Stronger Communities Grants Round 9 - Now Calling for Expressions of Interest
The Stronger Communities Program provides grants of up to $20,000 of funding for community projects to deliver small infrastructure projects to strengthen and benefit local communities.
The objective of the program is to deliver infrastructure projects that provide social benefits for local communities to encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.
If you are an eligible organisation, you are invited to read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and then complete and submit an Expression of Interest Form to Allegra’s office by 5pm on Monday 24 February 2025.
All EOIs will be assessed by the Wentworth Grants Selection Committee. Successful nominees will be notified in early March and invited to lodge an application by Friday 28 March 2025.
If you require a hard copy Expression of Interest form, or would like more information, please contact our office on 02 9327 3988.
The Business Grants Hub will be delivering a virtual information session via Teams on Tuesday 11th February from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. No registration is required. The session will focus on the grant opportunity guidelines, with an emphasis on the changes in eligible activities and the application process for Round 9.
Other Current Grant Opportunities
Grants are available from a range of sources to help support your business, projects and organisations. A selection of current grant opportunities is outlined below.
When searching for grant opportunities, there are a number of places you can start depending on the type of grant you need.
- All current Federal grants are listed via Grant Connect. The Federal Government also offers hubs for Business, Arts and Community grants
- NSW State government grants can be found here
- Local government grants can be found on the various council grants webpages
In addition to this, there are numerous corporate and philanthropic organisations which may offer a grant suitable for your project. To view additional opportunities please register for a free account with the Wentworth Funding Finder which is available to the Wentworth community. This tool provides a comprehensive database of all grants available, along with tools (including videos) to help you search, save and apply for current and pending grants as well as to set up email notifications of new grants which may be of interest.
If you need funding, or a letter of support from Allegra for your application, please email us at [email protected] and our grants team will be happy to help.
See here for our Grant Writing Tips.
Click below for more information on current grants available -
Arts & Entertainment
Sydney Film Festival Competition
Amount: $7,000 to $60,000
Provider: Sydney Film Festival
Closes: 28 February 2025
Various awards available.
Aboriginal Affairs NSW – Cultural Grants Program
Amount: $500 to $20,000
Provider: NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
Closes: 21 March 2025
Support for Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW to celebrate Aboriginal culture and hold cultural events and activities.
Sound NSW – Venue Upgrade Grants Program
Amount: $250,000
Provider: Sound NSW
Closes: 14 April 2025
Grants are available for dedicated live music venues to support venue upgrades that enhance audience and visitor experience. Funding will support the purchase of equipment and a range of infrastructure development works.
Sound NSW – Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund
Amount: $500,000
Provider: Create NSW
Closes: 30 April 2025
Support for existing large-scale contemporary music festivals presented in NSW with a track record of delivering significant outcomes for contemporary music.
Gordon Darling Foundation – General Grants Program
Amount: Not specified.
Provider: Gordon Darling Foundation
Closes: 30 May 2025
General grants available to support Australia-wide, activities of importance in the Visual Arts.
A fundraising platform for Australian artists. Upload your project, start your fundraising campaign and invite art lovers and supporters to donate with 100% of donations going directly towards your creative project.
For more Federal Arts & Entertainment opportunities see Office for the Arts and for more NSW opportunities see Create NSW.
Business
Paid Employment Pathways Program – WorkFoundations Grants
Amount: $750,000
Provider: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Closes: 11 February 2025
Support for job seekers with barriers to work who are seeking to connect to job opportunities and achieve sustained employment.
Tourism Australia – Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP)
Amount: $50,000
Provider: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Closes: 30 June 2025
Support to increase the conversion of new international business events for Australia through the offer of financial support at the critical bidding stage.
NSW Going Global Export Program
Amount: Various
Provider: NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade
Closes: Ongoing
Support for businesses expanding into international markets.
Amount: $23,800
Provider: Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
Closes: Ongoing
Support for training of leaders in critical thinking and moral courage to conduct their leadership within an ethical framework.
Amount: Not specified
Provider: NSW Department of Customer Service
Closes: Ongoing
Support for NSW businesses as they navigate the challenges of starting, running, growing and adapting their business.
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Closes: Ongoing
Support for export-ready Australian tech businesses to expand globally and find international investors.
