women’s homelessness and women who experience chronic homelessness are priority areas for the 2020-2021 program. Grants range from $5,000 up to $50,000 for any one year, with grants likely to be averaging $20,000-$30,000.

Applicants must be a legal entity, such as an incorporated association or company. If not, the applicant will need to be auspiced by an appropriate organisation.

The Mercy Foundation has an Expression of Interest Form (EOI) process. If your EOI is successful, you will then be invited to submit a full application and proposal form.

EOI closes: 2 November 2020.

More information and EOI formhttps://www.mercyfoundation.com.au/social-justice-grants/grants-to-end-homelessness/

Contact: 9911 7390.


NSW Youth Opportunities 2020 Grants

The NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects that have a positive youth development focus.

Projects funded under the Youth Opportunities program are to involve young people at every stage of the project – from identifying the need, through to design, project delivery and final review and recognition. There is strong evidence to show that programs and initiatives designed with young people rather than for them are more likely to achieve better outcomes. Organisations applying for funding must have spoken with young people and involved them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting an application.

Applications close: 21 September 2020.

More information and applicationhttps://www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/grant-applications-2020

Contact: Anthea Wilson, Department of Communities and Justice, 8753 8430 or youth@facs.nsw.gov.au


Scanlon Foundation 2020 Community Grants

This year, the Scanlon Foundation Community Grants will fund projects that support the transition of migrants into employment. Projects should consider the experience of migrants and of receiving communities and aim to nurture positive outcomes. All submissions are also expected to empower new arrival communities and develop cross cultural connections.

Grants are looking to actively support people into employment, working directly with individuals who are unemployed, and may include those that have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19, or business failure or are recent graduates from school or university.

This year’s community grants will provide funding up to a maximum of $25,000 for a 12 month project. The community grants are eligible for all locations across each state of Australia.

Expressions of interest can be made by Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) eligible organisations.

Applications close: 18 September 2020.

More information and applicationhttps://scanlonfoundation.org.au/grants/

Contact: foundation@scanlonfoundation.org.au


Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19

The Australian Government Department of Health’s Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 Grants are designed to assist approved Residential Aged Care providers, approved National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP) providers and approved Home Care providers to minimise the risk of infection to aged care workers, residents and other consumers of aged care service. Examples of eligible workforce costs under SACWIC are those that will support eligible workers:

  • who normally work at multiple residential aged care facilities, but will be working solely at the facility being applied for;
  • who are not to work because they have been experiencing COVID 19 symptoms, have been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive, require testing or are subject to self-isolation or quarantine requirements;or to undertake training in the event a skills gap arises from where existing workers are not to work due to experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or are subject to self-isolation or quarantine requirements.

Importantly, the guidelines require that employees work at the site where they usually work the most hours, or where they will be able to work the most hours over the eight week period.

More information and applicationhttps://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=00B5399B-056F-8A5A-3699BB7A96BF6B03

Close Date & Time: 31-May-2021 2:00 pm (ACT Local Time)


Pride Foundation Australia 2020 Small Grants Program

The Pride Foundation Australia Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by individuals, organisations and/or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs. Grants are up to $500, and the project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  •  
  • Must be a citizen or permanent resident, or a community group that is operating in Australia.
  • Applicants need only be a group of people with a common interest.
  • It is preferred that individuals / groups apply through an auspice organisation, but it is not a necessary requirement.
  • Applications for funding beyond $500 will not be considered.

Examples of eligible activities include but are not limited to funds towards:

  • Venue rental for meetings or social events
  • Advertising and marketing costs for events
  • Speaker’s fees
  • Artist’s fees
  • Website maintenance costs
  • Website hosting fees
  • Catering costs for community events

Applications close: 13 September 2020 and 6 December 2020

More information and applicationhttps://pridefoundation.org.au/pages/small-grants/

Contact: info@pridefoundation.org.au


Macpac 2020 Fund for Good Grants

Macpac are passionate about protecting the environment and its wildlife; having a lasting positive impact on people’s lives through the outdoors; and supporting the communities to which they are connected. The Macpac Fund for Good is their way of giving back, and helping those committed to creating long-term change for the good of people and planet.

They award between $2,000-10,000 grants to those organisations who align with their ideals.

