Disability Advocacy Futures Program 2026 Stream 1- Special Purposes and Projects, Sector Development Grant

This is a preview of the DAFP 2026 Stream 1 Special Purposes and Projects and Sector Development form. You will be able to start a submission when the round opens at 9:00am 19 October 2026 (AEDT)
 

Disability Advocacy Futures Program: 2026 Grant Stream 1 – Special Purposes and Projects, and Sector Development Grant

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Program Details

In NSW, approximately 1.5 million people live with disability. Of those, approximately 13% are eligible for services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) commenced on 1 January 2022 to support all people with disability in NSW to access NSW Government funded and delivered services.

The Disability Advocacy Futures Program: 2026 Grant Stream 1 – Special Purposes and Projects, and Sector Development (SPP&SD) grant round will maintain its focus on the development of the NSW disability advocacy sector with special emphasis on supporting the needs of people with disability, as they navigate the significant disability reforms underway across NSW and nationally. Ensuring that the grants are directed towards addressing these areas will strengthen the sector more broadly and provide timely support in those areas that are emerging as a priority for people with disability.

The program fulfils the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner’s recommendations following the Review into Disability Advocacy in NSW, creating a contemporary and sustainable system that supports all people with disability to access the services they need.

The DAFP includes targeted one-off funding to organisations to deliver projects which focus on;

  • people with disability in NSW to navigate local services
  • not for profit organisations working towards long-term social change
  • policy advocacy groups run by, or on behalf of, people with disability to collaborate with government in the development of effective disability policy.

Up to $1,000,000 (excluding GST) in total funding is available for projects across a duration of 12 months.

Applicants can apply for funding from $30,000 to $100,000 for projects that meet the assessment criteria.

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Instructions for Applicants

Applicants are encouraged to read all the details in the Grant Program Guidelines before applying.  

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please Note:

  • This grant is one-off funding with a fixed 12 months term ending February 2028.
  • Your application must be accurate and complete upon submission. 
  • All projects must be located within NSW and must be delivered in full within 12 months.
  • Submissions close on 24 November at 4pm.
  • Late applications will not be accepted.

Support available:

If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Data, Engagement and Advocacy team by email at DAFP@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

If you experience any difficulties with preparing or submitting your application please email Grant Design and Support at GrantDesignandSupport@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

Please quote your Application Number (below) when contacting the Department of Communities and Justice.

This field is read only. 

Disclaimer

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) expressly reserves its right to accept or reject this application at its discretion;
  • it must bear the costs of preparing and submitting this application and DCJ does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
  • it has read the Grant Program Guidelines and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

Use of Information

By submitting this application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • if this application is successful, the relevant details of the proposal will be made public, including details such as the names of the organisation (Applicant) and any partnering organisation (state government agency or non-government organisation), project title, project description, location, anticipated time for completion and amount awarded;
  • DCJ will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any information received in or in respect of this application which is clearly marked ‘Commercial-in-confidence’ or ‘Confidential’ is treated as confidential, however, such documents will remain subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); and
  • in some circumstances DCJ may release information contained in this application form and other relevant information in relation to this application in response to a request lodged under the GIPA Act or otherwise as required or permitted by law.

Privacy Notice

By submitting this Application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • DCJ is required to comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (the Privacy Act) and that any personal information (as defined by the Privacy Act) collected by the Department in relation to the program will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act and its privacy policy (available at: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/statements/privacy/privacy-policy.html);
  • the information they provide to DCJ in connection with this application will be collected and stored on a database and will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected (including, where necessary, being disclosed to other Government agencies in connection with the assessment of the merits of an application) or as otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act;
  • they have taken steps to ensure that any person whose personal information (as defined by the Privacy Act) is included in this application has consented to the fact that DCJ and other Government agencies may be supplied with that personal information, and has been made aware of the purposes for which it has been collected and may be used.

Eligibility Confirmation

This section of the application form is designed to help you, and us, understand if the organisation meets the eligibility criteria for DAFP 2026 Grant Stream 1 – SPP&SD. It's important that all of the points listed below are confirmed before you complete your application to ensure that you do not spend time applying for an unsuitable grant.
 
Please declare this application meets the Program eligibility criteria:
  • I have read and understand the Grant Program Guidelines
  • Proposed project aligns with the objectives of the program that are included in the Grant Program Guidelines
  • Proposed project will be located in NSW
  • Will provide a Certificate of Currency for a minimum of $10 million Public Liability Insurance
  • Our organisation does not have any overdue acquittals with DCJ
  • Our organistion has addressed the NSW Redress Scheme Sanctions
  • Projects can commence within March 2027 and be completed within February 2028.
I confirm that the applicant and project is eligible according to the criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines * Required