EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | Applications open until 31 December 2026

Eligible not-for-profit community and mobile preschools in NSW can apply for funding from a total pool of approximately $550 million to help provide affordable, high-quality preschool education for children aged 3 to 5. Funding supports operating costs, fee relief for families, increased enrolment and attendance, and delivery of at least 600 hours of preschool education per year.

Applications for new services opened on 7 July 2026 and close on 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, the NSW Government has confirmed that Start Strong for Community Preschools will be replaced by the new Universal Preschool Funding program, with 2027 funding rates and detailed guidelines still to be released.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | Applications open until 31 December 2026

Eligible long day care services in NSW receive funding to provide affordable, high-quality preschool education for children aged 3 and above, with a focus on increasing enrolment and attendance in the two years before school. The program encourages services to provide children with at least 600 hours of quality preschool education each year.

The 2026 program runs from 1 January to 31 December 2026. Program payments range from around $266 to $1,092 per eligible enrolment, with additional loadings available in some circumstances. Families may also receive fee relief of up to $2,563 per year for children aged 4 and above and up to $769 for eligible 3-year-olds.

VETERANS & WELLBEING | Applications Open until 10 November 2026

Eligible ex-service organisations, as well as other eligible organisations working in partnership with an ex-service organisation, can apply for grants to deliver projects that improve the health, wellbeing and social connection of veterans and their families. Funding is available through small grants of up to $50,000 and large grants from $50,001 to $200,000.

The program runs annually. The 2026 round opened on the 29th of September and the program is scheduled to close on the 10th of November, 2026 at 9pm (AEDT)

COMMUNITY | Applications open until 7pm on 11 March 2027.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Westfield Local Heroes program, which recognises people making a positive difference in their local community or environment.

Community members can nominate a local hero by submitting around 200 words explaining the impact they are making.

Three finalists are selected for each participating Westfield centre and progress to a community vote. The successful Local Hero receives a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, while the other finalists receive $5,000 each

DIGITAL ADVERTISING & NOT-FOR-PROFITS | Applications open year-round

Eligible registered not-for-profit organisations can receive up to US$10,000 per month in Google Search advertising credit, equivalent to US$120,000 per year, to promote their services, attract volunteers and donors, raise awareness, and connect people with community programs and support.

The program is ongoing and accepts applications throughout the year. Organisations must first be approved for Google for Nonprofits and then meet Google Ad Grants eligibility and compliance requirements, including maintaining an active website and following account performance rules. There is no fixed closing date, making it a useful recurrent opportunity for eligible organisations.

THRIVING KIDS | Applications open until 24 November 2026

Eligible NSW-based not-for-profit organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, local government organisations and other eligible entities can apply for grants of $30,000 to $100,000 to support children aged 0 to 8 years with developmental delay and/or autism, and their families, carers and kin. Funding supports projects that strengthen advocacy and safeguarding, improve access to information and services, build community understanding of developmental delay and help families connect with appropriate supports.

Applications opened on 19 October 2026 and close at 4:00pm on 24 November 2026. Projects should commence by 1 March 2027 and be completed by 29 February 2028.

AGRICULTURE & INNOVATION | Round 15 opens 18 January and closes 12 February 2027

Eligible Australian food and grocery businesses can seek up to $500,000 for projects that drive innovation and deliver strong sustainability benefits. Applicants must have annual turnover below $25 million, employ no more than 50 full-time employees excluding casual seasonal labour, and have traded for at least two years.

Applicants need an ABN, financial records and evidence of their ability to fund their share of project costs. Businesses do not need to supply Coles to apply.

COMMUNITY | Applications open 1 January 2027 and are open for the month

Registered not-for-profit organisations with a valid ABN can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for practical, grassroots projects that deliver an immediate local benefit, including community facility upgrades, sporting club improvements, community gardens, youth wellbeing spaces and regional initiatives.

Bunnings has committed $1 million over five years to the program. Round Two is scheduled to open on January 1st, 2027.

FIRST NATIONS & COMMUNITY | Annual grant program, expected to return January 2027

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and eligible supporting organisations across Australia can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to deliver activities and events celebrating NAIDOC Week, First Nations cultures, histories and achievements. In 2026, $3 million was available across three streams: up to $1,500 for educational institutions, up to $10,000 for small-scale grants, and $10,001 to $25,000 for large-scale grants.

The program runs annually. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced, but organisations should expect the next round to open around January 2027 and close around February 2027, ahead of NAIDOC Week in July.

SPORT & COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE | Round 2 expected early 2027

Eligible community sporting clubs across Australia can apply for grants of $25,000 to $100,000 to upgrade facilities through energy efficiency, electrification and climate resilience projects, including solar and battery storage, LED lighting, heating and cooling upgrades, improved drainage and infrastructure to protect facilities from extreme weather.

Round 2 is confirmed and expected to open in early 2027, with exact opening and closing dates yet to be announced.

SPORT & COMMUNITY | Annual grant program, returning in 2027

Eligible AFL-affiliated community football clubs across Australia can apply for grants of up to $20,000 to support projects that grow participation, strengthen volunteer capacity, improve club environments, support Indigenous initiatives, provide first aid equipment and increase opportunities for girls and women in football.

The program provides a $2 million funding pool each year and has now been extended through to 2031.

The AFL has confirmed that Telstra Footy Grants will return in 2027, with full details and application dates to be released later in 2026.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE | Annual NSW Government grant program

Eligible community organisations and local councils in NSW can apply for grants of $10,000 to $100,000 for small-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen local communities, including facility upgrades, equipment, community spaces and vehicles. In 2026, the program offered $41.85 million statewide, with up to $450,000 available in each NSW electorate.

The program runs annually. The NSW Government has not yet announced dates for the 2027 round.

COMMUNITY | Annual grant program, returning February 2027

Eligible local not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 per application to deliver programs, projects and events that benefit Sutherland Shire residents and build a healthy, connected, inclusive and engaged community. Organisations can submit up to two applications, with priority areas including young people, seniors, people with disability, culturally diverse communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, vulnerable communities, children and families.

The program runs annually. Sutherland Shire Council has confirmed applications will reopen in February 2027, although exact opening and closing dates for the next round have not yet been announced.

JUNIOR SPORT | Annual grant program, returning in mid-2027

Eligible volunteer-run, not-for-profit community sporting clubs and organisations across Australia with members aged 20 years and under can apply for up to $5,000 worth of sporting equipment. Funding can support items such as balls, goals, training aids, bibs and protective equipment, helping clubs reduce participation costs and make junior sport more accessible. Applicants must have a compliant Australian Sports Foundation fundraising account.

Swysh has confirmed that the program will return. Exact 2027 dates have not yet been released, but clubs should watch for the next round from mid-2027.

COMMUNITY & WELLBEING | Annual grant program, expected to return in June 2027

Eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for locally led projects that bring people together, strengthen social connection and improve mental health and wellbeing in local communities. Australia Post also provides additional funding for projects supporting disaster-impacted communities.

The program runs annually. It is expected that applications will reopen around June 2027.