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Closes: Ongoing
This Australian Government initiative encourages investment in small-scale renewable energy. It provides incentives to households and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems like rooftop solar, solar water heaters and air sourced heat pumps.
Amount: $50,000 to $5million
Provider: Department of Industry, Science & Resources
Closes: Ongoing
Support for innovative small and medium sized enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Closes: Ongoing
Support for the delivery of pre-employment projects. These projects prepare eligible individuals for specific entry-level roles within a business.
Apprenticeship Wage Subsidies and Hiring Incentives
Amount: Variable
Provider: Department of Employment & Workplace Relations
Closes: Ongoing
Support for the continued training and development of a highly skilled Australian workforce by providing employers with incentives to employ an apprentice.
Small Business Skills & Training Boost
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Australian Taxation Office
Closes: Ongoing
Federal tax deduction of up to 20% for external training courses for small businesses with aggregate turnover of less than $50m. Applies to expenditure incurred to 30 June 2024.
Small Business Technology Investment Boost
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Australian Taxation Office
Closes: Ongoing
Federal tax deduction of up to 20% on technology expenditure to help digitise the business.
Export Finance Australia Guarantees
Amount: Guarantee amounts from $100,000
Provider: Export Finance Australia
Closes: Ongoing
Guarantees to assist export businesses with accessing finance.
For more Federal opportunities see Support for businesses in Australia | business.gov.au and for more NSW opportunities see Grants & Programs - Investment NSW.
Community
NSW Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnerships Grant Program
Amount: $500,000
Provider: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Closes: EOIs close on 18 February 2025
This grant is designed to support community-led, three-year initiatives with clear and actionable delivery plans across metro, rural, and regional NSW that engage a range of different communities and marginalised cohorts in delivery of the NSW Government's Primary Prevention Strategy - Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028.
Amount: $360,000
Provider: Department of Social Services
Closes: 20 February 2025
Grant funding to organisations for one-off, time limited projects. These are community-driven and designed to help vulnerable and disadvantaged people participate socially and economically.
Community Building Partnership 2025
Amount: $10,000 to $100,000
Provider: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Closes: 21 February 2025
Grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.
Indigenous Advancement Strategy – NAIDOC Local Grants Funding
Amount: $25,000
Provider: National Indigenous Australians Agency
Closes: 20 February 2025
Funding co-contribution to the cost of running a NAIDOC Week activity/event.
Stronger Communities Grants Round 9
Amount: Up to $20,000
Provider: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Closes: EOIs close on 24 February 2025
Support to deliver infrastructure projects that provide social benefits for local communities to encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.
James N Kirby Foundation – Small Grants
Amount: $15,000
Provider: James N Kirby Foundation
Closes: 28 February 2025
Support for organisations working in the areas of education and technology, environment, health, social welfare and the arts.
Amount: $20,000
Provider: Scentre Group Limited
Closes: 13 March 2025
Open to those working in family and youth support, health and wellbeing, inclusion and equality, community resilience or environmental sustainability.
Mazda Foundation Grants (Australia)
Amount: $150,000
Provider: Mazda Foundation
Closes: 31 March 2025
Grants available to support a spirit of community involvement through a broad range of charitable projects with assistance and funding.
Amount: Total pool: $100 million
Provider: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Closes: 30 April 2025
Support homelessness organisations to develop creative solutions to the housing crisis, by targeting reducing the demand for and costs of temporary accommodation and supporting proposals for service reform and innovation.
Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA)
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Australian Institute of Criminology
Closes: 2 May 2025
Support for programs that reduce crime and violence in Australia.
Aged Persons Welfare Foundation
Amount: $40,000
Provider: Aged Persons Welfare Foundation
Closes: 30 June 2025
Support to organisations devoted to improving the welfare and quality of life of elderly people.
Scanlon Foundation - Proactive grants
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Scanlon Foundation
Closes: Ongoing
The Scanlon Foundation provides support to organisations working to improve Australia’s social cohesion in areas where there is the greatest need.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Trust – Community Supported Small Grants Program
Amount: Not specified
Provider: The Walter and Eliza Hall Trust
Closes: Ongoing
This program aims to assist individuals experiencing immediate financial hardship. Social workers, case managers or allied health professionals employed by supporting charitable organisations (holding DGR item 1 status) may apply on behalf of an individual in need.
