Community Building Partnership

Community Building Partnership 2025

Community Building Partnership 2025
This program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.
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Key information

  • Status: Opening soon
  • Grant amount: From $10,000 to $100,000
  • Application opens: 28 January 2025
  • Application closes: 21 February 2025, 5:00 pm

Program objective

CBP awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

These guidelines set out the funding rules for the 2025 Community Building Partnership program for applicants, including eligibility and the process for assessing and allocating funding to the successful grant applicants.

  • In 2025, the total value of the CBP program is $41.85 million.
  • There is a maximum of $450,000 to allocate in each electorate.

This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice.

Eligibility

1

Who can apply

To be considered eligible, the project must be submitted through the online system SmartyGrants.

To be eligible to apply for funding:

  • Applicants must be one of the following:
    • 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 or 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.
  • Applicants that received a grant through the CBP 2021 and CBP 2022 rounds must have acquitted their CBP 2021 and CBP 2022 projects by 21 February 2025, unless they have an active and approved extension in place to complete the project.
  • Organisations listed on the ACNC Register must have a current and up-to-date record. Any organisation that has not met ongoing obligations to the ACNC will have funding withheld if the project is successful. Any outstanding issues must be resolved by the date Funding Agreements are due, or the grant offer may be withdrawn.
  • An organisation eligible to apply for funding must apply under its own legal name and ABN (if applicable).
2

Types of projects funded under this grant

CBP will consider funding requests between $10,000 and $100,000 for projects in NSW involving:

  • capital works including construction of new community infrastructure as well as refurbishment, repair and maintenance of existing community infrastructure. Capital works are: improvements to the land or building, or freestanding equipment that will be fixed or installed to the land or building.
  • the purchase of freestanding equipment. Freestanding equipment is: equipment that does not require installation. This also includes vehicles and vessels that do not require registration e.g. tractors, utility task vehicles (UTV) or side-by-side ATVs, dragon boats, golf buggies, dinghies, powerboats or sailing boats less than 5.5 m long or with an engine less than 4.0 kw.
  • the purchase of vehicle(s). Vehicles are: cars, buses, trucks, trailers, motorised rescue vehicles including boats and any modifications to existing vehicles.
3

When the project can start and end

The project must be completed by 3 August 2026.

4

Who can’t apply

The following are examples of applicants that may be ineligible for CBP funding. This is not an exhaustive list of ineligible applicants. It is designed to give applicants an idea of the type of applicants that may be ineligible to apply for CBP funding.

  • Propriety companies and companies limited by shares
  • Individuals or groups of individuals
  • Unincorporated organisations
  • For-profit commercial organisations
  • Organisations with unacquitted CBP 2021 or CBP 2022 projects by 21 February 2025, unless they have an active and approved extension in place to complete the project
  • NSW Government or Australian Government agencies and their entities (including NSW Government schools, local health districts and public hospitals). These organisations should consider whether there is an incorporated not-for-profit body, such as a P&C Association, hospital auxiliary or incorporated entity that uses Crown Land facilities that may be eligible to apply for funding.
  • An eligible organisation applying on behalf of another eligible organisation
5

Types of projects not funded under this grant

The following are examples of projects that may be ineligible for CBP funding. This is not an exhaustive list of eligible projects. It is designed to give applicants an idea of the type of projects that may be ineligible to apply for CBP funding.

