NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026

Before completing this application form, you should have read the NSW Seniors Festival 2026 Grant Program Guidelines 

Please Note:

• Eligibility and submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
• This grant is one-off funding.
• The festival is proposed to run from, Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 15 March 2025
• Applications open on  Wednesday, 2 July 2025 close at 4pm AEST on Tuesday, 12 August 2025 via the Smarty Grants portal.
• Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Support available:

If you require any assistance or have any queries relating to this grant, please contact via email nswseniorsfestival@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Please ensure to quote your Application ID (in the text box below) for all correspondence with DCJ.

Create your SmartyFile today to streamline collaboration, simplify grant applications, and securely manage your organisation’s key information. This allows you to safely collaborate and share information with members of your organisation.

How to create a SmartyFile

1. Go to SmartyFile
2. Click “Create an Organisation Profile”
   • You’ll need your ABN (Australia) 
3. Enter Organisation Details
   • Fill in your organisation’s name, contact information, and other required fields.
4. Set Up Your Account
   • Create your user profile with your name and email.
   • Choose a secure password.
5. Verify Your Email
   • Check your inbox and click the verification link to activate your account.
6. Log In and Access Your Dashboard
   • You’ll now see your organisation’s SmartyFile dashboard.

How to share access with colleagues

1. Log in to SmartyFile
2. Go to “Team Members” or “Users” Section
   • This is found in your organisation’s dashboard.
3. Click “Add Team Member”
   • Enter your colleague’s name and email address.
4. Assign a Role
   • Choose a role (e.g., Admin, Editor, Viewer) depending on what access they require.
5. Send Invitation
   • They’ll receive an email with a link to join your organisation’s SmartyFile.
6. They Accept and Join
   • Once they accept, they’ll have access to collaborate on files and forms.

Detailed instructions and Resources are available https://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/smartyfile/

The grant program encourages seniors in NSW to enjoy new experiences, continue learning, stay active and connected to their communities through:

• supporting a broad range of local community organisations
• supporting programs and activities in regional NSW
• fostering partnerships with community groups and services
• providing programs and activities for diverse communities in NSW
• supporting projects that empower older people to stay connected
• assisting organisations to increase capacity of current programs and activities

Applications can be for small scale, multiple and larger activities held from Monday 2 March to Sunday 15 March 2026.

The NSW Seniors Festival Grant program aims for the best use and a broad distribution of funds to maximise the benefit for seniors in NSW.

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 the DCJ does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
• it has read the Funding Guidelines for the Program and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

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

• if this project application is successful, the relevant details of the project 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;
• the 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 (NSW) (GIPA Act); and
• in some circumstances the 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.