The groups they support fall into one of three areas:

  • Adventure-Based Social Development
  • Environmental Projects
  • Ethical Manufacturing

If you are part of a not-for-profit organisation working on environmental and social causes related to the outdoors, then you may be eligible for a Macpac Fund for Good grant. Your activities need to be based in New Zealand or Australia, or their territories.

2020 closing dates:  31 July; 31 October.

More information and applicationhttps://www.macpac.co.nz/fund-for-good.html


NSW Quality Learning Environments (QLE) Program

The Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program aims to support eligible early childhood education services to improve their learning environments to positively impact experiences and outcomes for preschool aged children. It allows not-for-profit community preschools (centre based and mobile) and not-for-profit long day cares to apply for grants of up to $15,000 (ex GST). Grants can be used to purchase resources and activities which improve physical or educational learning environments. This may include quality improvement initiatives to meet the needs of services impacted by bushfire and recent severe weather events or other emergency situations such as COVID-19.

To be eligible for funding through the 2020 QLE program, a service must meet the following criteria:

  • be a not-for-profit community preschool (centre-based or mobile) or not-for-profit long day care (as identified in the National Quality Agenda IT System or where other sufficient evidence is provided upon request; and including local government managed services) operating in NSW
  • be an approved early childhood education and care service under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations or the Supplementary Provisions Act
  • deliver an early childhood education program designed by a degree qualified early childhood teacher in accordance with The Early Years Learning Framework under the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education
  • be registered, or be willing to register, with The Department of Education (the department)’s Early Childhood Contract Management System (ECCMS)
  • accept and comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Early Childhood Education Grants Program.

Applications close: 25 September 2020.

More information and applicationhttps://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/quality-learning-environments-program

Contact: 1300 755 426 or ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au


CAGES Foundation Community Grants for Aboriginal Controlled Organisations

CAGES Foundation’s community grants are only made available to Aboriginal controlled organisations. They have been designed to respond to discreet needs and are usually for one year only. Past community grants have been used to support operational needs (including professional development), evaluation work, strategic development initiatives, cultural milestones, equipment and resource needs. Grants of up to $50,000 are considered and they are distributed on a rolling basis to better respond to critical need.

Criteria:

  1. Gifts from the community grants stream are for Aboriginal controlled organisations responding to an immediate need.
  2. Activities will be focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the first five years of life.
  3. Any activity must be community endorsed.
  4. All organisations must have DGR1 tax status.

Applications close: 30 September 2020

More informationhttps://cagesfoundation.org/how-we-work/

Application formContact: 9051 2411


Australian Geographic Society 2020 Sponsorship

Each calendar year the Australian Geographic Society offers sponsorship of up to $10,000 to scientific, conservation, environmental and adventure projects. Australian scientists, community organisations and individuals developing projects in Australia and abroad are welcome to apply.

Each application will be assessed against the following criteria:

  1. What is the aim of the project/event?
  2. How will the project/event benefit the local community/Australians?
  3. Is the project consistent with the aims of the Society?
  4. How will the recipient communicate the goals of the project to a wide audience?

Round 2 closes: 30 November 2020

More information and applicationhttps://www.australiangeographic.com.au/society/sponsorship/2019/12/apply-for-sponsorship/

Contact: society@ausgeo.com.au or 9136 7214


Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) Special Circumstances Grant Opportunity

The Australian Government’s CCCF Special Circumstances Grant Opportunity is designed to support continuity of child care, in particular in disadvantaged or vulnerable communities. This grant is to support approved service providers to keep facilities open, those who are at risk of permanent closure and to support the set up new community services. It applies where a service is:

  1. at risk of closure due to an unforeseen event or circumstance, such as a natural disaster, or extreme weather event,
  2. at risk of permanent closure due to another event or circumstance, where that closure would result in a lack of suitable child care for the community, or
  3. seeking to commence a new service in a community where another service has closed, resulting in a lack of suitable child care. Child care services who are approved for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) are eligible to apply for funding where there is a financial need in order to continue to provide child care in the community.

The amount of funding provided to applicants will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the activity being funded and the circumstances of the applicant. Applicants can apply for funding more than once, for example where they have been impacted by more than one unforeseen event, such as bushfire and flood.

There is no deadline. Applications for funding under the CCCF Special Circumstances grant opportunity may be submitted at any time.

