Applications are now open for community organisations across South Australia to apply for Social Impact Grants that support inclusion and wellbeing, with two funding tiers available - up to $10,000 for equipment and resources, and up to $30,000 for infrastructure and program delivery.
The State Government's Social Impact Grants give eligible organisations the chance to fund short-term projects that help build strong, inclusive communities and support social and emotional wellbeing.
Priority will be given to projects that support and empower people and communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and other complex challenges.
Successful applications from Round 1 of the 25/26 Social Impact Grants include:
Metro
- Salvation Army Riverside (Gawler East) Play Café - $20,383 to transform a limited space into a vibrant, welcoming hub for local families, increasing capacity from just 16 people to up to 40. The upgraded café is strengthening community connections, with more families able to come together, play and access support in a safe and inclusive environment.
- Orange Basket Community Services - A boost of $8,400 to deliver mentorship and job-readiness training programs for people with intellectual disabilities at inclusive cafes in Adelaide's north and south, at Kilkenny and Hackham.
- Christie Downs Community House - More than $7,300 towards venue hire and performance equipment for the Sound of Survival Choir, which is attended by women recovering from experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence.
- The Playford Women's Shed - Nearly $7,000 for resources to deliver woodwork, tool handling and simple home maintenance classes for women in a safe and welcoming space.
Regional
- Glencoe Public Hall - A boost of $9,814 towards improving accessibility, safety and outdoor gathering at the longstanding Glencoe Public Hall.
- Naracoorte District Men's Shed - Nearly $7,000 towards keeping this vital pillar of the Limestone Coast community running.
- Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Assoc. Inc - A grant of $9,300 to support Way to Play, produced by SA's only Aboriginal radio station. The early learning show shares stories, songs and hot tips from guest speakers for families in the Iron Triangle region.
Applications for the 2025-26 Social Impact Grants Round Two close on 11 June 2026. For more information about the Social Impact Grants and how to apply, visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au/how-we-help/grants
As put by Human Services Minister Katrine Hildyard
Behind every strong community are local people and local organisations working really hard, with compassion and commitment, to bring people together, open doors and offer support when it matters most. These grants help make sure that vital work can continue and grow.
By supporting community organisations to deliver local solutions, these grants help foster inclusion, reduce isolation and improve social and emotional wellbeing for people across our state.
We know that strong communities are built by dedicated local people and groups empowering local people to connect and delivering practical support where it's needed most. I encourage eligible organisations to apply and take this opportunity to turn great local ideas into real outcomes for South Australians. Thanks to all who make a difference in communities every day. I am so pleased that these grants will help you to continue to do so.
As put by Josh Sanders Ministry Team Leader Salvation Army Riverside Gawler
The space has really been transformed through this funding, and our community has really benefited. The grant has been so useful and we are very thankful. Just this morning I met a mother to talk about their Aboriginal foster group, and we could use the play cafe to have our meeting.
