Deadline: 6-Feb-23
NSW Government is seeking applications for its NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government Program to support local councils to develop new and innovative activities that enhance volunteerism.
This program is administered by Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Round Two– Unsung Heroes: Innovation in Volunteering
- Whilst social cohesion and connectedness has been tested in recent years, a commitment to supporting each other through spontaneous and structured volunteering has also been evident in communities across NSW;
- Volunteerism and supporting each other through crises is an essential element of civic engagement, one of the key domains supporting strong social cohesion;
- Volunteerism is well recognised as a community-based resource for both recovering from and resilience in disasters;
- By focusing Round Two on innovation in volunteering, DPC seeks to support local governments in their crucial role supporting their communities through shocks and stresses, whilst strengthening social cohesion and civic participation.
Program Objective
The NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program aims to:
- Build resilience of local community leaders and groups;
- Track and measure social cohesion within the local area;
- Encourage civic engagement and participation;
- Enhance community cohesion and cultural inclusion;
- Enhance places and spaces that reflect diverse local character, stories and needs;
- Build partnerships and networks to strengthen social cohesion within the community;
- Round Two of NSW’s Social Cohesion Grants will focus on new and innovative activities that enhance volunteerism.
Grant Information
- Grant amount: From $50,000 to $100,000
Types of projects funded under this grant
- Projects that supports volunteerism in the applicant’s local community and has demonstrated community support.
What can’t you apply for?
- Projects and/or activities that are not related to volunteerism;
- Existing projects (existing or recent pilot projects may be considered);
- Ongoing or recurrent funding for programs;
- Activities that could be constituted as business as usual;
- Supplementing, increasing, or continuing ongoing service delivery that is the core business of the organization;
- 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 already incurred;
- Covering existing debts or budget deficits of the organization;
- Purchase of alcohol, tobacco products, gaming services, entertainment streaming
- Commercial or fundraising activities;
- No portion of the grant funding can be used towards cash prizes or gifts, including gift vouchers.
Eligibility Criteria
- NSW local councils (and their section 355 committees) operating under the Local Government Act 1993;
- To be eligible to apply, applicants must be a NSW local council;
- Application must not be for an existing project (although pilot programs may be considered).
For more information, visit NSW Government.