More informationhttps://www.education.gov.au/cccfspecialcircs

Contact: 13 28 46 or enquiries@industry.gov.au


Budget Direct Sponsorships 2020-2021

Striving to make a difference in your local community but need a financial leg-up? If your organisation is eligible, you can apply for a Budget Direct sponsorship of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000. This one-off cash donation can be spent as your organisation sees fit. Budget Direct support organisations who:

  1. provide local or statewide community services
  2. run community awareness and education programs
  3. promote health and wellbeing (e.g. sports clubs)
  4. advocate for road safety
  5. provide emergency services
  6. support in need or at-risk Australians
  7. help build strong, vibrant communities

Round closing dates: 30 September 2020; 31 December 2020; 31 March 2021; 30 June 2021.

More information and applicationhttps://www.budgetdirect.com.au/about-us/sponsorships.htm

Contact: sponsorship.support@budgetdirect.com.au


Special Disaster Grant – Bushfires

Disaster recovery grants of up to $75,000 are now available to primary producers in LGAs affected by the NSW bushfires that have occured from 31 August 2019.

Primary producers are now able to access the Special Disaster Grant – Bushfire of up to $75,000. See the Special Disaster Grant – Bushfires for more information.

Small Business and not-for-profit organisations can now access the Small Business Disaster Grant of up to $50,000. Please see the Service NSW website for further information.

More information available here – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires

Check website for closing dates as they vary in different locations.


IGA Community Chest

Through IGA Community Chest and associated programs, we’ve raised well over $86m to help local communities.

Every day across the country* IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. It could be in response to a major event like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s.

The money is raised in a number of ways but predominately through the purchase of products with an IGA Community Chest logo on the label or ticket.

When you purchase a product with the IGA Community Chest logo printed on the label a percentage is credited to that store’s IGA Community Chest account.

More information available here – https://www.iga.com.au/community-chest/

Closing date: Ongoing


Transition to Independent Living Allowance

Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a payment of up to $1,500 to help eligible young people cover some basic costs as they leave out-of-home care.

Young people aged between 15 to 25 years who are leaving or have already left formal out-of-home care may be eligible for the TILA. TILA is also for young people who continue to live with their foster carers after their care order expires.

The payment can be used to buy items such as a fridge or couch, pay for counselling, education and training courses, medical expenses, a drivers licence or any other items or services agreed between the young person and their case worker.

More information available here – https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/benefits-payments/transition-to-independent-living-allowance-tila

Closing date: Ongoing



Funding and Resources

Kiama Council Health & Sustainability Grants – Round 6 are now OPEN

Closing date 10 September 2020

Kiama Council is offering up to $1,500 to not-for-profit incorporated groups or incorporated school P&Cs to drive small projects aiming to improve the health and environmental outcomes for the Kiama Community.

We are looking for ideas that will provide and promote opportunities for the community to:

  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Improve the health of the natural environment
  • Develop knowledge and skills in healthy eating or active living
  • Develop skills in sustainable food practices (excluding community gardening)
  • Improve the mental health and wellbeing of residents in the LGA.

Projects can come in various forms and can include workshops, programs, expos etc.

For more information on eligibility, guidelines and application form, visit Councils website https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Health-and-Sustainability-Grants-2020 or contact Council’s Health Promotion Officer on 02 4232 0444.


Anyone can join the list, for free, at www.ourcommunity.com.au/subscribe.

Not-for-Profit Finance Week: FREE training to help get your finances back on track

With JobKeeper payments soon to be rolled back and fundraising under pressure, not-for-profits are rightly concerned about their financial future.

So you won’t want to miss Not-for-Profit Finance Week, August 3-7, featuring free training worth hundreds of dollars.

Our Community, in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank, will be offering FIVE free webinars exploring answers to these questions and more:

  • What questions should our board ask about the finances?
  • What’s the outlook for the sector?
  • What is our balance sheet telling us about our financial health?
  • What are some out-of-the-box options for our organisation?

Expert presenters include:

  • Adj Professor Susan Pascoe AM, Chair of the Australian Council for International Development and the Community Directors Council
  • Denis Moriarty, Group Managing Director, Our Community
  • David Crosbie, CEO, Community Council for Australia
  • Professor David Gilchrist, Co-convenor, Not-for-profits UWA, University of Western Australia
  • Stephen Halmarick, Chief Economist and Head of Global Economic &Markets Research, Commonwealth Bank
  • Eloise Newbury, Innovation Manager, Schools and Not-for-Profit Sector Banking, Commonwealth Bank

We’ll also launch the Not-for-Profit Treasurers Awards and a bunch of great new resources (also free), including Damn Good Advice for Chairs.

