Port Authority is proud to support the communities where we work. Through our annual Community Grants Program, we help fund projects, events, and initiatives that benefit local communities. The program:
• Reflects our mission, values, and areas of operation.
• Is led by the ports, reflecting local interests and fostering community spirit.
• Strengthens connections and support sustainability between our ports and nearby areas.
Image: Making Waves Foundation: Participants of the boat building project.
Who can apply?
Grants are available for local, community-based projects and activities, including:
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Community groups
- Schools, universities, and other educational institutions
- Youth programs and activities
- Community development projects
- Sports and arts organisations
- First Nations community groups
The following organisations are not eligible:
- Local councils
- State and Federal government departments and associated entities
- For profit organisations and commercial enterprises
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a community grant, the project or program must be located within 10km of one of our ports. These are Sydney Harbour, Port Botany, Newcastle, Port Kembla, Yamba, and Eden. View maps of our six port locations.
Key dates
| 26 March 2026 | Applications Open |
|---|---|
| 5 May 2026 | Applications Close |
| May- June 2026 | Community Grant Assessment Period Port Authority approval of successful grant recipients |
| July 2026 | Notification to all applicants and distribution of funding to successful grant recipients |
| 30 June 2027 | Projects completed |
Which port communities are eligible for the grant?
Communities based within 10km of our ports are eligible to apply.
These are Sydney Harbour, Port Botany, Newcastle, Port Kembla, Yamba, and Eden.
Frequently asked questions
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The Community Grants Program is an initiative by the Port Authority to provide annual grants supporting projects, events, and initiatives that benefit the local communities where we operate.
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The Community Grants Program is an initiative by the Port Authority to provide annual grants supporting projects, events, and initiatives that benefit the local communities where we operate.
-
Grants are available for local, community-based projects and activities, including:
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Community groups
- Schools, universities, and other educational institutions
- Youth programs and activities
- Community development projects
- Sports and arts organisations
- First Nations community groups
The following organisations are not eligible:
- Local councils
- State and Federal government departments and associated entities
- For profit organisations and commercial enterprises
Port Authority will not award grants that benefit only individuals, political candidates, or do not support the broader community. Multi-year applications are not supported.
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Yes, organisations that applied for our grants program last year are welcome to re-apply this year. This includes applicants who were successful and received funding previously, as well as those who were not successful. All eligible groups are encouraged to submit a new application for the current funding round.
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Community grants between $2,000 to $5,000 (excluding GST) for one-year programs.
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All eligible grant applications will be assessed by a panel of Port Authority employees including local Port Authority representatives according to the selection criteria.
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Applications for the 2026 community grant funding program will close Tuesday 5 May 2026. Judging will take place in June, with applicants to be notified of the outcome in July 2026.
For further information please email enquiries@portauthoritynsw.com.au
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Projects can commence following signing and returning the Community Grant Agreement Letter to Port Authority along with a valid Tax Invoice.
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An organisation must meet the following criteria to qualify for funding:
- Connection to one of the local port communities.
- Show a positive community impact.
- Align with Port Authority’s vision and values.
- Applications that connect with the maritime industry and support sustainability will be prioritised.
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Organisations can apply for funding from the following port communities:
- Port Botany
- Bays Port / Sydney Harbour
- Newcastle Harbour
- Port of Yamba
- Port Kembla
- Port of Eden
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Applications will open Thursday 26 March 2026. Interested organisations can apply by submitting a Community Grant Application Form. The applications will be reviewed by the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Team and assessed by an Advisory Group and Executive Team.
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Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Connection to the port community
- Community impact
- Alignment with Port Authority’s strategic objectives and values
- Support for sustainability and NetZero goals
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The successful grant applicants will be announced week commencing 6 July 2026.
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The new community grants program will be promoted through our social media channels, website, press releases, and email communications.
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For more information, contact us via email at enquiries@portauthoritynsw.com.au or call our enquiry line at 02 9296 4962.
2025 community grant recipients
| Organisation | Project |
|---|---|
| Creative workshops using reclaimed materials to educate school students and the wider community about marine litter and the impact on local ecosystems.
|
| Workshops for at-risk youth who are coached and mentored as they undertake trade-based boat-building projects to gain workplace experience and maritime skills. |
| Organisation | Project |
|---|---|
| Purchase of a simulated radio console to train and assess new volunteers in radio operations, improving emergency response capabilities that local and visiting recreational boaters rely upon.
|
| Organisation | Project |
|---|---|
| Free youth swimming clinics across the Newcastle region, promoting swimming as a vital life skill while fostering coaching development and community engagement. Fostering inclusion across different backgrounds and abilities.
|
|
| Sailing program on Newcastle harbour empowering disadvantaged and disabled youth through maritime skills, teamwork, and confidence-building. |
|
| New Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) equipment for their rescue vessel to enhance the detection of individuals in the water, especially during night-time operations. |
| Organisation | Project |
|---|---|
| Surfing and wellness program promoting community wellbeing and environmental advocacy. Engaging a diverse Port Kembla community including youth, retirees, and environmental groups. |
| Installation of Automated External Defibrillators in high-traffic areas of the Port Kembla community to provide life-saving equipment for port users, beachgoers and visitors. Find out more about Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| Organisation | Project |
|---|---|
| Supporting Eden’s premier annual festival, celebrating marine life and community spirit with up to 10,000 attendees taking place 3-5 October 2025. |
| Organisation | Project |
|---|---|
| Free youth swimming clinics across the Yamba region, promoting swimming as a vital life skill while fostering coaching development and community engagement. Fostering inclusion across different backgrounds and abilities. |
Community Grants application form
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