SA Power Networks Community Grants 2026 is sponsored by SA Power Networks. This program supports initiatives that strengthen human connection and create meaningful social impact across South Australia, with a focus area for 2026 on 'Connection'.

Community Grants - SA Power Networks SA Power Networks Community Grants 2026 Applications for our 2026 Community Grants Program opens 11 May 2026. In 2026, our grants program will focus on one key theme – Connection. Eligible community groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support initiatives that strengthen human connection and create meaningful social impact across South Australia.

The focus area for 2026 is 'Connection' Social isolation and disconnection continue to impact many communities across South Australia, particularly in regional areas and among vulnerable groups. Strong social connections are essential to wellbeing and community resilience.

As an organisation connected to households and communities across the state, SA Power Networks is committed to supporting initiatives that bring people together in meaningful ways and help strengthen social connection at a local level. We are seeking projects that demonstrate clear impact in reducing isolation and increasing opportunities for people to connect.

Examples of initiatives that may be supported include: Improving community gathering spaces – upgrades to playgrounds, community halls, sporting facilities or outdoor areas that encourage people to gather and spend time together Delivering inclusive events – workshops, festivals, community BBQs, or other forums which bring groups of people together for meaningful engagement Strengthening volunteering – projects that recruit and train new volunteers, establish support programs for older or isolated residents, transport or outreach services, and local mentoring network sessions Running connection-focused programs – vulnerable youth engagement initiatives, intergenerational learning, refugee community connection, mental health or wellbeing peer support groups Please review the information below before applying to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you have any further questions, contact us at communitygrants@sapowernetworks. com. au .

Who can apply for a Community Grant? To be eligible for and receive an SA Power Networks Community Grant, applicants must: Be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, registered charity on the ACNC, school, or community group with a registered Australian Business Number (ABN). Deliver the funded activity in South Australia within 12 months of receiving funding.

Agree to share activity outcomes with SA Power Networks in the form of photographs or short videos, written updates, and a brief acquittal upon activity completion. Be open to SA Power Networks participating in the activity and related promotional activities. Hold a current bank account in Australia in the organisation’s name.

What can we fund with a Community Grant? Through SA Power Networks Community Grants, we aim to fund activities, programs, events, or equipment that positively impact the focus area of Connection. We are seeking projects that demonstrate clear impact in reducing isolation and increasing opportunities for people to connect.

We can only fund grants up to $5,000.

Examples of fundable activities Improving community gathering spaces – upgrades to playgrounds, community halls, sporting facilities or outdoor areas that encourage people to gather and spend time together Delivering inclusive events – workshops, festivals, community BBQs, or other forums which bring groups of people together for meaningful engagement Strengthening volunteering – projects that recruit and train new volunteers, establish support programs for older or isolated residents, transport or outreach services, and local mentoring network sessions Running connection-focused programs – vulnerable youth engagement initiatives, intergenerational learning, refugee community connection, mental health or wellbeing peer support groups These are some examples of the types of projects we are looking for under the banner of connection .

Please ensure your project is aligned for the focus area to be eligible. What can’t we fund with a Community Grant? SA Power Networks Community Grants cannot fund: Individuals, commercial businesses and government entities (except public schools and kindergartens).

Activities outside of South Australia. Activities completed before the Application Period. Activities occurring during the Determination Period.

Organisations or activities not aligned with SA Power Networks' values. Organisations or activities not reflective of local community standards. Activities that denigrate or exclude community members.

Activities that are or could be perceived as unsafe or harmful to people, animals, or the environment. Political or religious pursuits. Organisations or activities associated with gambling, drugs, or alcohol.

Organisations, individuals, or bodies unwilling to provide sufficient details on the proposed activity or program. For full eligibility criteria, please see Terms and Conditions . How to apply for an SA Power Networks Community Grant in 2026 Applications open : 9am, Monday 11 May 2026 ACST.

Applications close : 9am, Monday 15 June 2026 ACST. Apply now through SmartyGrants Frequently Asked Questions What’s different to last year’s program? The focus area for the 2026 program has been updated from last year.

Please familiarise yourself with the new focus area – Connection . We remain committed to supporting community projects and empowering South Australians to make a positive difference. SmartyGrants is our grants management platform.

The platform streamlines the application and assessment process, providing a more user-friendly experience for applicants and improving the efficiency of grant management. Key benefits include: Easier submission and tracking of applications. Improved assessment process Can I save progress as I go?

Can I make changes after submitting? Through the SmartyGrants platform, you can save progress as you go, before submitting. You won’t be able to make any changes once you press submit – so please ensure everything is reviewed and finalised.

Yes, funding is competitive. We expect to receive more applications than we can fund, so applications will be assessed based on specific criteria. We recommend exploring other community grants available, including those offered by local councils, state governments, and other organisations, to increase your chances of securing funding for your initiatives.