Westfund Community Grants Program
Amount: $3,000
Provider: Westfund Insurance
Closes: Ongoing
Support for community organisations that inspire the principles of Health and Wellbeing, Family and Community and Fit for Life.
Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program
Stream One: Precinct development and planning
Amount: $500,000 to $5 million
Funding for master planning, consultation, design, business cases and partnership establishment.
Stream Two: Precinct delivery
Amount: $5 million to $50 million
Assistance for delivery of a specified project or projects as part of a precinct. This could include enabling public infrastructure (roads, pathways, underground infrastructure), open spaces between elements, or a particular building/s that is the catalyst for, or complements, other investment within a precinct.
Provider: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts
Closes: Ongoing
Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI): Capability Building Grant
Amount: Up to $120,000
Provider: Impact Investing Australia
Closes: Ongoing
Support for social enterprises, including trading Indigenous owned or controlled organisations with a defined social benefit, grow their business, scale their impact and further their missions of creating positive social change.
Community Development Grants Program
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts
Closes: Ongoing
Support for needed infrastructure that promotes stable, secure and viable local and regional economies.
Amount: $10,000
Provider: City of Sydney
Closes: Ongoing
Support for small scale, community-led projects that encourage communities to take action to improve, enhance, represent or celebrate their local neighbourhoods.
Amount: $1,000
Provider: Awesome Foundation
Closes: First Wednesday of every month
Regular small community grants
Australian Communities Foundation
Amount: $2,000 to $15,000
Provider: Australian Communities Foundation
Closes: Ongoing
Opportunity to showcase projects requiring funding to potential funders.
See also: Waverley Council Venue Hire Grants
For more Federal opportunities see Community Grants Hub. See also, the NSW Government Cost of Living hub for tips and tools, easy ways to stretch budgets, and access to trusted advice and support.
Disability Support
Amount: $2,000
Provider: Variety NSW/ACT
Closes: Ongoing
Financial assistance towards the cost of therapy for children with a diagnosis or condition and who do not have NDIS funding (ineligible or awaiting a diagnosis).
Amount: $50,000
Provider: Variety NSW/ACT
Closes: Ongoing
Provide disability equipment that is not easily available through standard services. Supporting families in purchasing life-changing equipment to increase physical development, independence, and social inclusion.
Variety NSW/ACT – We Join Community Grant
Amount: $10,000
Provider: Variety NSW/ACT
Closes: Ongoing
Support for projects that promote inclusion and accessibility, empowering children aged 0-18 years with disabilities or those experiencing disadvantage to feel a sense of belonging, fully participate, and reach their full potential.
Education
Preschool High Learning Support Needs Funding
Amount: $15,900 per child
Provider: NSW Department of Education
Closes: 7 March 2025, 23 May 2025, 15 August 2025, 10 October 2025
Support community preschools to develop and deliver individual learning plans for children with disability or additional needs.
Building Early Learning Places Program
Amount: Not specified
Provider: NSW Department of Education
Closes: 9 March 2025
Support for not-for-profit providers in the early childhood education and care sector create more spaces for children aged 0 to 6 for communities with the greatest immediate need.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Provider: NSW Department of Education
Closes: 30 June 2025
Support for approved OOSH services that have transitioned to P&C ownership as a result of the recent Provider Category Review.
Northern Territory School Excursion Program
Amount: $2,000
Provider: Tourism NT
Closes: Ongoing
Funding for schools choosing the NT for their next school trip.
Capital Grants for Non-Government Schools
Amount: Various
Provider: Department of Education
Closes: Ongoing
Funding to non-government primary and secondary school communities to improve infrastructure, if they do not have enough capital resources.
Environment & Climate
Amount: USD 20,000
Provider: Patagonia Australia
Closes: 20 June 2025
Support environmental organisations with direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change. It supports work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities.
Hamer Sprout Fund Sustainability Grants
Amount: $5,000 to $10,000
Provider: Hamer Sprout Fund
Closes: 30 September 2025
Support for projects which promote innovation in environmental education, facilitate engagement in environmental action, advocate for environmental sustainability and foster collaboration between young people engaged in environmental leadership.
