Grants and Opportunities
RDA Northern Rivers seeks to support the Northern Rivers business community by featuring available grants and opportunities for the benefit of our local economy and community. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the grants that are available, instead it is a list of featured grants, primarily for organisations.
There are many more grants available and we have provided some useful links below to help you find them. RDA Northern Rivers can support your application through access to regional data, application assistance and support letters.
Need some guidance to help write your application? RDA Northern Rivers Successful Grant Writing Toolkit provides a step by step guide to help you write winning grants.
RDA Sydney are host to two grant writing webinars that provide more insight into the grant writing process. You can access the recording of the first webinar here and download documents from both webinars on the Successful Grant Writing Toolkit page.
What’s on this page?
COVID-19 Grants and Support
Grants closing in April 2024
Grants closing in May 2024
Grants closing in June 2024
More grant opportunities
Awards, Scholarships and more
Where to find grants
COVID-19 Grants and Support
The NSW Government has a range of financial support available for businesses and industries affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. Information is available from the NSW Government website.
A complete list of grants, loans and financial assistance available to NSW businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is available on the Service NSW website.
Workplace Legal Advice Program
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Workplace Legal Advice Program provides eligible employers and employees with independent legal help to deal with workplace issues arising from the coronavirus outbreak.
Grants closing in April 2024
Small Business Cyber Resilience Service
The intended outcomes of the Small Business Cyber Resilience program are to improve the cyber security of small businesses and their ability to recover from a cyber incident – Closes 26 April 2024
Play our Way Program
The Play Our Way program aims to address the barriers women and girls experience when participating in sport and physical activity by delivering quality facilities and sport participation experiences where the need is greatest in a manner that is safe, equitable, accessible, inclusive, sustainable and enduring – Closes 29 April 2024
Housing Support Program
The Australian Government’s Housing Support Program will support the delivery of increased housing supply by funding projects that seek to deliver enabling infrastructure, provide amenities to support new housing development or improve building planning capability – Closes 29 April 2024
Community Energy Upgrades fund
The Community Energy Upgrades program will co-fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for local governments to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from local government owned and/or operated facilities – Closes 30 April 2024
Clarence Valley Council Special Event Sponsorship
The Clarence Valley Council’s annual Special Event Sponsorship funding is open for applications from event organisers – Closes 30 April 2024
In a Good Place
The In a Good Place program gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives, which clearly and directly focus on strengthening mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable community members who are at risk of, or are experiencing, mental health issues – Closes 30 April 2024
Grants closing in May 2024
BTL Next Step stage 1
BTL Next Step is a credit springboard and career accelerator program to support established mid-career below-the-line (BTL) practitioners to step up into senior crew and leadership roles that have been identified as experiencing shortages – Closes 2 May 2024
Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants
The NSW Government are investing $20 million to assist eligible regional NSW businesses and councils by co-funding the purchase and installation of EV chargers at their site – Closes 3 May 2024
Community Heritage Grants – New Applicants
The National Library of Australia Community Heritage Grants program supports community organisations to look after Australian cultural heritage collections – Closes 9 May 2024
Qantas Regional Grants
The Qantas Regional Grants program is offering $2 million in support to Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit our country’s regional areas – Closes 10 May 2024
Professional Development and Paid Practicum Subsidy Program
The objective of the program is to support up to 22,000 early childhood educators, early childhood teachers and directors (centre managers) to undertake professional development for up to two days – Closes 10 May 2024
Small Project Grants (Quick Response) – Individuals and Groups
These grants support professional development opportunities for NSW-based professional artists, groups and arts and cultural workers (including museum workers) – Closes 20 May 2024
Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership Grant Round 4
The Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) provides funding to support Australia-India collaborations that will help shape a global technology environment that meets Australia and India’s shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where the rules-based international order is upheld – Closes 24 May 2024
Vanguard Grants
The Heart Foundation’s Vanguard Grant offers funding opportunities to individuals or research teams to test the feasibility of innovative concepts – Closes 24 May 2024
Regional and Remote Airports Security Awareness Program
Reimbursement-based funding to support regional and remote airports to meet requirements of the Screener Accreditation Scheme – Closes 30 May 2024