 Find out more and register for sessions now 

More webinars to help you adapt

These webinars are very affordable at $80 (or just $70 if you’re a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia).

Setting an effective course for your organisation

1pm AEST, Wednesday, August 26

 Register now 

Understanding your constitution (for sporting groups)

1pm AEST Wednesday, August 26

 Register now 

Webinars on demand

Managing termination and redundancy (free)           Watch now 

Perfect your financial reporting ($80/$70)                 Watch now 

Diversify your funding with the 7 pillars (free)         Watch now 

Engaging with funders during a crisis (free)            Watch now 

Managing your return to the workplace (free)          Watch now 

Find more webinars on the Save Our Sector page.

 View past webinars 

GiveNow donations growing despite COVID-19

In a positive sign for NFPs seeking funds, figures from Our Community’s donations platform, GiveNow, show donation levels have kept growing in the past financial year. That’s because even though average donations dipped, more people are giving than ever. June donations also held steady amid growing pressure on pandemic-affected budgets.

GiveNow general manager Jarred Slomoi explains: “While the recession seems to have affected the amount people give, we’ve noticed a significant increase in the overall number of donations in the past few months to causes including bushfire victims and COVID-19 support.”

The figures also show growing “stickiness” for support for local groups, while Indigenous causes are now the second highest fundraisers on the platform.

The figures could be partly a result of the growing popularity of Australia’s oldest and lowest-cost fundraising platform, which has raised $131 million for good causes since 2000, including $21 million in the past year.

The longer-term impact of COVID-19 on fundraising continues to be a major concern for Australia’s charity advocates, with surveys predicting a slump of 7-20% in donations this year.

 More about GiveNow 

Help your cause with the Generosity Registry

The COVID-19 Generosity Registry matches not-for-profits with donors who want to help. To start your own fundraising effort, add your campaign to the other great causes on GiveNow.

 Generoisty Register 

 COVID-19 causes on GiveNow 


Funding and Resources

Budget Direct Sponsorship Program      

Budget Direct will consider your sponsorship request whether you’re a leader in your field or a grassroots organisation. As long as you want to make meaningful improvements to the lives of Australians, you have their attention. Requesting sponsorship from Budget Direct is the first step of this journey.

Budget Direct is open to supporting organisations that:

  1. Provide a service or other benefit for the community, on either a local or state basis;
  2. Provide awareness and education;
  3. Promote health, education, and wellbeing in their communities, sporting clubs included;
  4. Help to build friendly, supportive communities across Australia;
  5. Provide assistance and care for Australians in need;
  6. Provide road safety and emergency support services;
  7. Encourage healthy lifestyles; and
  8. Are a registered organisation or association.

They will not consider applications if any of these criteria apply:

  • Requests to sponsor individuals/individual sporting teams (sporting clubs are accepted);
  • Organisations or activities that go against our brand values and business needs;
  • Religious groups, political parties or lobby groups; and
  • Organisations linked to contentious issues.

Sponsorships will be assessed and granted quaterly in amounts of $1,000 – $5,000.

Application rounds close: 31 May 2020

More information and applicationhttps://www.budgetdirect.com.au/about-us/sponsorships.html

Contact: sponsorships@budgetdirect.com.au


NSW Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program 2020 Round

The NSW Government is investing in infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes, while promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion. In 2020, there is a maximum of $300,000 to allocate in each electorate.

Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and local councils are eligible to apply for grants of between $2500 and $300,000.

CBP supports projects involving:

  1. the construction of new community infrastructure
  2. the refurbishment, repair and maintenance of existing community infrastructure
  3. the purchase of capital equipment with a minimum individual asset value of more than $2500

Applications close: 12 June 2020

More information and applicationhttps://www.nsw.gov.au/projects/community-building-partnership

Contact: 8753 8144


NSW Carers Week Grants 2020

Thanks to funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Carers NSW are once again offering grants to organisations and carer support groups to run events or activities, either online or in person to support and celebrate carers across NSW as part of National Carers Week.

