NSW Seniors Festival 2026 grants open
Grants are available for incorporated not-for-profit community organisations who wish to host an event during the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival.
Applications for the $200,000 New South Wales Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026 are now open, with the event taking place net year from 2-15 March.
Funding of $1,500 to $5,000 is available for community programs and activities, and up to $10,000 is available for local government hosted large-scale events that will take place during next year’s festival.
Applications must propose free or heavily discounted programs or activities, must be located in NSW within the festival period and must be open to all who identify as a senior in NSW.
Applicants must also either be a NSW local council operating under the Local Government Act or an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation, which includes:
- incorporated organisations that are registered and approved as not-for-profit bodies by NSW Fair Trading
- not-for profit companies limited by guarantee, registered in NSW (must have ACNC registration and/or DGR status)
- Indigenous corporations (must be registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations)
- associations registered under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 with NSW Fair Trading
- NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils
- religious organisations operating in NSW
- NSW non-government organisations established under their own Act of Parliament.
There were 35 grant recipients in 2025, including Lockhart Shire Council, which received a $10,000 grant to host the Lockhart Shire Seniors Festival 2025. The event featured Tai Chi, live music, Indigenous art, didgeridoo performances, the Kapooka Military Band, Banjo Paterson acts and health booths.
Kiama Municipal Council and Lismore City Council also received $10,000 grants each for their respective seniors’ festivals.
The Somali Australian Community Association of NSW – based in the western suburbs Sydney – received close to $5,000 for its Active, Healthy, and Connected project that empowered African and other culturally, linguistically diverse seniors through cultural dances, healthy living workshops and digital literacy classes.
The festival is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and has attracted more than half a million people to the state.
Next year’s theme is Live Life in Colour and aims to encourage new adventures, connections and active lifestyles for older people.
NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said about 23 per cent of the NSW population is aged 60 or above, and the festival was the government’s way of recognising and celebrating them.
“Each year the NSW Seniors Festival brings joy and laughter to thousands of our seniors. These grants help ensure that the festival extends across the state, providing opportunities for all seniors to get involved, enjoy new experiences, continue learning, and stay active and connected,” she said.
“I strongly encourage local governments and community groups – especially those in our regional areas – to apply to host events and activities for a seniors audience at next year’s Festival.”
More information on application eligibility can be found here.
Applications close on 12 August.
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