NSW Ports 2026 Community Grants Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply to the NSW Ports 2026 Community Grants Program?
Grants applications open on 2nd March 2026. To apply, complete the online application form available here.
All applications must be submitted directly through the online form (other methods such as email will not be accepted).
Applications close 5:00pm on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
How do I know if my organisation is eligible for a grant?
To be eligible, your organisation must:
- Be a registered Australian not-for-profit organisation or incorporated association, including community groups and schools.
- Have a clear vision and goal to enhance the communities living nearby our ports and intermodal terminals through projects, programs, or initiatives. (Note: grants cannot be solely used to finance salaries)
- Be applying for a project or program that is located/conducted in one of the following post codes:
- Around Port Botany - Postcodes 2018, 2019, 2020, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2205, 2216, 2217, 2219.
- Around Port Kembla - Postcodes 2500, 2502, 2505, 2506, 2518, 2519, 2525, 2526, 2528
- Around Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre - Postcodes 2133, 2135, 2136, 2190, 2191, 2192, 2195
- Around Cooks River Intermodal Terminal - Postcode 2044
- Create opportunities to foster thriving communities by generating positive outcomes in the areas of education, health and wellbeing, economic development, environment, arts and culture, social welfare, or emergency services.
- Be able to complete the project within twelve months of the grant being awarded and no later than 30 June 2027.
How do I write a good application?
We receive a high volume of grant applications. To give your application the best chance of success, make sure it is clear, well‑structured, and directly aligned with the eligibility criteria and project requirements. Applications should:
- Address all eligibility criteria: Clearly explain how your project meets each requirement when requested.
- Keep answers clear and concise.
- Include supporting evidence to support your application: E.g. independent quotes, budget breakdown, concept drawings/images etc.
What sort of projects are you looking for?
NSW Ports is seeking to support a range of projects that will benefit members of local communities near our ports and intermodal terminals.
The business has supported a diverse range of projects in the past, including infrastructure development, the purchase of sports and outdoor equipment, as well as community programs and workshops.
As part of the application, you will be asked to demonstrate how your project will create positive outcomes in the following areas that are relevant to your proposal:
- Education
- Health and wellbeing
- Economic development
- Environment
- Arts and culture
- Social welfare
- Emergency services
What kind of projects have been funded in the past?
You can find the list of past recipients on our website here.
How much funding can we apply for?
Grants of up to $25,000 are available to each recipient.
Can I still apply even if I have received a grant from NSW Ports in the past?
Yes, you can still apply. However, please note that we cannot fund the same organisation over two consecutive years. This approach allows us to support a wider range of organisations with diverse skills and project expertise, maximising community impact.
What if the project doesn’t happen or my organisation doesn’t use all of the grant funds?
If completion of the project/program/initiative in the manner proposed is no longer possible, the grant recipient must advise NSW Ports as soon as possible so that alternate options can be discussed.
Should the requested funding amount include or exclude GST?
The funding amount requested should exclude GST.
What do you consider as measurable outcomes?
Applicants should define what success looks like for their project before they begin. This includes identifying how the project will create positive impacts for the local community and how these impacts will be measured once the project is completed. You may wish to utilise surveys or other methods of data collection to demonstrate these results and outcomes. Useful measures could include (but are not limited to):
- Number of people supported or engaged or who have benefited from your project;
- Type of positive benefit delivered (e.g. improved access to services, enhanced community spaces, increased participation in programs etc);
- Increased support of under‑represented groups who may experience barriers to participation (such as young people, culturally diverse communities etc);
- Generates long term impact such as sustained community use, ongoing improvements, or long‑term social benefits beyond the project period.
NSW Ports will work with successful applicants to refine how the project impact could be measured before the project begins.
Collecting this information helps NSW Ports assess both the success of individual projects and the overall effectiveness of our Community Grants Program, ensuring it continues to deliver meaningful community value.
What supporting documentation will I need for the application?
You will need to provide the following:
- Detailed project budget.
- At least one quote for capital works, resources, equipment or materials over $500.
You can attach documents to support your application (accepted formats: Word, PDF, PNG or JPEG with a maximum file size of 16MB).
The full list of application questions can be found here to help with preparation.
Can I receive a copy of my application once submitted?
Yes, you will have the option to receive a copy of your application in your email at the end of the submission.
What is the likelihood of an application being funded?
All complying applications will be assessed by an NSW Ports review panel according to the strength of the project against the eligibility criteria and project requirements.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unfortunately unable to support everyone. We value the time and effort put into each submission, and we carefully review all applications. Final decisions (including grantee selection and the financial amount awarded) rest with NSW Ports.
When do I have to use the grant funds by?
The grant funds must be used solely for the approved project/ program/ initiative as set out in the Community Grants Program Agreement and be spent by 30 June 2027.
What time exactly do the applications close on the due date?
You must complete and submit the application form by no later than 5:00pm on Sunday 12 April 2026.
Can I get an extension for my application?
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications and program timeline, we’re not able to accommodate extensions to the application period.
Is there anyone I can contact to find out more about the program?
You can email NSW Ports via community@nswports.com.au if you have further questions.
If I am successful, when will the final acquittal report be due?
Upon completion of the project, NSW Ports will request an acquittal report. This acquittal report is a document submitted by a grant recipient to NSW Ports that details how the funds were spent and confirms that project outcomes were met.
This should be submitted within a month of finalising your project.
All acquittal reports for the 2026 program must be submitted no later than 30 June 2027.
Key Dates
| Monday 2 March 2026 | Applications Open |
| Sunday 12 April 2026 – 5:00 pm | Applications Close |
| Early June | Successful Grantees notified |
| 30 June 2027 | Deadline for funding to be expended |
