How to Apply?

Category 1

1. Carefully read the CDSE Guidelines to determine whether your project is eligible for Category 1 funding and to take note of the reporting obligations for funding recipients.

2. Go to the Local Committee Index and click on your local government area to find out the following:
- information on whether a Local Committee exists in your local government area;
- application deadlines for each local government area;
- contact details for Local Committee convenors;
- information on where to send applications; and
- any other special instructions for applying.

3. (If desired) Consult local advertising and/or contact the Local Committee convenor to determine the community development and support services priorities identified for your local government area. An awareness of local priorities, as well as localised selection criteria and information on the size of grants available, will help you in developing your application.

4. All other enquiries in relation to CDSE activities and your funding application should be directed to the relevant Local Committee convenor.

5. Applicants for Category 1 funding are advised to use the Standard Application form. This will ensure your application contains all the information needed to assess your project's eligibility and priority ranking. Application forms can also be obtained by contacting CDSE clubs or Local Committee convenors in their area. Applications should note that some Local Government Areas have their own application forms.

6. When completing the application form, address all criteria as fully as possible. The information requested is necessary to assess your application. Missing or unclear information may affect your eligibility for funding or lead to delays in processing your application. Please do not attach lengthy appendixes to your application.  

Other Important Instructions:
Applicants are strongly advised to pay particular attention to how their project addresses the identified priority funding areas and assists people in the local community.

Applications must be sent to Local Committees or clubs only. Any applications sent to ClubsNSW will be returned.

Category 2

1. Carefully read the CDSE Guidelines to determine whether your project is eligible for Category 2 funding and to take note of the reporting obligations for funding recipients.

2. Go to the Local Committee Index and click on your local government area to find out the CDSE qualifying clubs in your local government area and application deadlines, where applicable, for funding. Please note that Category 2 funding is processed and funded by clubs only. The CDSE Local Committee is not involved in the Category 2 funding process. Therefore, applications should be sent to clubs only. Any applications sent to ClubsNSW will be returned.

3. There is no standard application form for Category 2 funding. Applicants for Category 2 funding should liaise directly with individual CDSE clubs. Many Category 2 recipients have been historically supported by the club and do not fill in any type of form. The best way to do this is by a letter to the club board of directors, outlining the services you provide, how much funding you need and how the money will be spent. Some clubs have additional criteria that they apply to Category 2 grants, and will advise applicants of these.

4. However, Category 2 applicants should remember that funding recipients DO have to fill in a report on how their funding was applied. The same rules apply as for Category 1 recipients.