  • Projects that have commenced works prior to the grant round closing date (21 February 2025)
  • Projects located outside of NSW
  • Projects that seek funding to:
    • run workshops, training or facilitation
    • stage events or exhibit displays
    • undertake filming or recording
    • cover operating costs or recurrent expenses such as staff costs, insurance, leases, bills, clothing, consumables and disposables
    • deliver programs or services
    • undertake studies or investigations
    • purchase land or buildings (fixed assets).
  • Projects that involve the development of private or commercial ventures, including upgrades/works in licensed areas of registered clubs such as liquor and/or gaming areas
  • Projects receiving funding from other grant programs for the same scope of works
  • Projects that should be funded as a core responsibility from another source, such as a local government, the NSW Government or Australian Government
  • Project works or costs that have been or will be covered by insurance claims – e.g. repairs following weather events
  • Applications submitted after the application closing date
  • Joint application or application submitted on behalf of an auspice organisation
  • Projects seeking funding exclusively for costs associated with planning, or a development approval application
  • Applications without evidence of development approval, where required
  • Applications that request $30,001 or above without quotation
  • Applications without a detailed and itemised project budget for full requested amount
  • Applicants that apply for an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) package above $3,000
  • Applications requesting funding to purchase vehicle(s) that will not be registered under the applicant's name e.g. P&C Associations applying for a bus that would be registered under the Department of Education
6

Example projects

The following are examples of projects that may be eligible for CBP funding. This is not an exhaustive list of eligible projects. It is designed to give applicants an idea of the type of projects that may be eligible to apply for CBP funding.

  • Resurfacing of sporting courts – e.g. tennis, netball and basketball court upgrades, drainage, playground equipment installation
  • Installation of shade structures – e.g. covered outdoor learning area or refurbishment to courtyard to make an ‘all weather’ area (development approval or exemption may be required)
  • Restoration of building – e.g. restoration of stained-glass windows, roof repair, solar panel installation (owner’s consent for Crown Land, development approval and heritage requirements may apply)
  • Accessibility improvement – e.g. amenities, kerb ramp
  • Kitchen upgrade – e.g. clubhouse kitchen renovation, plumbing, electrical works, purchase of appliances
  • Public Announcement system – e.g. purchase of sound equipment, electrical works and installation
7

Additional eligibility requirements

Applications must contain all required documentation including but not limited to the following:

  • For applications that seek to build, upgrade or repair facilities, where development approval is required, evidence of the development approval.
    • Acceptable evidence of development approval includes a current valid notice of determination showing consent has been granted, complying development certificate, or construction certificate.
    • A planning or zoning certificate, evidence of lodgement of a Development Application and any other documents not clearly demonstrating development approval by a consent authority will not be accepted.
  • For capital works projects, the property/landowner’s consent for your works to be undertaken at the project location. You can view a CBP Property/Landowner’s Consent Form [PDF 335 KB].
  • A valid and current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance in the name of the applicant with a minimum cover of $5 million.
  • Detailed and itemised project budget for the full requested amount. You can view a CBP Sample Project Budget [PDF 1.9 MB].
  • For applications that request $30,001 or above, quotes to verify project expenditure, which align to the information provided in your project budget. You can view a CBP Sample for Quotes [PDF 81 KB]. 
    • A project cost sheet, opinion on a probable cost or a pre-tender estimate summary will not be accepted.
    • A quote older than 6 months will not be accepted.
  • Quotes for applications that request $30,000 or less are preferred but not mandatory.

All supporting documentation referenced above must be provided as part of your application. 

Before funding is released, successful applicants will be required to provide other necessary documentation.

What your application needs to include

1

Prepare your application with this checklist

Before starting your application, please use this checklist to ensure your organisation and project are eligible.

