The NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026 provides $200,000 in funding for community events and activities during the two-week festival period in March, which enables older community members to remain active, healthy and engaged.

Every year the festival provides hundreds of free and discounted programs and activities, with the grant program aiming for the best use and a broad distribution of funds to maximise the benefit for seniors across NSW.

If you're a NSW local council or an incorporated not-for-profit organisation including Indigenous Corporations, registered charities, local Aboriginal Land Councils or religious organisations we invite you to apply.

This is a fantastic opportunity to run events that help seniors stay connected, active and involved in community life.

Grants available

There are two funding categories available:

• $1,500 to $5,000: open to all eligible applicants to host local community programs and activities

• $5,001 to $10,000: open only to applications from local governments to host large-scale community and regional programs and activities

For events that are:

• Free or low-cost for seniors

• Inclusive and accessible

• Fun, educational, or engaging

• Designed to foster connection and wellbeing.
  
  

Grant applications open on the SmartyGrants website Wednesday 2 July and close Tuesday 12 August 2025. For information about the application process, eligibility and assessment criteria, read the NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026 Guidelines.

Need help?

If you have any questions or need support with your application, please contact:

• Seniors Festival Grant Program Coordinator Kate Bowtell on 0447 560 752

• Seniors Festival Team on [email protected]