Port Authority of NSW
These annual grants support community-based organisations to deliver projects, events and initiatives that benefit local port communities.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $2,000 to $15,000
- Application opened: 7 April 2025
- Application closed: 20 May 2025, 9:00 pm
Program objective
The Community Grants program is designed to fund projects and initiatives that support port communities.
Port Authority encourages applications from the local port surrounds for projects that improve community wellbeing, promote sustainability, and have a connection to the maritime and marine environment.
The Community Grants program is funded and administered by Port Authority of New South Wales.
This program is funded and administered by Transport for NSW.
Eligibility
Communities based within 10km of our six commercial ports are eligible to apply. These are
- Sydney Harbour
- Port Botany
- Newcastle
- Port Kembla
- Yamba
- Eden
View the eligible port communities map.
Who can apply
Community-based organisations such as
- charities
- not-for-profits
- community groups
- schools
- educational facilities
- youth programs
- sporting and arts organisations
- First Nations groups.
Who can’t apply
- Individuals or groups of individuals
- Unincorporated organisations
- For-profit commercial organisations
- Political parties
Types of projects funded under this grant
Port Authority encourages applications from the local port surrounds for projects and events that improve community wellbeing, promote sustainability, and have a connection to maritime and the marine environment.
What your application needs to include
- Project description
- Audience and potential reach of the project
- Description on how the project helps the local port community
- Details of the measurable outcomes
- Description on how the project links to sustainability and maritime
You can download and read a sample application form before applying online:
Address the eligibility criteria
- Project location: within 10km of the local port
- Applicant: a community-based organisation
- Amount: $2,000 to $15,000 funding contribution
- Timing: projects and events that will be completed by 30 June 2026.
Address the assessment criteria
Evaluation criteria is in place to ensure fair assessment for each application.
Applications will be judged on their connection and support of the port community, positive environmental impact, improvements to education and skills for the community, and supporting maritime and marine activities.
Key dates
| 7 April 2025 | Applications Open |
| 20 May 2025 | Applications Close |
| 20 May- June 2025 | Community Grant Assessment Period Port Authority approval of successful grant recipients |
| July 2025 | Notification to all applicants and distribution of funding to successful grant recipients |
| 30 June 2026 | Projects completed |
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Port Authority of New South Wales
The applications will be assessed and both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in July 2025.
All applications will be assessed against evaluation criteria by a panel of Port Authority team members including those who live and work in each of our port communities, senior leaders, and sustainability experts.
Support and contact
For further information on the community grant application process please contact Port Authority of New South Wales:
Phone: 02 9296 4962
Email: enquiries@portauthoritynsw.com.au
Postal Address: PO Box 25, Millers Point NSW 2000