Grants for Good

Our communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our grants are one way we give back to those we serve.
Wildlife officer holding a koala
Ausgrid's Grants for Good program is investing over $140,000 in our communities through two funding streams. We're supporting local organisations to deliver projects that make a real difference—from helping communities transition to electric alternatives, to strengthening connections and supporting safety and wellbeing.

Grants for Good 2026 recipients

This year, 25 organisations across our network area share $145,043 in Grants for Good funding — our largest round to date. From electrification upgrades and community gardens to mental health programs and youth services, every project reflects what our communities care about most. We're proud to introduce our 2026 Grants for Good recipients.

Electrification Grants — Supporting the community-led switch from gas to electric

The Canopy  |  Cameron Park, Lake Macquarie  |  $15,000
Stage 1 electrification of the Cameron Park Community Centre, including an EV charger, solar expansion, and replacement of high-energy appliances.

Children's Discovery  |  Sydney  |  $15,000
Development and distribution of a hands-on model electric house experience to educate children and families on home electrification.

University of Newcastle  |  Newcastle  |  $11,500
Student engineering teams design and build advanced battery packs and charging systems for electric competition vehicles.

Sydney Community Connect Incorporated  |  Western Sydney  |  $10,000
Purchase of modern, energy-efficient commercial refrigeration to support food relief operations for vulnerable community members.

Raymond Terrace Community Church  |  Port Stephens  |  $10,000
Upgrade the main service board to accept an external generator, enabling the church to serve as a community hub during power outages.

The Groundswell Collective  |  Newcastle  |  $5,000
Transition volunteer garden maintenance to electric tools, supporting community gardens and Tiny Forests across Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.

Copacabana Community Men's Shed  |  Central Coast  |  $5,000
Upgrade to electric tools to improve safety and efficiency, supporting community members including youth justice participants.

Tilligerry Men's Shed Inc.  |  Port Stephens  |  $5,000
Transition hand tools from corded to battery-operated to improve member health and safety.

TLK Youth College  |  Central Coast  |  $3,000
Installation of two electric cooktops and ovens to support daily meal provision and life skills programs for disadvantaged students.

Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) Central Coast Centre  |  Central Coast  |  $2,500
Installation of flood lighting to improve safety for volunteers, disabled children, and families at the horse riding centre.

Grassroots Grants — Backing causes our communities care about

Gujaga Foundation  |  Southern Sydney  |  $5,000
Cultural immersion experiences for Dharawal children at La Perouse to revitalise language and cultural identity.

Kurnell Public School P&C  |  Southern Sydney  |  $5,000
STEM resource hub with robotics kits and coding platforms, supported by professional teacher development.

Blackroo Community Indigenous Corporation  |  Upper Hunter  |  $5,000
Secure storage hub for donated goods supporting people experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence.

Upper Hunter Where There's a Will  |  Upper Hunter  |  $5,000
Delivery of Mental Health First Aid programs to school students across the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook LGAs.

KYDS Youth Development Service  |  Port Stephens  |  $5,000
Travel costs for volunteers supporting free youth mental health counselling, with a focus on First Nations and LGBTQIA+ young people.

Soul Hub   |  Newcastle  |  $5,000
Community safety, connection, and pantry accessibility for people experiencing homelessness and hardship in Newcastle CBD.

Breakthru  |  Central Coast  |  $5,000
iPads, electric kitchen equipment, and a POS system to build independence, life skills, and work readiness for people with disability.

GAPP (Glebe Assistance and Partnerships Program)  |  Inner West  |  $5,000
26-week Eat Well pilot to improve the nutritional quality of emergency food relief for people experiencing hardship.

The Shepherd Centre — For Deaf Children  |  Inner West  |  $4,000
Replacement of old fridges and microwave ovens used daily by families and staff at the Newtown centre for children with hearing loss.

Epping Rams Rugby Club  |  Northern Sydney  |  $3,500
Replace ageing canteen appliances with new 5-star energy-rated fridge and freezer units.

Auburn Swimming Club Inc  |  Western Sydney  |  $3,500
Backstroke start wedges and swim bridge buoys to improve training equipment at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre.