On-Farm Connectivity Program
The On-Farm Connectivity Program provides eligible Equipment Suppliers with up to $30,000 rebate for sales of digital farming technology to eligible Primary Producers to help improve their connectivity and productivity – Closes 31 May 2024
Commonwealth Home Support Programme Growth Funding 2024-25
This grant opportunity is a targeted growth round with a $100 million investment of funding in the 2024-25 financial year, to increase the availability Domestic Assistance, Home Maintenance, Allied Health and Therapy, and Transport services – Closes 31 May 2024
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) First Nations Growth Funding 2024-25
The grant opportunity is a targeted growth round with a $10 million investment of funding in the 2024-25 financial year, to increase the availability culturally safe CHSP aged care services for First Nations people by First Nations people where there is an unmet demand – Closes 31 May 2024
Grants closing in June 2024
Community Heritage Grants – Repeat Applicants & Training Projects
The National Library of Australia Community Heritage Grants program supports community organisations to look after Australian cultural heritage collections – Closes 4 June 2024
Strengthening Rural Communities – Small and Vital Round 21
The Strengthening Rural Communities Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities – Closes 5 June 2024
Cooperative Research Centres Projects Round 16
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants provide funding for short-term research collaborations – Closes 5 June 2024
Ian Potter Foundation Community Wellbeing Program
In the Community Wellbeing program area, the Ian Potter Foundation seeks to identify and support those organisations which have well thought out projects that seek to help vulnerable members of the community to overcome the challenging circumstances in which they find themselves – Closes 7 June 2024
Audience Development Fund
Museums & Galleries NSW – Audience Development Fund offers public galleries in NSW assistance in targeting and developing new audiences – Closes 20 June 2024
Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) Transition Fund
This Grant Opportunity is to assist Providers who may need financial support to adjust to the new funding arrangements under the AN-ACC without impacting on their ability to provide personal and clinical care to their residents – Closes 27 June 2024
Support Plantation Establishment 2024–25 (Round 2)
The Australian Government is inviting organisations via a Demand Driven (eligibility-based) process to apply to deliver services under the Support Plantation Establishment 2024–25 Program (Round 2) – Closes 30 June 2024
Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System
As an employer of an Australian Apprentice, you may be eligible for financial support from the Australian Government to help offset the cost of taking on an apprentice – Closes 30 June 2024
Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant
The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant (EDAEG) adopts a number of strategies to develop and support Aboriginal people through the creation of training and employment opportunities – Closes 30 June 2024
Small business technology investment boost
Small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed an additional 20% tax deduction to support their digital operations and digitise their operations – Closes 30 June 2024
Small business skills and training boost
Small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed an additional 20% tax deduction for external training courses delivered to employees by registered training providers – Closes 30 June 2024
Workforce Support and Wellbeing Program
Local primary healthcare services are invited to submit application for round 2 grant funding under the Workforce Support and Wellbeing program, part of Healthy North Coast’s disaster recovery response – Closes 30 June 2024
More grant opportunities
‘Lights on Door Open’ Stipend Program
The ‘Lights on Door Open’ stipend program aims to support eligible organisations, reduce the burden of constant fundraising, and allow them to focus on collections, maintenance, and best practices – Closes when all funds ($226,000) expended
Australia – Austria Industrial Decarbonisation Demonstration Partnerships Project
The program supports collaborative demonstration or pilot/test projects between Australia and Austria that strengthen connections between Australian and Austrian industry and support the development of decarbonisation technologies for hard-to-abate energy-intensive industries – Closes 18 July 2024
Medical Research Future Fund 2024 BioMedTech Incubator grant opportunity
This opportunity looks to fund suitable organisations to identify, select and support Australian SMEs undertaking early-stage medical research and medical innovation projects that have commercial potential – Closes 31 July 2024
National Justice Reinvestment Program – Round 2
The objective of this grant opportunity is to support the development and delivery of community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led justice reinvestment initiatives across Australia, by supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of local justice reinvestment strategies and activities, and local project teams and leadership structures to undertake the work of developing, implementing and evaluating justice reinvestment strategies – Closes 10 September 2024
Skills Development Grants
Skills Development Grants provide funding to volunteer museums, museum networks, and Aboriginal cultural spaces for regional or state-focused skill development training and networking events involving more than one organisation – Closes 27 October 2024
Leg Up Grants