  • Is your organisation an incorporated not-for-profit organisations or local council?
    • Please refer to ‘Who can apply’ for more information.
  • Are you applying for capital works, equipment purchase or vehicle purchase/modification? 
    • Capital works including construction of new community infrastructure as well as refurbishment, repair and maintenance of existing community infrastructure. Capital works are: improvements to the land or building, or freestanding equipment that will be fixed or installed to the land or building.
    • The purchase of freestanding equipment. Freestanding equipment is: equipment that does not require installation. This also includes vehicles and vessels that do not require registration e.g. tractors, utility task vehicles (UTV) or side-by-side ATVs, dragon boats, golf buggies, dinghies, powerboats or sailing boats less than 5.5m long or with an engine less than 4.0kw.
    • The purchase of vehicle(s). Vehicles are: cars, buses, trucks, trailers, motorised rescue vehicles including boats and any modifications to existing vehicles.
  • Can the project be completed by 3 August 2026?
  • Is your grant request between $10,000 and $100,000?
    • CBP will only be funding applications between $10,000 and $100,000. If your request is below $10,000 or over $100,000, it will not be eligible for this grant.
  • Does your organisation have any unacquitted CBP 2021 and CBP 2022 projects by 21 February 2025?
    • Applicants must have acquitted CBP 2021 and CBP 2022 projects by 21 February 2025, unless they have an active and approved extension in place to complete the project.
  • If you are applying as a local council or Section 355 committee, can your organisation provide matched funding to the CBP grant amount awarded?
    • Local councils and their Section 355 committees are required to provide dollar for dollar matched funding to the CBP grant amount awarded. Matched funding from councils must be in the form of cash and can be provided from council income sources, or from other external funding sources.
  • Does your project require Development Application (DA) approval, and can you present evidence at the time of application?
    • If you apply to build, upgrade or repair facilities, where a Development Application (DA) approval is required, you must submit evidence of the development approval at the time of application. If you are not sure whether you require planning approval, contact your local council before submitting an application.
  • Do you have property/landowner’s consent to undertake your capital works project, and can you present evidence at the time of application?
    • For capital works projects, you must secure approval from the land or property owner before applying for CBP funding. You must obtain the relevant approval for your project to proceed, or complete the CBP Property/Landowner’s Consent Form [PDF 335 KB] on our website and submit at the time of application. 
  • If you are a applying for a project on school grounds, have you consulted with your school principal, and lodged a project proposal?
    • As the grant applicant, you must consult with the school principal about any proposed projects on public school grounds. Applicants proposing projects on public school grounds must have lodged the project proposal in Department of Education Facilities Management Portal (FM Portal) and attach the Asset Management Unit (AMU) approval to the application.
  • Do you have a valid Certificate of Currency for your organisation’s insurance policy covering public liability insurance for at least $5 million?
    • Your organisation is required to provide a Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of $5 million, regardless of the project type. The policy must be current and valid, and submitted at the time of your application.
  • Do you have a project budget for the full requested amount and have you obtained quotes?
    • You must provide a detailed and itemised project budget for the full requested amount at the time of application. If you apply for $30,001 or above, you must provide quotes to verify project expenditure, which align to the information provided in your project budget at the time of your application. Quotes for applications that request $30,000 or less are preferred but not mandatory.
  • Does your project deliver positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes, while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion?
    • Please refer to the CBP 2025 Program Guidelines for more information. Eligible projects will be assessed against 4 equally weighted criteria:
      • Enhancing facilities
      • Meeting community needs and increasing community participation
      • The organisation’s capacity
      • Demonstrating value for money.
2

Address the eligibility criteria

Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.

3

Address the assessment criteria

Criterion 1. Enhancing facilities: the project develops a sustainable and inclusive community.

  • You should demonstrate this through identifying how the project will deliver positive social, environmental or recreational outcomes.
  • Describe the current situation in your community. (What is there now?)
  • Describe how your project will contribute and improve the current situation in your community. (What will be different? What will be built?)

Criterion 2. Meeting community needs and increasing community participation: the project supports activities and services needed by local communities and encourages community participation.

  • You should demonstrate this through identifying why the project is a priority need, why funding is important and how the project will promote community participation, inclusion and cohesion.
  • Describe how your project will encourage more members of the community to participate in activities and/or services.
  • Describe how your project will promote more inclusive activities and/or services. (Include who and how many people will be affected.)
  • Tell us how you know that the community needs your project as a matter of priority. (Include any surveys, statistics and research, if available.)

Criterion 3. The organisation’s capacity: the applicant has the capacity to deliver the project on time and within scope.

  • You should demonstrate this through identifying how you are able to deliver the project within your organisation’s resources.
  • Demonstrate that your organisation can deliver the project on time by including all relevant documentation in your application.
  • Describe your organisation’s experience in delivering similar projects. (For example, have you been successful in receiving grant funding previously and did you deliver the project on time?)
  • Describe the resources and skills your organisation has that will help it to successfully deliver the project on time and within budget.

