Community groups across NSW, including one already at work in Nambucca Heads, can now apply for grants of up to $40,000 to run local projects that support young people and build safer communities.
The second round of the Community Safety Investment Fund is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $5 million investment in community-led initiatives to tackle youth crime and improve community safety, with a particular focus on regional areas.
The grants were announced on Thursday, 20 August, with applications open now for the next round and closing on Friday, 11 September.
The Community Safety Investment Fund is designed to reflect the needs and priorities of individual communities, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to youth crime prevention.
One-off grants are available for projects that can be delivered within 12 months, with $500,000 in funding on offer. The fund is designed to give local organisations the chance to deliver projects that reflect the needs of their own community, including initiatives involving sport, arts, music, culture, mentoring and other early intervention activities.
The first round of the program is already supporting 27 community-led projects across the state, including night-time safe spaces, an outdoor movie theatre and youth mentoring programs.
Among the first-round recipients is the Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council in Nambucca Heads, which received funding for a series of Cultural Fishing and Development Workshops.
Other projects funded in the first round include Yindyamarra Youth’s Cultural Leadership and Wellbeing Walkabouts in Wollongong, the Wilcannia Outdoor Movie Theatre run by Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, and a self-employment and enterprise program delivered by the Blacktown Regional Economic and Employment Development Taskforce.
Grant applications targeting areas with the greatest needs and service gaps will be prioritised, along with programs that support Aboriginal young people.
Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said the fund would help local organisations create lasting change for young people and their families.
“This second round of Community Safety Investment Fund grants will support local organisations to deliver initiatives that empower young people and their families, helping to achieve lasting change,” he said.
“We want to support a range of community-led initiatives that build long-term resilience, increase connection to culture and improve social and emotional wellbeing for young people.”
“By helping young people build stronger connections with their communities and re-engage with education, training and employment, we can help create better pathways for their future and safer communities for everyone.”
Community groups delivering skill-building programs, cultural activities, youth hubs and other services for young people are encouraged to apply.
More information and applications are available at nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-safety-investment-fund-stream-1-round-2-2026-27.
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