Community groups across NSW can now apply for grants of up to $40,000 to deliver local projects that support young people, prevent youth offending and build safer communities.
The second round of the Community Safety Investment Fund grant program is part of the Minns Labor Government's $5 million investment in community-led initiatives to tackle youth crime and improve community safety, particularly in regional areas.
The first round of the program is already supporting 27 community-led projects across NSW, including night-time safe spaces, an outdoor movie theatre and youth mentoring programs.
The second round will provide one-off grants for projects delivered within 12 months, with $500,000 in funding available for initiatives that respond to local needs and priorities.
The Community Safety Investment Fund is designed to give local organisations the opportunity to deliver projects that reflect the needs of their communities, including initiatives involving sports, arts, music, culture, mentoring and other early intervention activities.
Projects supported in the first round of funding include:
- Yindyamarra Youth: Cultural Leadership and Wellbeing Walkabouts in Wollongong
- Cultural Fishing and Development Workshops by Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council in Nambucca Heads
- Creative Intervention for at-risk youth on the Central Coast by Musicians Making a Difference
- Wilcannia Outdoor Movie Theatre by Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation
- Change Creators - Pathways to Self-Employment and Enterprise in Community by Blacktown Regional Economic and Employment Development (BREED) Taskforce
Community groups delivering skill-building programs, cultural activities, youth hubs, new services for young people and other community activities and events are urged to apply.
Grant applications targeting areas with the greatest needs and service gaps will be prioritised, as well as programs that support Aboriginal young people.
Applications for the second round are now open and close on close on 11 September 2026.
For information about the Community Safety Investment Fund grant program, go to: nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-safety-investment-fund-stream-1-round-2-2026-27
Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:
"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.
"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."
