Deadline: 09-Jun-2026
The Community Grants 2026–27 program supports community-led initiatives focused on sustainable water use, environmental protection, and building awareness of water systems for long-term resilience. It encourages local action that improves water conservation, strengthens ecosystems, and promotes environmental education across Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra. The 2026 theme, “Driving a sustainable water future,” focuses on long-term water protection, climate adaptation, and responsible water use.
Program Overview
- Supports community-led water sustainability and environmental projects
- Focuses on education, conservation, and healthy ecosystems
- Encourages practical local solutions to water challenges
- Promotes awareness of water systems and climate resilience
- Strengthens community participation in environmental protection
- Operates across Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, and Illawarra regions
Key Focus Areas
Water Education
- Understanding community relationships with water systems
- Education on First Nations connections to water
- Awareness of water efficiency and responsible use
- Behaviour change initiatives for sustainable water practices
Healthy Waterways
- River, beach, and park clean-ups
- Restoration of native vegetation and ecosystems
- Biodiversity improvement in natural water environments
- Community-led environmental rehabilitation projects
Water Conservation
- Water reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives
- Development of water-saving technologies and systems
- Community engagement in conservation practices
- Innovation in sustainable water management
Program Theme (2026)
- Driving a sustainable water future
- Strengthening long-term water protection and conservation
- Increasing awareness of water delivery and usage systems
- Supporting climate adaptation and urban growth resilience
- Encouraging responsible everyday water behaviour
Funding Details
- Minimum grant: $5,000
- Maximum grant: $10,000
- Designed for small-scale, high-impact community projects
- Focus on measurable environmental and educational outcomes
Eligible Applicants
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Social enterprises
- Community and social groups
- Sports clubs
- Educational institutions
- Artists and content creators
- Volunteer groups
- Local councils partnering with community organizations
- Public and allied health bodies
- Housing cooperatives involved in community initiatives
Applicants must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be a registered not-for-profit organization.
Ineligible Applicants
- Sydney Water employees and their immediate family members
- Organizations presenting reputational risks
- Projects linked to environmental or health harm
- Initiatives not aligned with program values or objectives
Eligible Activities
- Water conservation awareness campaigns
- Educational workshops on water systems and sustainability
- River, beach, and park clean-up activities
- Ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement
- Water-saving innovation and pilot projects
- Community engagement and behaviour change initiatives
- Cultural storytelling and awareness programs about water
- Climate adaptation and resilience activities
Program Objectives
- Increase community understanding of water systems
- Promote sustainable water use practices
- Protect and restore natural waterways and ecosystems
- Support climate resilience at the community level
- Encourage environmental awareness and education
- Foster innovation in water conservation
Key Selection Priorities
- Strong community engagement and participation
- Clear environmental and educational impact
- Measurable water sustainability outcomes
- Alignment with the 2026 program theme
- Inclusion of diverse community perspectives
- Practical and locally relevant project design
Conclusion
The Community Grants 2026–27 program empowers local communities to take action on water sustainability, environmental protection, and climate resilience. By supporting education, conservation, and innovation projects, it helps communities build long-term awareness and responsibility for protecting water resources and natural ecosystems.
For more information, visit Sydney Water.