Deadline: 25-May-2026
The NSW National Carers Week Grants Program 2026 provides $1,000–$2,000 one-off grants to eligible not-for-profit organisations in New South Wales to run community events during National Carers Week. The program supports activities that recognise carers, raise awareness, and promote community connection and appreciation of carers’ contributions.
Overview
The NSW National Carers Week Grants Program 2026 is a community funding initiative designed to support events and activities that recognise, celebrate, and raise awareness of carers across New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
It is delivered to encourage local engagement, social recognition, and appreciation of unpaid and informal carers during National Carers Week.
Program Objectives
The program focuses on strengthening community recognition of carers by supporting initiatives that:
- Celebrate the role and contribution of carers
- Increase public awareness of carers’ needs and challenges
- Create opportunities for social connection and inclusion
- Strengthen community engagement during National Carers Week
- Provide diverse and accessible events for carers
- Build stronger local support networks
Funding Overview
- Grant type: One-off community grant
- Funding amount: $1,000 to $2,000 per project
- Geographic scope: New South Wales (NSW), Australia
- Purpose: Support events during National Carers Week 2026
Eligible Activities
Funding can be used for community-based initiatives such as:
- Carer appreciation events
- Community gatherings and celebrations
- Awareness campaigns about carers’ roles
- Workshops or recognition activities
- Local events promoting inclusion and support
- Social connection activities for carers
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Organisations
Applicants must be incorporated and not-for-profit entities operating in NSW, including:
- Registered not-for-profit organisations
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Public companies with charitable purpose
- State government entities with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status
- Local government organisations
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
- Indigenous Corporations
- Local Aboriginal Land Councils
- ACNC-registered charities and trusts
- Non-government organisations established under legislation
- Religious organisations
Who is NOT Eligible?
The following cannot apply directly:
- Individuals or informal groups
- Proprietary (for-profit) companies
- Unincorporated organisations
- Commercial for-profit entities
- NSW Government and Australian Government agencies
- Schools, TAFEs, colleges, and universities (including campuses)
Important Note on Educational Institutions
Education providers may participate only if they apply through an eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisation.
Key Program Requirements
To be eligible, applications must:
- Deliver activities during National Carers Week 2026
- Be community-focused and non-commercial in nature
- Clearly benefit carers in NSW
- Be delivered by an eligible organisation
- Promote awareness, recognition, or engagement of carers
Assessment Priorities
Applications are assessed based on:
1. Carer Recognition
- How well the activity highlights carers’ contributions
- Strength of recognition or celebration elements
2. Community Engagement
- Ability to bring communities together
- Inclusivity and accessibility of the event
3. Awareness Impact
- Effectiveness in increasing understanding of carers’ roles
- Educational or outreach value
4. Local Relevance
- Connection to NSW communities
- Responsiveness to local carer needs
Purpose and Impact
The program aims to:
- Strengthen recognition of unpaid carers
- Build stronger, more inclusive communities
- Increase visibility of carers’ contributions to society
- Provide meaningful opportunities for social connection
- Promote wellbeing and inclusion during National Carers Week
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without an eligible incorporated organisation
- Proposing events outside National Carers Week timeframe
- Designing commercial or profit-oriented activities
- Lack of clear carer-focused outcomes
- Weak explanation of community benefit
- Including ineligible applicants such as schools or universities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus clearly on carers as the primary beneficiaries
- Design inclusive, accessible community events
- Keep activities simple but meaningful
- Highlight awareness-raising elements
- Ensure strong community participation
- Demonstrate local relevance within NSW
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the NSW National Carers Week Grants Program 2026?
It is a funding program that supports community events in NSW that recognise and celebrate carers during National Carers Week.
2. How much funding is available?
Grants range from $1,000 to $2,000 per project.
3. Who can apply?
Eligible not-for-profit organisations, charities, local councils, and certain incorporated bodies operating in NSW.
4. Can individuals apply?
No, individuals and informal groups are not eligible.
5. Can schools or universities apply directly?
No, they cannot apply directly but may participate through eligible not-for-profit organisations.
6. What types of events are funded?
Community celebrations, awareness events, workshops, and activities recognising carers.
7. When must activities take place?
All funded activities must occur during National Carers Week 2026.
Conclusion
The NSW National Carers Week Grants Program 2026 is a targeted community funding initiative designed to honour and support carers across New South Wales. By funding small-scale local events, it strengthens community recognition, increases awareness, and fosters meaningful social connection for carers during National Carers Week.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
