Infrastructure grants open

APPLICATIONS for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program are now open, with the Lismore electorate’s funding allocation boosted from $300,000 to $450,000 in 2025.

The program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion for between $10,000 and $100,000.

Eligible applicants include NSW associations or non-distributing co-operatives, Local Aboriginal Land Councils or Indigenous corporations, not-for-profit entities, registered trusts and public companies limited by guarantee.

NSW local councils and their Section 355 delegations can apply and must provide matched funding to the grant amount awarded.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said she was gratified by the increased funding pool.

“For this 2025 round, grants must be for building, refurbishing or repairing community infrastructure, or buying freestanding equipment or vehicles,” Ms Saffin said.

“The program invariably is over-subscribed and highly competitive but previous rounds have shown how transformative grant success can be for worthwhile projects which meet community need.”

Projects accepted in the guidelines include capital works, including the construction of new community infrastructure and refurbishment, repair and maintenance, the purchase of freestanding equipment and the purchase of vehicles.

These could include the resurfacing of sporting courts, installation of shade structures, building restoration, accessibility improvement, kitchen upgrades and public announcement (PA) equipment.

The Community Building Partnership Program has awarded more than $464 million to more than 20,900 projects across the state since 2009.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, February 21, and successful organisations will be announced in August.

To apply, visit nsw.gov.au/cbp