Blue Mountains community groups are being encouraged to apply for the first round of the NSW Government Community Building Partnership 2025 grants which open to applications this month. 

Applications open on Tuesday January 28 and close on Friday February 21 at 5pm. 

A total of $41 million is available for NSW in this round - $450,000 in each electorate. 

Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle said she was delighted to encourage the community to apply for the generous grant program which had made such a difference to many vital community and environmental organisations, charities, churches, sporting groups and school P and Cs in the electorate. 

“I encourage community organisations to apply for some of the $450,000 available – it is useful financial support that provides a real boost for the Blue Mountains and can have a lasting impact in our local communities. I am thrilled the grants are back.” 

The program invests in infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion. 

Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and local councils are eligible to apply for grants of between $10,000 and $100,000. 

Grants must be for building, refurbishing or repairing community infrastructure, or for buying freestanding equipment or vehicles. 

The council-owned Springwood Country Club was one of the lucky recipients in 2024, securing a $22,000 grant in June last year for solar panels which now proudly adorn the sporting and social club’s roof.  

SCC general manager Sean Honeywood said they were “reaping the benefits in terms of finances and were also pleased to do something positive for the environment”. 

"I really want to thank Trish and her office, as well as council, for their support in these types of ventures,” he said.  “They have been long-time supporters, and it’s really appreciated.”  

Ms Doyle said: “It has been a pleasure to assist the club with this environmental initiative, especially after they provided such vital support as a place of refuge to the community during the 2013 bushfires.” 

A solar PV system at Springwood High School, a water tank at Mt Wilson’s Old School, a sensory playground at Katoomba Leura Preschool,  repairs and upgrades of Mountains Youth Services Team in Katoomba, upgrading the rings and backboards at Springwood and Districts Basketball Association, and drinking stations and a roof replacement at Korowal School are just a few of the many projects to receive these state government community grants in recent years. 

“We encourage local organisations to apply in stages if they have a huge project,” Ms Doyle added. 

Applications must be submitted via the CBP website and projects completed within 12 months of approval. 

On average 1400 grants out of 3000 applicants are awarded each round in the state. Applications are assessed against other proposed projects in the electorate. Grant applications close on February 21 at 5pm and will not be accepted past that date. 

Since 2009, the program has awarded more than $464 million to more than 20,900 projects across the state.  

To check the program guidelines go to www.nsw.gov.au/cbp. Applicants can register at communitybuildingpartnership.smartygrants.com.au/applicant/login. 

Successful applicants will be announced in August 2025. Another round of grant funding under the program will become available in September 2025.