A $2.2 million community grants package has opened for applications in Bondi and Sydney’s eastern suburbs, supporting local projects focused on social connection, wellbeing and longer-term recovery following the 14 December 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The Bondi Community Cohesion and Wellbeing Grants Package includes funding for community organisations, grassroots groups and local councils, as well as support for a local government antisemitism summit.
$1.2 Million for Community and Not-for-Profit Organisations
The largest component is the $1.2 million Bondi Cohesion Grants Program for the Non-Government Sector.
Eligible community organisations and not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of between $50,000 and $150,000.
Projects must contribute to at least one of several community recovery objectives, including helping residents feel safe, strengthening connections between communities, supporting wellbeing or ensuring people feel their concerns are heard.
Applications opened on 9 October and close at 5pm on 6 November 2026.
$700,000 for Three Eastern Suburbs Councils
A separate $700,000 grant will support a joint program involving:
- Waverley Council
- Woollahra Municipal Council
- Randwick City Council
The three councils are expected to work together on initiatives responding to community needs and supporting longer-term social connection and wellbeing.
Applications for the local government program close at 5pm on 30 October 2026.
$200,000 Available Through Grassroots Microgrants
Another $200,000 has been allocated to the Bondi Connections Grassroots Microgrants Program.
Individuals, small community groups and local organisations can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Eligible activities can include local events, workshops, wellbeing initiatives, youth activities and projects bringing together people from different backgrounds.
Applications close at 5pm on 30 October 2026.
$100,000 for Local Government Antisemitism Summit
The package also includes $100,000 for the Jewish Board of Deputies to support an antisemitism summit for local government scheduled for November.
The broader funding package prioritises projects addressing antisemitism as well as other forms of hate, discrimination, misinformation and social division.
Grants Follow Earlier Recovery Funding
The new package follows a broader $8.3 million NSW Government allocation announced in the 2026–27 Budget for community wellbeing, recovery and resilience following the Bondi attack.
Separate support measures introduced since the attack have included assistance for victims and families, mental health services, Legal Aid support, grants for affected businesses and additional community security funding.
Earlier in 2026, Multicultural NSW also ran a dedicated COMPACT Social Cohesion and Community Resilience grants round, supporting projects responding to the attack over a two-year period.
Focus on Longer-Term Community Recovery
The latest grants are aimed less at immediate crisis response and more at longer-term community recovery.
Funded projects can include community events, wellbeing programs, youth initiatives and activities intended to rebuild connections between communities and increase confidence in returning to public spaces and everyday activities.
Applications for the three open grant streams are now underway, with deadlines ranging from 30 October to 6 November 2026.
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