Grants in NSW

As part of the 2024–25 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced the second round of the Hydrogen Headstart program to support major hydrogen production projects and grow Australia’s clean energy industry. Delivered by ARENA, round 2 aims to strengthen Australia’s position in the global hydrogen market. ARENA is now seeking input on the proposed program design through a public consultation process. Stakeholders are invited to review the Consultation Paper and provide feedback via the online forms by 31 July 2025.

The Protecting Our Places program is a competitive grant initiative that supports Aboriginal organisations and groups in New South Wales to deliver long-term environmental improvements and care for Country. The program funds projects that restore natural environments and protect culturally significant sites, enabling Aboriginal communities to address their environmental and cultural priorities at a local level. It also helps build project management capabilities and encourages collaboration between Aboriginal organisations, government agencies, community groups and other partners.

The Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program, part of the Future Drought Fund, provides funding of up to $2 million per project. It supports initiatives that improve natural capital, enhance biodiversity, and build drought resilience in agricultural landscapes.

The Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLP) program provides tax benefits to encourage investment in early-stage Australian companies. Eligible venture capital funds can access flow-through tax treatment and receive tax exemptions on gains and income distributed to their investors.

The Grid Enhancing Technologies program provides businesses with up to $5 million in competitive grant funding to accelerate the uptake and deployment of grid enhancing technologies on Australia's electricity networks.

The NSW Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP) is a grant initiative by Transport for NSW, designed to provide financial assistance for the repair, replacement, or enhancement of public boating infrastructure impacted by natural disasters or severe weather events. With a total funding pool of $2 million, the program aims to ensure the safety and accessibility of boating facilities across New South Wales.

The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program will invest $2.5 million over the next two year to encourage more exploration in NSW, by funding successful applicants to undertake drilling, geophysics and geochemistry.

The Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants Program is a competitive initiative, aimed at supporting community and government organisations in New South Wales. The program focuses on achieving lasting environmental benefits by protecting, conserving, and restoring natural resources. It seeks to improve ecosystem quality, enhance environmental management through expertise and collaboration, and provide a sustainable mechanism for delivering government policies and priorities.

Round 2 of the Indigenous Rangers Program is now open, with a $165M funding pool over three years to support the long-term employment of Indigenous Australians. Grants starting at $650K aim to enhance the management of Country in line with Traditional Owners' priorities, delivering environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits.