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: (excluding GST) for one-year programs
- Application opened: 26 March 2026
- Application closed: 5 May 2026, 9:00 pm
Program objective
The Community Grants program is designed to fund projects and initiatives that support port communities where we operate.
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
Grants are available for local, community-based projects and activities, including:
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations.
- Community groups.
- Schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
- Youth programs and activities.
- Community development projects.
- Sports and arts organisations.
- First Nations community groups.
Who can’t apply
- Local councils.
- State and Federal government departments and associated entities.
- For profit organisations and commercial enterprises.
- Port Authority will not award grants that benefit only individuals, political candidates, or do not support the broader community. Multi-year applications are not supported.
Types of projects funded under this grant
An organisation must meet the following criteria to qualify for funding:
- Connection to one of the local port communities.
- Show a positive community impact.
- Align with Port Authority’s vision and values.
- Applications that connect with the maritime industry and support sustainability will be prioritised.
What your application needs to include
- Project description.
- Under which port you are seeing a community grant.
- 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.
- Description of how your project aligns with Port Authority’s values (Care, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Safety)
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 $5,000 funding contribution
- Timing: projects and events that will be completed by 30 June 2027.
Address the assessment criteria
Evaluation criteria is in place to ensure fair assessment for each application.
- Connection to the port community.
- Community impact.
- Alignment with Port Authority’s strategic objectives and values.
- Support for sustainability and NetZero goals.
Key dates
| 26 March 2026 | Applications Open |
| 5 May 2026 | Applications Close |
| May- June 2026 | Community Grant Assessment Period Port Authority approval of successful grant recipients |
| July 2026 | Notification to all applicants and distribution of funding to successful grant recipients |
| 30 June 2027 | Projects completed |
Start the application
Applications for this grant are available via the Port Authority website.
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 2026.
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