Criterion 4. Demonstrating value for money: the project delivers value for money when assessing its lifetime benefits against its lifetime costs.

  • You should demonstrate this through identifying how the project delivers value for money when comparing the project’s lifetime economic, cultural and environmental benefits, including non-monetary benefits, with its lifetime costs.
  • Detail and itemise all the costs associated with the project and how they will be covered.
  • Provide quotations, price comparisons and advice from professionals to show that the costs are reasonable.
  • Provide letters confirming other sources of financial support.

Start the application

Step 1 – Check your eligibility

Before you start your application, read the CBP2025 Program Guidelines and Frequently asked questions, and go through the 2025 application checklist to make sure you understand all the relevant requirements for this grant round. Check that your organisation and project are eligible and that you can have your project completed by 3 August 2026.

Step 2 – Prepare your application

Applying for the CBP 2025 round is simple. Once you have confirmed that both your project and organisation are eligible, go to the SmartyGrants platform at communitybuildingpartnership.smartygrants.com.au/applicant/login and start your application.

You can also download a copy of the application form from the SmartyGrants website prior to starting your application, which will help you to prepare.

Step 3 – Submit your application

Read through and complete the application form, making sure to fill in each section. Remember to save your application regularly. Upload all the required supporting documentation and submit your application on or before Friday 21 February 2025 (5 pm AEDT). Applications can be submitted at any time before this. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Important notes

  • Your application must be accurate and complete upon submission.
  • Applications should identify whether the project may not proceed if the full grant amount requested is not received. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a partial funding amount and outline a modified project scope that could be implemented within the program timeframe if the partial funding amount was awarded. You will not be awarded partial funding if you do not nominate a partial funding amount.
  • Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
  • The cost of preparing an application is the responsibility of the applicant.
  • The declaration section of the application must be authorised:
    • by a member of the executive or committee as deemed under your organisation’s constitution
    • by the General Manager or delegated officer of the local council submitting the application.

Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.


Apply now

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: NSW Premier

The assessment process is competitive and funds are limited. Each application is assessed for eligibility and against merit assessment criteria. Where an application has submitted multiple applications, each eligible application will be individually assessed on its merits against the assessment criteria.

The assessment process is competitive and applicants must ensure that they sufficiently address the eligibility and assessment criteria to establish eligibility for the grant. Applicants should ensure they provide as much relevant information as possible with their application.

Your application will be assessed against eligibility criteria outlined in the CBP 2025 Program Guidelines to determine that:

  • the applicant organisation is eligible to apply
  • the project type is eligible for CBP funding
  • the application meets program requirements for commencement, completion and amount of funding requested
  • the application is in the right NSW electorate and is assessed in the correct NSW electorate based on project location information
  • the application is accurate and complete upon submission.

Only the information submitted as part of the online application is considered during the eligibility assessment. The CBP team will not contact applicants to seek clarification or further information. Therefore, you must ensure the information is both accurate and complete.

An Eligibility Review Panel (ERP) comprised of NSW Government representatives will meet to review the CBP team’s recommendations and make a final determination in relation to eligibility.

The relevant State Member of Parliament (MP) will assess the eligible applications in their electorate on how they address the 4 equally weighted assessment criteria:

  1. Enhancing facilities: the project develops a sustainable, and inclusive community.
  2. Meeting community needs and increasing community participation: the project supports activities and services needed by local communities and encourages community participation.
  3. The organisation’s capacity: the applicant has the capacity to deliver the project on time and within scope.
  4. Demonstrating value for money: the project delivers value for money when assessing its lifetime benefits against its lifetime costs.

MPs will be invited to make funding recommendations for projects for the decision-maker’s consideration.

Anticipated assessment outcome date is August 2025

Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is 3 November 2025

Support and contact

The CBP Team at the Department of Communities and Justice are available to provide information and support for CBP 2025 applicants.

Phone: (02) 8753 8144

Email: CBP2025@dcj.nsw.gov.au

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