NSW Government Community Building Partnership 2023 round open now

NSW Government Community Building Partnership 2023

The NSW Government is investing in infrastructure projects that improve social, environmental and recreation outcomes, providing the community with participation and inclusion opportunities. With $27.9 million on offer, and a maximum of $300,000 per electorate, the NSW Government looks to improve opportunities for all NSW residents, both in metropolitan and regional areas.

The Community Building Partnership (CBP) program differs to what has been previously offered – click here to view the changes.

What’s new in the CBP 2023 round:

  • Projects over $30,000 must have quotes to verify project spending, this is also preferred for all projects under $30,000 but not necessary. Quotes must be of relevant time and location.
  • You must provide a detailed and itemised project budget for the full requested amount
  • Variations or changes to the project will only be approved in limited circumstances. Please ensure that your project can be delivered in scope and on time.

To be eligible for this program, you must fit one of the following criteria:

  • NSW association or non-distributing co-operatives registered with NSW Fair Trading
  • Local Aboriginal Land Councils or Indigenous corporations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
  • NSW local councils and their section 355 committees operating under the Local Government Act 1993. Local councils and their section 355 committees are required to provide matched funding to the CBP grant amount awarded
  • not-for-profit entities incorporated under an Act of Parliament
  • trusts that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
  • public companies limited by guarantee.

The application must be submitted through SmartGrants, and under the organisations legal name and ABN (if applicable)

Examples of eligible organisations include:

  • Community group incorporated as a NSW Association – e.g. sporting body, multicultural group, community shed
  • Community group registered as a NSW Co-operative – e.g. country club, childcare co-op, golf club
  • Parents and Citizens Association (P&C Association) incorporated with the Federation of P&C Associations of NSW under the Parents & Citizens Association Act of 1976 No 50
  • Aboriginal organisation registered by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) – e.g. preschool, health and welfare corporation
  • Public companies limited by guarantee

Organisations cannot apply on behalf of other organisations; these applications will be denied. Individuals and groups of individuals also are ineligible, as well as any for-profit organisations.

CBP will consider funding requests between $5,000 and $150,000 for projects in NSW. Please note that all relevant documentation for each application must be included, and any further documentation is recommended to expedite the application process. The following are some examples of projects that funding can be applied for:

  • Construction of new community infrastructure, or refurbishment, repair, and maintenance of existing infrastructure, this includes resurfacing sports courts, installation of shade structures, restoring buildings, accessibility equipment and public announcement systems
  • Purchase of vehicles or modification to existing vehicles
  • Projects that can be completed prior to 31 August 2025
  • Projects must only have one project location per application
  • If applications are to be made for both infrastructure and vehicles, these must be done separately with appropriate documentation.

Some of the following are examples of projects that can not be considered for the CBP:

  • Projects outside of NSW
  • Projects commencing prior to October 27, 2023
  • Projects that look to buy land, run workshops, cover operating costs.
  • Projects that already utilise other grant programs
  • Projects over $30,001 without appropriate documentation
  • Any application submitted after the deadline (27th October 2023).
  • Any application without a detailed and itemised budget

Whilst there is a lot to consider whether this program is suitable to your organisation, the information above should give a basic outline as to whether there are any upcoming projects for your organisation which could benefit from this scheme.

Applications are open now, and close on the October 27 2023 at 5pm AEST. Click here for more info.

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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Active Club Program offers South Australian football clubs a funding boost

South Australian football clubs can tap into another round of government support, with the Active Club Program offering grants of up to $3,000 to help clubs improve participation and strengthen their local communities. The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) opened its new round of funding on the 28th of August. Clubs have until midday on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 to apply.

The grassroots benefits

The South Australian Government has allocated $1.448 million to the round. Clubs with fewer than 100 members can receive $1,500. Clubs with 100 or more members can receive $3,000. The program targets grassroots sport, including football. It helps clubs purchase equipment and resources that make participation easier and more affordable.

Football clubs can use the funding for sporting equipment, uniforms and protective gear. They can also fund playing venue maintenance equipment, professional development, medical equipment and training. The program also supports projects that improve inclusion. Clubs can use grants for positive health initiatives and hardship subsidies. These measures can help remove barriers that stop people from playing sport.

That focus creates opportunities for football clubs to support more women and girls. It can also help clubs create more welcoming environments for players of different ages and backgrounds. Water and energy efficiency also form part of the program. Clubs can fund eligible initiatives that reduce water use or improve energy efficiency. That could prove particularly valuable for football clubs managing local playing venues and facilities. The program also allows minor club infrastructure upgrades and technology that directly supports participation or club sustainability.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, a club must operate as a not-for-profit sport or active recreation organisation in South Australia. It must have at least 20 members and have operated for at least 12 months.

ORSR will also consider a club’s participation profile when assessing applications. The assessment looks at female and male junior and senior participation, alongside factors such as the club’s affiliation and when it last received Active Club Program funding.

How to apply

The funding can make a direct difference at grassroots level. In the previous round, 558 South Australian clubs shared more than $1.4 million. The government says the investment helped clubs meet essential costs while supporting participation and inclusion.

For football, that support can stretch beyond the playing field. Stronger clubs create more opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers. They also provide places where people can build connections and stay active. Applications for Round 56 will be screened in November, assessed in December, with clubs notified in January 2027.

To learn more about the South Australian Active Club Program, visit their website.

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