Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $20,000 to $100,000
- Application opened: 18 February 2025
- Application closed: 25 March 2025, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The DAFP 2024/25 SP&P and SD grant program has 3 key objectives:
- Increase available supports to assist people with disability in NSW to actively engage in their communities in a more informed and empowered way.
- Further develop the NSW disability advocacy sector through quality improvement, collaboration and innovation.
- Build stronger networks and learning opportunities for the NSW disability advocacy sector.
This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice.
Eligibility
Types of projects funded under this grant
- Category 1: Special Purposes and Projects grants are for new innovative projects from $20,000 (minimum) up to $100,000 (maximum).
- Category 2: Sector Development grants are for new innovative projects from $20,000 (minimum) up to $100,000 (maximum).
Please review some previous projects of this grant program
When the project can start and end
The project should be started by 1 June 2025 and the project must be completed by 30 June 2026.
Most recent recipients
What was approved
Approved for ACON Health Limited
The project will deliver one-on-one and group training, coaching and debriefing of LGBTQ people with disability who are leaders or future leaders in their communities. The project will support the capacity of the leaders and offer social learning spaces to collaborate and empower LGBTQ+ people with disability.
$96,642 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Department of Communities and JusticeDate approved
May 2025Location of the project
Council of the City of SydneyLocation of the recipient
Council of the City of SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
59
Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2025
Program term
Contracted for one year - 30 June 2025 until 30 June 2026 - Acquittal must be completed by 30 July 2026What was approved
Approved for Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
The project will develop culturally safe resources grounded in lived experience through collaboration with Aboriginal communities that empower Autistic Aboriginal children and their families throughout their educational journey. As part of ASPECT's Aboriginal Education Strategy. this will create schooling experiences that embrace both cultural identity and autism.
$65,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Department of Communities and JusticeDate approved
May 2025Location of the project
Central CoastLocation of the recipient
Central CoastAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
59
Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2025
Program term
Contracted for one year - 30 June 2025 until 30 June 2026 - Acquittal must be completed by 30 July 2026What was approved
Approved for Community Disability Alliance Hunter Incorporated
Young people with disability will receive specifically designed training in civics, with a focus on disability rights and leadership. Participants will join CDAH’s youth disability peer group. Young people with disability will be better equipped to actively engage in their community in a more informed and empowered way.
$90,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Department of Communities and JusticeDate approved
May 2025Location of the project
Newcastle City CouncilLocation of the recipient
Newcastle City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
59
Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2025
Program term
Contracted for one year - 30 June 2025 until 30 June 2026 - Acquittal must be completed by 30 July 2026What was approved
Approved for Intellectual Disability Rights Service
The project is a culturally appropriate training package designed to enhance the skills of advocates, government caseworkers and disability supporters. It will consist of an online module and in-person workshops focused on effectively assisting people with disability living in NSW in a range of legal proceedings.
$100,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Department of Communities and JusticeDate approved
May 2025Location of the project
Council of the City of SydneyLocation of the recipient
Council of the City of SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
59
Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2025
Program term
Contracted for one year - 30 June 2025 until 30 June 2026 - Acquittal must be completed by 30 July 2026What was approved
Approved for Lifeline Central West Ltd
The project will adapts Domestic Violence -alert training for frontline workers and develop a co-designed, peer-informed workshop for women with disability. Together, they address the heightened risk of sexual violence by increasing awareness, strengthening referral pathways and directly equipping women with knowledge, confidence, and strategies to recognise abuse and seek support.
$100,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Department of Communities and JusticeDate approved
May 2025Location of the project
Bathurst Regional CouncilLocation of the recipient
Bathurst Regional CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
59
Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2025
Program term
Contracted for one year - 30 June 2025 until 30 June 2026 - Acquittal must be completed by 30 July 2026What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Please ensure you read the DAFP Grant Program Guidelines
You will find additional resources at DCJ Grants
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
Application process
All applications for grant funding are managed using the SmartyGrants portal and will be assessed based on eligibility and assessment criteria.
- Applications will open 18th February 2025; and close 5pm on 25th March 2025.
- Applications will initially be reviewed by DCJ for general program compliance and then assessed.
- Applicants will be formally notified by 30 April 2025 if their application has been successful or unsuccessful.
Note for all applicants:
- Applicants must ensure that their contact details are up to date.
- Applicants must not have any outstanding acquittals for any other funding program with DCJ.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: The Minister or delegated DCJ officer will be the decision-maker.
Assessment Criteria
Eligible organisations must meet the following assessment criteria to be considered for funding:
Demonstrated ability to meet the grant objectives and outcomes. Your response to this criterion must:
- detail how your delivery of this Grant Program will ensure quality, positive and sustainable outcomes for people with disability and their families and carers
- explain how the Grant Program outcomes will be measured, specifically how quality outcomes will be met and monitored.
Demonstrated value for money and capacity to deliver projects/activities for the target group(s). Your response to this criterion must:
- provide a detailed description of your business framework, model of service delivery and processes involved in providing the service
- explain and include examples of the activities and programs established to address the need of your target group
- outline your target group
- provide a proposed timeline of delivery of your project
- explain why your model of delivery requires the level of funding requested
Demonstrated experience working with the target group(s) and ability to collaborate and consult with relevant stakeholders.
Your response to this criterion must:
- discuss your experience in delivering services to the target cohort or capacity and experience to carry out the work proposed.
- detail the existing stakeholders and any partnership relationships which will assist to deliver the proposed initiative
- detail community links and engagement with relevant stakeholders (including government and non-government organisations).
Anticipated assessment outcome date is 30/05/2025
Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is 30/05/2025
Support and contact
NSW Department of Community and Justice
Disability Data, Engagement and Advocacy
email DAFP@dcj.nsw.gov.au