Foenix Cruisers  |  Inner West  |  $3,000
International Women's Day event for this queer-led women's skateboarding collective, fostering community connection and wellbeing.

The Laptop Initiative  |  Sydney  |  $3,000
Power supplies for refurbished laptops donated free to refugees, asylum seekers, disadvantaged youth, and women escaping domestic violence.

Newtown Breakaways Incorporated  |  Inner West  |  $1,500
Game day equipment for this women-led, LGBTQIA+-inclusive AFL club to support broader community participation.

Floraville PS P&C Association  |  Lake Macquarie  |  $543
Portable clothing racks to support a second-hand school uniform shop, improving sustainability and affordability for families.

Our two types of grants

Electrification Grants – Up to $15,000

Help your community embrace the switch from fossil fuels to electric alternatives. These grants support projects that promote a sustainable electric future—from installing induction cooktops in community kitchens to setting up EV charging infrastructure for not-for-profits.

Grassroots Grants – Up to $5,000

Support causes and organisations our communities care about. Nominate charities, volunteer groups, local sports teams and organisations in our network area for initiatives that strengthen community connection, promote safety and wellbeing, or improve equity and accessibility.

Our funding themes

We're looking for projects that align with one or more of these themes:

Electrification
Helping community organisations transition to a sustainable electric future. This could include switching from gas to electric appliances, installing solar systems, or setting up electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Community
Strengthening connections and bringing people together. Projects that build social cohesion, create inclusive spaces, or support community activities.
Equity and Accessibility
Making electricity and renewable energy available to all. Projects that address energy equity, support vulnerable communities, or improve accessibility to energy services.
Safety
Supporting the safety and wellbeing of our communities. This includes electrical safety initiatives, emergency preparedness, or projects that enhance community safety.

How we decide which projects to fund

We're committed to a transparent and fair selection process. Our judging panel will assess applications based on:

  • Alignment with our themes: How well does your project support electrification, community connection, equity and accessibility, or safety and wellbeing?
  • Community impact: What tangible, lasting benefits will your project deliver to the community?
  • Geographic distribution: We aim to distribute grants across the communities we serve
  • Value for money: Projects that demonstrate excellent value and efficient use of funds
  • Diversity of projects: We want to fund a broad range of initiatives across different sectors and community needs

Each application will be evaluated on its potential to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. 

Key Dates

  1. 30 October 2025

    Applications open

  2. 13 February 2026

    Applications close (5pm)

  3. February - March 2026

    Judging and selection process

  4. April 2026

    Grant recipients announced

How to apply

Applications for our current round of grants are now closed. Our next grant round will open in late 2026.

Need help with your application?

Email grants@ausgrid.com.au with any questions about eligibility or the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the types of projects that could be funded?

    If you're not sure what to apply for, here are some ideas that could be funded through our grants program.

    Electrification Grant projects could include:

    • Portable induction cooktops for community kitchens
    • Replacing gas appliances with electric ones in community housing, especially for families with chronic asthma
    • Installing safety lighting in community spaces
    • Setting up electric charging infrastructure for not-for-profits to reduce fuel costs
    • Solar panel installation for community organisations like scout halls or PCYC centres
    • Heat pump hot water systems replacing gas boilers
    • Electric outdoor equipment for community maintenance groups

    Grassroots Grant projects could include:

    • Equipment for local sports teams
    • Resources for volunteer groups
    • Programs that bring communities together
    • Initiatives that support vulnerable community members
    • Educational programs promoting safety and wellbeing
    • Community event infrastructure
    • Projects that enhance accessibility in community spaces
  • Can organisations apply for both grant types?
    Yes, organisations can submit applications for both Electrification Grants and Grassroots Grants if you have projects that fit both categories.
  • What if my project costs more than the grant amount?

    That's okay! Tell us how you'll fund the remaining amount and how the grant will help make your project possible.

  • When will I know if my application is successful?
    Grant recipients will be announced in April 2026.
  • How quickly do we need to use the grant funds?
    Funds must be allocated and used within the 2026 calendar year.