Deadline: 29-May-2026
The COMPACT Social Cohesion and Community Resilience Grants 2026–2028 programme is supporting projects that strengthen community harmony, inclusion, and resilience across diverse communities in New South Wales. The initiative focuses on empowering young people and communities to address hate, division, extremism, and social disconnection through positive engagement and collaboration.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for grants between $50,000 and $100,000 for projects lasting up to two years. A total funding pool of $1.2 million is available under this grants round.
About the Programme
The programme supports:
- Social cohesion initiatives
- Community resilience projects
- Youth engagement activities
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Anti-hate and anti-extremism programmes
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen relationships across communities
- Promote empathy and mutual respect
- Encourage positive community leadership
- Improve trust between communities and government
Since 2016, COMPACT has engaged:
- More than 80,000 young people
through projects focused on community harmony and inclusion.
Key Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Community harmony
- Social cohesion
- Youth leadership
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Community resilience
- Empathy and solidarity
- Anti-hate initiatives
- Prevention of extremism
- Community advocacy
- Local solutions-based projects
Projects should:
- Encourage positive engagement
- Build connections between diverse groups
- Support constructive dialogue on local and global issues
Funding Details
Grant amount:
- Minimum: $50,000
- Maximum: $100,000
Project duration:
- Up to 2 years
Total programme funding:
- $1.2 million
Funding excludes:
- GST
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Registered associations
- Cooperatives
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Community-based organizations established under legislation
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations
- Local Aboriginal Land Councils
Applicants must:
- Have a valid ABN
- Be located in or serve communities in New South Wales
Eligible Projects
Supported projects may include:
- Youth leadership programmes
- Community dialogue initiatives
- Cross-cultural engagement activities
- Anti-racism and anti-hate projects
- Community resilience training
- Advocacy and awareness campaigns
- Local peacebuilding initiatives
Projects should demonstrate:
- Community impact
- Inclusion and diversity
- Long-term relationship building
- Positive social outcomes
Ineligible Expenses
The funding will not support:
- Ongoing service delivery
- Payments to individuals
- For-profit organizations
- Duplicate funding requests
- Existing expense reimbursements
- Debt repayments
- Political activities
- Commercial activities
- Fundraising activities
- Entertainment-related purchases
- Equipment purchases
Why This Programme Matters
Communities across New South Wales face growing challenges related to:
- Social division
- Hate and extremism
- Cultural misunderstanding
- Community disconnection
The programme helps:
- Build stronger relationships
- Promote inclusion and trust
- Empower young leaders
- Strengthen resilience against division and discrimination
It also supports:
- Long-term community harmony
- Positive civic participation
- Safer and more connected communities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the COMPACT programme?
COMPACT is a social cohesion initiative that supports projects promoting:
- Community harmony
- Inclusion
- Youth engagement
- Resilience to hate and extremism
How much funding is available?
Organizations may apply for:
- $50,000 to $100,000
How long can projects run?
Projects may last:
- Up to 2 years
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Aboriginal corporations
- Community organizations
- Registered associations
Which region is eligible?
Applicants must operate in:
- New South Wales
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports:
- Youth leadership
- Cross-cultural engagement
- Anti-hate initiatives
- Community resilience projects
- Social cohesion activities
What expenses are not eligible?
The programme does not fund:
- Political activities
- Commercial activities
- Debt repayment
- Entertainment items
- Equipment purchases
Conclusion
The COMPACT Social Cohesion and Community Resilience Grants 2026–2028 programme provides significant support for community-led initiatives that strengthen inclusion, trust, and resilience across New South Wales. Through funding for youth engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and anti-hate projects, the programme helps build stronger and more connected communities for the future.
For more information, visit Multicultural NSW.