Grants up for grabs for NSW grassroots organisations

The grants have been made available to support these communities through the COVID-19 pandemic and can be used for services such as food and school products; domestic and family violence support; support for people experiencing social isolation; wellbeing checks to vulnerable people;  and community activities such as youth groups.

Multiculturalism Minister Natalie Ward said the NSW government has responded urgently to support those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and the funding will support communities across NSW’s metropolitan, rural and regional areas with grants of up to $30,000.
 
“As we continue racing towards our vaccination targets and look to easing restrictions, we want to make sure no one is left behind,” Ms Ward said.
 
Not-for-profit and non-government organisations must be currently located in, or service communities in NSW to be eligible for the funding. Applications close at 11am on Monday, 11 October. 

The additional funding is part of the government’s Empowering and Supporting Local Communities Grants scheme that includes a number of categories for non-government and community organisations.

“We also know that community organisations and local services are best placed to know what their local communities need,” Ms Ward said.

“We’re calling on changemakers to come up with new and unique solutions to support our vulnerable communities during COVID-19. We are looking to understand what problems your communities are facing.”

Grant funding will support NGOs and community organisations in providing emergency relief to temporary visa holders, with a focus on asylum seekers.