Leg Up Grants are quick response skill development grants for workers in volunteer managed museums and Aboriginal cultural spaces throughout NSW – Closes 27 October 2024
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program
The program is designed to provide funding for projects that promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who served have played, and to preserve, add to the sum knowledge on, or provide access to information about Australia’s wartime heritage – Closes 5 February 2025
Cancer Patient Care Program
The Cancer Patient Support Program will support, one-off, time-limited activities that provide national leadership on emerging priorities across the cancer control continuum – Closes 1 August 2025
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program – Phase 4
Funding under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program is available from 1 July 2023 to support Eligible Funding Recipients to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia – Closes 30 June 2026
Regional Australia Microgrids Pilot Program
In October 2020, the Australian Government announced the $50 million Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP) to support pilot demonstrations of microgrids in regional and remote areas – Closes 31 December 2026
Lights on Doors Open stipend program to support volunteer-led museums and galleries
The ‘Lights On, Doors Open’ stipend program has been established to relieve the pressures faced by volunteer-led museums and Aboriginal cultural spaces in NSW – Closes when funds are exhausted
Oral History Regional Engagement Grants
This grant aims to raise the profile of oral history in regional areas and extend its expertise and use throughout New South Wales – Closing date to be announced in 2024
Industry Growth Program
The program supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding – Ongoing
Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program: Precinct Development and Planning
The program will focus on a partnership approach, bringing together governments and communities to plan and deliver regional precincts that are tailored to local needs and have a shared vision in how the precinct connects to the region – Ongoing
Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program: Precinct Delivery
This program will bring together governments and communities to plan and deliver regional precincts that are tailored to local needs and have a shared vision in how that precinct connects to the region – Ongoing
Regional Investment Activation Fund
This grant supports projects that are time-sensitive and strategically significant for a priority industry or location. Projects may be recommended for funding support under the Regional Investment Activation Fund – Ongoing
Producer Offset – Screen Australia
The Producer Offset is a refundable tax offset (rebate) for producers of Australian feature films, television and other projects – Ongoing
Return to Work – Phase 3
The Return to Work Program is for women who have been unemployed for one month or more and intend to return to work as an employee within 6 months – Ongoing
Advancing Renewables Program
Supports a broad range of development, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment projects that can deliver affordable and reliable renewable energy for Australian families and businesses – Ongoing
Accelerating Commercialisation
Accelerating Commercialisation is a service under the AusIndustry Entrepreneurs’ Programme that provides you with advice and funding to get your novel product, process or service to market – Ongoing
Advanced Development NSW
Provides NSW-based key creatives with funding of up to $50,000 to support screen content in an advanced stage of development including feature films, documentaries, adult and children?s TV drama – Ongoing
Airservices Australia Enroute Charges Payment Scheme
The Airservices Australia Enroute Charges Payment Scheme (program) commenced on 1 January 2002 and was introduced against the background of the collapse of Ansett on September 12, 2001 to assist in ensuring the continuation of air services to regional Australia – Ongoing
Australian Government’s Youth Job PaTH
Trial and hire a young person and get help with wage and training costs – Ongoing
Bridges Renewal Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program
The Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) are complementary programs designed to provide funding to State, Territory and Local Governments for projects which will upgrade and replace bridges to enhance access for local communities and facilitate higher productivity vehicle access (BRP) and increase the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle operations (HVSPP) – Ongoing
Digital Lift
Digital Lift is the philanthropic arm of tech company Monday.com. They are supporting not-for-profits to get digitally connected with volunteer support, software licenses, training and grants – Ongoing
Early Development NSW
Provides key creatives for NSW based screen projects with funding of up to $50,000 to support screen content in the early stage of development with pre-draft and early draft costs – Ongoing
Employer Incentives for Apprentices
The Australian Government offers a range of incentives to employers who hire apprentices, ranging from additional support for identified skill shortages, adult Australian apprentices, Australian apprentices with a disability and wage subsidies – Ongoing
Indigenous Travel Grants
The Travel Grants program is designed to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers in travelling to key international and Australian events. Professional development is a key objective – Applications can generally be made at any time at least five weeks before the event
NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package 2019-20