This year, National Carers Week will be held from 11-17 October 2020.

Grants of up to $300 are available to help carer support groups and organisations across NSW put on an activity or event, online or in person, to acknowledge family and friend carers in their local community.

While it is hoped that events and activities may be able to go ahead by October 2020, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, funding will be provided to support and celebrate carers through a range of approaches including events or activities either online or in person.

While it would be ideal to run events around the time of National Carers Week, to allow flexibility, this year events and activities may be run at a later date if necessary, with the funding to be spent by June 2021.

Applications close: 22 June 2020

More information and application

Contact: commsteam@carersnsw.org.au


Heywire – Youth Innovation Grants

Applications are now open for the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants!

Community organisations are invited to apply for a share in $100,000 in grants, to bring one of these six youth-developed ideas to life.

These inspiring ideas were created at this year’s Heywire Regional Youth Summit and can be adapted to suit the needs of your community.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available.

Idea 1: Green Book
Green Book seeks to encourage youth to connect with their local, natural environment and to build and strengthen local communities.

Idea 2: Skillin’ It
Skillin’ It is a community-based and locally-driven initiative that aims to create a culture of skills and knowledge-sharing network between people, individuals, businesses and community organisations.

Idea 3: We Need Farmers
We Need Farmers is an educational program aimed at primary school students to teach them about the processes and stories behind each meal and what it takes to get it from the paddock to the plate.

Idea 4: L.E.D
Let’s Embrace Diversity (L.E.D) aims to help people to understand the importance of embracing diversity. People can join the online movement to help connect and collaborate with people from all over Australia and share stories of what makes them different.

Idea 5: Filling the Gap
Filling The Gap aims to share the untold stories of what makes Australia special – we are multicultural and we are diverse. This program will help teach a more inclusive history that covers all countries and cultures.

Idea 6: Just Relax
Just Relax hopes to help create a more accessible community for everyone to enjoy. For those who have mobility issues, it would create a safe space for them.

Applications close May 26.

More information including how to apply is available on the ABC Heywire websitehttps://www.abc.net.au/heywire/grants/


COVID-19 Rapid Advocacy Fund

Australian Progress, together with Australian Communities Foundation and other partners, have launched the COVID-19 Rapid Advocacy Fund, a donor pool that can rapidly inject funds into strategic advocacy campaigns demanding ambitious policies in response to the pandemic in Australia.

As Australians grapple with the impacts of the pandemic on their lives we are seeing outpourings of community spirit and concern. This energy is ready to be channelled into creative and innovative advocacy campaigns that win policies that transform our society, protect vulnerable communities and look after one another.

The Fund is looking for advocacy campaigns that will fight for policies that put communities at the heart of the response to the pandemic, and have a clear plan to create real-world impacts.

Projects will be selected that:

  1. Are advocacy campaigns with a clear theory of change for how to influence decision-makers and win ambitious policy changes.
  2. Are grassroots in nature and have a plan to create real-world change.
  3. Insert an important perspective, issue or constituency related to coronavirus into the national policy debate. Examples might include projects advocating for policy changes on issues like housing, health and justice, First Nations justice and access for people with disability.
  4. Demand that communities are centred in the response to the pandemic.
  5. Benefit from a small, immediate contribution. All grants will be in the realm of $3,000-$10,000.
  6. Leverage cutting-edge tools and tactics, which may include polling, media, direct lobbying, research, stunts, cultural intervention and digital organising.
  7. Are non-profit, consistent with obligations on charities, legally compliant, and fall within the definition of ‘social welfare’ (ultimately helping people facing tough times).

Organisations can pitch their project via an online form. A formal grant process will be announced once more funding has been confirmed.

The fund will primarily rely on larger gifts from the philanthropic sector, although any individual can contribute to the fund.

More information and online form


The Honda Foundation Grants & Vehicle Loans Round 2 2020

The Honda Foundation has two different grant streams, one for monetary funding requests, the other for Honda Hero Loan Vehicle.

The Foundation provides assistance to charities and organisations across a range of social and environmental issues, including supporting the disadvantaged, disabled or those suffering from illness; relief for victims of natural disasters; and promotion of innovation and new technologies.

