This grant supports local councils to develop innovative programs for more stronger, resilient and cohesive communities.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $50,000 to $150,000
- Application opened: 8 December 2023
- Application closed: 29 February 2024
Program objective
The NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program funds local councils to enhance social cohesion in their local communities.
The overarching purpose of this grants program is to build stronger, more resilient, and more cohesive communities.
By supporting local councils through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government, we aim to strengthen:
• Connection and belonging within local communities.
• Connection and belonging between local communities.
• Connection and trust between local communities and institutions.
• The capabilities of Local Governments to design, implement and evaluate social cohesion initiatives.
Round Three of NSW’s Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government is open for all applications that meet the eligibility criteria.
For more detailed information about the program please download a copy of the Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government - Round 3 - Guidelines (PDF 260.17KB).
This program is funded and administered by Premier's Department.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- NSW local councils (and their section 355 committees) operating under the Local Government Act 1993.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Projects that respond to an identified social cohesion challenge in the applicant’s community.
Only one application per local NSW council will be considered.
What can’t you apply for
- projects and/or activities that are not related to social cohesion
- ongoing or recurrent funding for programs
- supplementing, increasing, or continuing ongoing service delivery that is the core business of the organisation
party political activities - capital expenses, including but not limited to building works (including maintenance) and equipment purchase
- celebration of national or independence days, with the exception of key Australian days including ANZAC Day, Australia Day, Clean Up Australia Day and NAIDOC day
- religious festivals, rituals, events or promotions, except multi-faith events which involve people from more than one religion
- reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the commencement of the funding agreement
- covering existing debts or budget deficits of the organisation
purchase of alcohol, tobacco products, gaming services, entertainment streaming - commercial or fundraising activities
- cash prizes or gifts, including gift vouchers
- no portion of the grant funding can be used towards cash prizes or gifts, including gift vouchers.
Most recent recipients
What your application needs to include
Download the complete Program Guide.
Address the eligibility criteria
- Applicants must be an NSW local council.
- The application must not be for an existing project (although recent pilot programs may be considered).
- The application must be for a project that supports one or more of the program outcomes (please refer to the Program Guide).
- The application must clearly describe the social cohesion challenge in the community.
- Applicants who applied for funding in previous rounds, including those who were successful in their applications are welcome to apply.
Address the assessment criteria
- Application demonstrates public benefit to the community and how the project will demonstrate an impact against program outcomes
- Application includes a project plan that outlines activities and tasks, milestones and associated risks with implementing the proposed initiative.
- Application demonstrates value for money
- Application demonstrates commitment to program evaluation, including the provision of a program logic.
- Application considers how to deliver a sustainable impact from the project, noting that funding is a one-off grant and will not be extended.
After the application is submitted
Following the application closing date, eligible applications will be assessed against the published criteria by a cross government panel. The highest ranked applications will be put forward to the approved delegate for endorsement for funding.
Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified.
Support and contact
For more information on the NSW Social Cohesion Grants application process, please contact the Connected Communities Team.