On 11 June 2019 the NSW Government announced additional drought assistance measures for farmers including a $350 million increase in the Farm Innovation Fund and $70 million to continue rebates on the Drought Transport Subsidy – Ongoing or until funds exhausted
NSW Heritage Emergency Works Grant
These grants support the protection or repairs to declared Aboriginal Places, items listed on the State Heritage Register, or items with a current interim heritage order that have been damaged by unexpected events (such as an extreme storm or accident) and where your insurance does not cover this cost – Ongoing
NSW Trade Missions & Exhibitions
Provides export ready NSW companies with industry exhibitions, specialist advice and networking opportunities to help them succeed in the export market – Ongoing
Performers Trust Foundation
The PPCA Performers’ Trust Foundation provides grants to promote and encourage music and the music-related performing arts – Ongoing
Regional Event Fund – Event Development Stream
The Event Development stream supports the strategic growth of proven events that demonstrate a clear rationale for the continued development of its tourism potential – Ongoing
Riparian and Habitat Recovery funding
Funding of up to $18,000 is available to help landholders and community groups protect and enhance waterways, wetlands and habitat in the North Coast region of NSW – Ongoing
Strategic Opportunities Program
The Strategic Opportunities Program supports individual initiatives and events that demonstrate long-term benefits to the NSW screen industry – Ongoing
Support for Startups
An initiative under the NSW Government’s Jobs for NSW program to provides capital funding through investment to support growing businesses – Ongoing
Awards, scholarships and opportunities
NSW Traning wards – Organisations
These awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers – Closes 31 March 2024
AMP Foundation Tomorrow Makers SPARK Program
The SPARK Program is specifically designed to assist social entrepreneurs in growing their ideas and fostering positive social transformation. As a Tomorrow Maker, an individual could secure a grant of up to $20,000, along with invaluable skills, resources, expert guidance, and a network of like-minded innovators – Closes 9 April 2024
North Coast Tourism Awards
The 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards acknowledge growth, entrepreneurship, and commend the success of tourism businesses throughout the North Coast Destination Network region – Closes 9 April 2024
HESTA Excellence Awards
The HESTA Excellence Awards recognise exceptional achievements in a range of settings across aged care, allied health, community services and disability services – Closes 12 May 2024
Clunies Ross Technology Innovation Awards
The Clunies Ross Technology Innovation Awards recognise contributions by dedicated individuals, or teams, who have shared their vision and knowledge with others to apply technology for the benefit of Australia, and beyond – Closes 15 May 2024
Resilient Australia National Awards
The Resilient Australia Awards celebrate and promote initiatives that build whole of community resilience to disasters and emergencies around Australia as well as capture and share examples of resilience in action – Closes 31 May 2024
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award
The award recognises research in the physical and biological sciences, allowing interdisciplinary and sociocultural research that could straddle the social sciences and humanities, by outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD students and early- and mid-career scientists – Closes 1 June 2024
Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships
The Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program aims to promote equality of opportunity in higher education, through increasing access to, and participation of, up to 600 employed women to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) – Onoing
Where To Find Grants
Government Grants
Australian Government
Grants & Programs is the assistance portal on the Australian Government’s business.gov.au site. The search feature provides access to over 600 grants that support business, local government and community. It includes incentives for research and development, support for small businesses, tax and duty concessions, and assistance for industries in transition.
GrantConnect provides centralised publication of forecast and current Australian Government grants and opportunities and grants awarded
Community Grants Hub is the Australian Government’s site for community-related grants. This can include grants for health, agriculture and landcare. Other sources of Australian Government grants
Indigenous Advancement Strategy Department of Social Services Department of Environment and Energy Australia Council for the Arts Screen Australia Community Grants Hub
NSW Government
The NSW Business Grants support small businesses to hire new employees and expand their business.
Community Builders NSW is a program which provides funding for a range of services to strengthen communities and build their capacity and is provided by NSW Family and Community Services.
Other sources of NSW Government grants
Screen NSW
Create NSW
Arts NSW
Smarty Grants
Museums & Galleries NSW
Northern Rivers Regional Councils
Funding for a range of community projects is available through Northern Rivers local councils. Information about community funding programs can be found on council websites.
Ballina Shire Council
Byron Shire Council
Clarence Valley Council
Lismore City Council
Richmond Valley Council
Tweed Shire Council
Kyogle Council
Other Grant Opportunities
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Australian Communities Foundation
Club Grants
Northern Rivers Community Foundation
Community Broadcasting Foundation
Business Australia – Guide to NSW Small Business Grants