After downloading and completing an application form, applicants must locate their nearest authorised Honda Motor Vehicle Dealership and make an appointment to meet with the Dealer Principal. If the Dealer Principal endorses the application, the application then needs to be submitted by the applicant.

Organisations must be endorsed with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to apply.

Applications close: 31 July 2020

More information and application

Contact: honda.foundation@honda.com.au


Sunsuper Dreams for a Better World 2020 Community Grants

Sunsuper’s community grants are here to give you a helping hand to make your dream a reality. If your not-for-profit organisation or community group dreams of helping to create brighter futures for Australians, or a more active community, or support others to live better, they want to hear about it.

Grant categories:

Better Living: It may be a community project to help rebuild after a natural disaster, create more affordable housing or help our ageing population or newcomers to Australia. Or your dream may help kids and families in need or simply create a better environment for a more sustainable world.

Brighter Futures: Funding for education initiatives or to create jobs for those in need, or improve financial wellbeing and affordability for Australians, as well as dreams that enhance employment opportunities, or offer training and support to those who need a helping hand to get into or back to work.

Active Community: Sports grants to help people of all ages and abilities be more active, or to improve the health and fitness of those in your community, as well as health initiatives, wellbeing programs or tackling medical issues faced by the wider community.

The Dreams for a Better World team shortlists three entries in each category to present their dream to a panel of judges.

The panel of judges review the shortlisted entries against criteria and award the category winner a $10,000 grant.

The nine shortlisted entries across the three categories will take part in the annual

People’s Choice online vote.

The shortlisted entry with the most valid votes will receive a $10,000 grant.

The eight runner-up shortlisted entries will receive a share of $20,000 to help kick-start their dream.

Applications close: 26 June 2020.

More information and applicationhttps://dreamsforabetterworld.com.au/community-grants


Macpac 2020 Fund for Good Grants

Macpac are passionate about protecting the environment and its wildlife; having a lasting positive impact on people’s lives through the outdoors; and supporting the communities to which they are connected. The Macpac Fund for Good is their way of giving back, and helping those committed to creating long-term change for the good of people and planet.

They award between $2,000-10,000 grants to those organisations who align with their ideals.

The groups they support fall into one of three areas:

  1. Adventure-Based Social Development
  2. Environmental Projects
  3. Ethical Manufacturing

If you are part of a not-for-profit organisation working on environmental and social causes related to the outdoors, then you may be eligible for a Macpac Fund for Good grant. Your activities need to be based in New Zealand or Australia, or their territories.

2020 closing dates: 31 July; 31 October.

More information and applicationhttps://www.macpac.co.nz/fund-for-good.html


IGA Community Chest

Through IGA Community Chest and associated programs, we’ve raised well over $86m to help local communities.

Every day across the country* IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. It could be in response to a major event like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s.

The money is raised in a number of ways but predominately through the purchase of products with an IGA Community Chest logo on the label or ticket.

When you purchase a product with the IGA Community Chest logo printed on the label a percentage is credited to that store’s IGA Community Chest account.

More information available here – https://www.iga.com.au/community-chest/

Closing date: Ongoing


Transition to Independent Living Allowance

Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a payment of up to $1,500 to help eligible young people cover some basic costs as they leave out-of-home care.

Young people aged between 15 to 25 years who are leaving or have already left formal out-of-home care may be eligible for the TILA. TILA is also for young people who continue to live with their foster carers after their care order expires.

The payment can be used to buy items such as a fridge or couch, pay for counselling, education and training courses, medical expenses, a drivers licence or any other items or services agreed between the young person and their case worker.

More information available here – https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/benefits-payments/transition-to-independent-living-allowance-tila

Closing date: Ongoing


Funding

Sydney Water Grants

Sydney Water is offering over $80,000 in grants to community groups and we hope there may be some in your LGA interested in applying.

Grassroots community groups, including schools, can now apply for Sydney Water’s Community Grants Program, with over $80,000 up for grabs.

The program provides grants of up to $4,000 to organisations supporting their local community through digital innovation, embracing diversity at a grassroots level and protecting our environment. 

Online applications opened on Monday 4 May and close on Friday 29 May, with recipients announced in late July.  

Community organisations in the following areas are eligible to apply:  

  • Greater Sydney 
  • Blue Mountains 
  • Illawarra 

For more information including terms and conditions, FAQs and to apply visit sydneywater.com.au/communitygrants .