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NSW Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2026 – Stream 1: Special Purposes and Projects, and Sector Development
- Grants of $30,000 to $100,000 (excluding GST) per project
- One-off funding for projects that start by 1 March 2027 and finish by 29 February 2028
- Organisations can apply to this stream and to Stream 2: Thriving Kids, and may be funded under either or both
- Up to $1 million available in total
- Applications close at 4:00 pm on 24 November 2026
The Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) Stream 1 grant gives NSW not-for-profits, councils and Aboriginal organisations $30,000 to $100,000 for one-off projects that strengthen disability advocacy. Projects help people with disability get information, access services and speak up for themselves as disability reforms roll out across NSW and nationally. Applications close at 4:00 pm on 24 November 2026.
The program is run by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. It's based on the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner's 2019 Review into Disability Advocacy, and supports people with disability whether or not they're on the NDIS.
Key Requirements
Projects must contribute to at least one of four objectives:
- give people with disability and their supporters more advocacy support to access services in their communities
- develop the NSW disability advocacy sector through quality improvement, collaboration, innovation and stronger self-advocacy
- build stronger networks and learning opportunities across the advocacy sector
- help people with disability respond to state and national policy reforms through self-advocacy, information and advocacy support
Delivery requirements
- Projects must be located in NSW, start by 1 March 2027 and finish by 29 February 2028
- DCJ only funds a single lead organisation. Partners can work together through subcontracting arrangements with that lead
- Applicants must hold at least $10 million public liability insurance and meet the NSW National Redress Scheme requirements
Applications are assessed against eligibility, priority areas and the assessment criteria. The full criteria are in the DAFP 2026 Stream 1 grant guidelines.
What is eligible for funding?
DCJ has identified four priority areas. Other projects may be considered, but these show the kinds of projects this round is looking for.
First Nations advocacy
Building disability advocacy skills and culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal people with disability, especially in regional and remote NSW. This could involve working with or through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Aboriginal Legal Services or Aboriginal Health Services. Activities might include raising awareness, creating culturally safe resources, improving referral pathways and setting up local networks.
Self-advocacy and supported decision-making
New or expanded programs that build the skills, knowledge and confidence of people with disability and their supporters to make their own decisions. Examples include peer-led training, train-the-trainer programs, decision-making tools, Easy Read resources and practical learning modules. Projects must meet unmet need and not duplicate existing resources.
Safeguarding and service navigation
Helping people with disability identify risks, understand their rights and connect with the right supports. This could mean stronger referral pathways, closer links with government and community services, outreach to at-risk groups, and helping advocacy services identify and escalate safeguarding concerns. Projects should complement existing safeguarding work, not duplicate it.
Supported disability employment
Raising awareness of workplace rights, strengthening employment advocacy and helping people with disability find mainstream jobs outside established disability employment services. Projects should align with the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan and complement, not duplicate, Commonwealth employment services and Australian Disability Enterprises.
What companies are eligible for funding?
Organisations located in NSW with an ABN and an Australian bank account, that are one of the following:
- NSW local councils, joint organisations, county councils and regional organisations of councils
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
- not-for-profits registered with NSW Fair Trading, or not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee registered in NSW with ACNC registration or DGR status
- Indigenous corporations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
- NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils, religious organisations operating in NSW, and NSW non-government organisations set up under their own Act of Parliament
Frequently asked questions
Can individuals apply?
No. Applicants must be an eligible organisation located in NSW, such as a not-for-profit, council or Aboriginal organisation.
Do participants need to be NDIS participants?
No. The program supports all people with disability in NSW to access government and mainstream services, whether or not they’re on the NDIS.
Can we apply to both DAFP streams?
Yes. You can apply to Stream 1 and Stream 2: Thriving Kids, and may be funded under either or both.
When does the project need to run?
Projects should start by 1 March 2027 and must be finished by 29 February 2028.
Can the grant fund employment advocacy?
Yes. Supported disability employment is a priority area, as long as the project complements Commonwealth employment services rather than duplicating them.
When will we hear back?
Outcomes are expected by 31 December 2026, with funding deeds signed by 31 January 2027.
Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?
Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.
How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?
How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?
Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.