Household and Business Battery Incentive Program
Amount: $1,600 to $2,400
Provider: Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water
Closes: Ongoing
Support for the up-front installation costs of a battery for homes and businesses with existing solar.
Wettenhall Environment Trust – Small Environmental Grants
Amount: $10,000
Provider: The Norman Wettenhall Foundation
Closes: Ongoing
Support for groups or individuals undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban.
Community Investment Program: Sustainability Rebates
Amount: $5,000
Provider: Randwick City Council
Closes: Ongoing
Support for households to implement energy and water saving initiatives.
Amount: $100,000 to $50million
Provider: ARENA
Closes: Ongoing
Support for the reduction in cost of renewable energy including improvement in technology, reduction in or removal of barriers to renewable energy uptake and increased skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to Renewable Energy Technologies.
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Closes: Ongoing
This Australian Government initiative encourages investment in small-scale renewable energy. It provides incentives to households and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems like rooftop solar, solar water heaters and air sourced heat pumps.
Household Energy Upgrades Fund
Amount: Various
Provider: Plenti in partnership with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)
Closes: Ongoing
$1 billion fund offering discounted rates off Plenti's standard green loans to Australian households.
Amount: Various
Provider: Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia
Closes: Ongoing
CORENA provides interest-free loans to help fund climate projects anywhere in Australia in cases where the up-front capital cost is a barrier.
Waverley Council’s Environmental Grants Program will reopen for the next round in August 2024.
ARENA – Driving the Nation Fund
Amount: Not specified
Provider: ARENA
Closes: Ongoing
Support for innovation in public charging and management of charging.
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Closes: Ongoing
The Clean Energy Seed Fund targets scalable, high growth potential start-ups, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities in the development of clean technology.
Science and Innovation
Amount: $2,500 to $5,000
Provider: NSW Government - Chief Scientist & Engineer
Closes: 28 February 2025
Supports high school students wishing to further their STEM education through a related competition, event, or course either within Australia or internationally.
Amount: $1m to $350m
Provider: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Closes: Ongoing
Support for the commercialisation of Australian solar photovoltaic (PV) innovations and to enhance solar PV supply chains in Australia.
Sport
Rugby Club Foundation – Grants
Amount: $22,000
Provider: The Rugby Club Foundation
Closes: 12 February 2025
Support for grassroots rugby programs.
Athlete Accelerate Immersion Experience Grant
Amount: $10,000
Provider: Australian Sports Commission
Closes: 30 May 2025
Support for retired women athletes who are pursuing career options in the sport sector.
Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF)
Amount: $500 to $40,000
Provider: Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF)
Closes: Ongoing
The Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) provides funding for community cricket facility projects, with a focus on growing participation, promoting accessibility and inclusivity and delivering upon Australian Cricket’s strategic priorities.
Tennis Australia – Opportunity Knocks Subsidy Program
Amount: $500
Provider: Tennis Australia
Closes: Open ongoing
Subsidised coaching support, club membership fees or competition fees for young people facing financial hardship the opportunity to continue their tennis journey.
Amount: $1,000
Provider: Awesome Foundation
Closes: First Wednesday of every month
Regular small community grants.
Veterans
NSW Community War Memorials Fund
Amount: $10,000
Provider: NSW Office for Veterans Affairs
Closes: 12 February 2025
Funds to conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW.
Women
Athlete Accelerate Immersion Experience Grant
Amount: $10,000
Provider: Australian Sports Commission
Closes: 30 May 2025
Support for retired women athletes who are pursuing career options in the sport sector.
Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program (Employer Grants)
Amount: $20,000
Provider: Department of Education
Closes: Ongoing
Support to promote equality of opportunity in higher education, through increasing access to, and participation of, up to 600 employed women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Chief Executive Women Scholarships
Amount: Various
Provider: Chief Executive Women (CEW)
Closes: Various
Various scholarships to support women in business.
Amount: N/A
Provider: NSW Department of Education and TAFE
Closes: Ongoing
This online program supports women looking to establish a micro or small business, or already operating one.
Australian Women in Security Network - Entry Level Certification Program
Amount: Not specified
Provider: Australian Women in Security Network
Closes: Ongoing
Support for students, unemployed, those returning to the workforce to access training and obtain their first Certification in Cybersecurity.