How will applications be assessed? Applications will be assessed on the following criteria: Location : Where will the activity take place, and where do its beneficiaries reside? Alignment with focus area : How do the activity’s outcomes align with SA Power Networks' focus area?

Beneficiaries : Who will benefit from the activity, and what specific benefits will it deliver? Reach : How extensive is the activity's support within the community? Project impact : What long-term impact will the activity have, and how will its success be measured?

Previous funding : Has the organisation received funding or in-kind support from SA Power Networks in the last three calendar years (2023, 2024, and 2025)? Has funding for the activity been sought or secured from other sources? Projects exceeding the grant amount must demonstrate sufficient additional funding to ensure successful delivery.

Funding decisions will be made by a panel comprising of representatives from across SA Power Networks, as well as our Vulnerable Consumers Advisory Board. When will I know if my application is successful? All applicants will be advised of the outcome no later than 30 September 2026.

Therefore, activities that qualify for funding must commence after this date. Do you accept auspiced applications? In certain circumstances, we may consider auspiced applications where the organisation does not fully meet the application criteria.

SA Power Networks will review these on a case-by-case basis and reserves the right to determine whether to provide funding. Can I apply more than once? Applicants can only apply once per funding round.

If you have applied in a previous round, you are welcome to reapply again if you meet all the criteria. Is there a phone number I can call to speak to someone about the program or my application? Due to the high volume of enquiries we receive, we are unable to provide a direct phone contact.

However, you can reach us via email at communitygrants@sapowernetworks. com. au with any questions or to request a callback.

Please note that we cannot provide specific advice or guidance on the content of your grant application. This ensures the integrity of the process and fairness for all applicants. Will I need landowner consent?

Certain activities / projects will require landowner consent (if not owned by your group), especially if your project involves any type of installation, such as solar panels or EV chargers. We will require written approval of this before providing a community grant if you are successful. If you do require land owner consent, you will be asked to attach when completing your application.

You can obtain this by directly reaching out to the landowner or their representative to request. Make sure to provide all relevant project details to ensure they can make an informed decision. How do I evaluate my impact of my activity?

Our community grants program provides funding to support activities that make a positive difference in South Australia. An important part of your application is explaining how you will evaluate the impact of your activity and therefore demonstrating how our funding will make a positive difference in our community.

Thinking about how you will evaluate impact is an important part of project planning and can help you think about what benefits your activity will deliver. Evaluating impact is equally relevant to all activity types: programs, events, equipment purchase etc. A good way to think about how you will evaluate impact is to first of all outline the logic model. A logic model is a clear explanation of how the funding will deliver the outcome.

Next, think about how you will measure the outcome, what data you will need to calculate your expected outcomes and how you will collect and record this. Finally, think about how you will evaluate your activity, comparing the outcomes that you expected with the outcomes that you achieved. Terms and conditions for an SA Power Networks Community Grant Download and view the Terms and Conditions to apply for our Community Grants program.

Please note that due to limited funding, not every application that meets the criteria may receive a grant. Applications open from 9am, Monday 11 May 2026 ACST and close 9am, Monday 15 June 2026 ACST. A total of $132,000 was shared across 30 projects and organisations, see below a list of successful recipients.

Aboriginal Community Housing Hosting a series of public workshops on bush tucker, Stobie pole art and content creation to empower and build people’s skills at the Tika Tirka facility. Hosting a free community event for people of all ages to help care for the Cox Creek waterway through weeding, planting and engaging in Kaurna cultural activities, nature education and play.

Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation Collaborating with renowned Ngunawal artists Wilay Designs and First Nations students to create a large-scale triptych mural wall display to showcase established and emerging First Nations talent. Installing solar batteries to complement newly installed solar panels to assist in significantly reducing the club’s carbon footprint.

Creating a whole-of-school cultural learning initiative, including the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan, staff training and cultural immersion experiences for Aboriginal students. Berri Regional Secondary College Commissioning a local Aboriginal artist and traditional owner to create a steel artwork for a Reconciliation Cultural Garden.

Biodiversity McLaren Vale Developing a downloadable, online guide to support landholders participating in the World’s Longest Insectary Project through the creation of native roadside plantings in the region. Upgrading a fire pit to be used for annual NAIDOC cook ups where community members speak with students about how to cook traditional foods and the process behind this.

Christies Beach Primary School Delivering face-to-face Cultural Awareness Training through First Nations organisation Tjindo, complementing existing authentic and impactful learning experiences led by Aboriginal elders. Circle of Friends Australia Providing an immersive cultural experience day out for 40 new refugees in South Australia to learn about Aboriginal and First Nations cultures, traditions, and stories.

Crystal Brook Kindergarten Commissioning of a mural by local Aboriginal artist Judy Crosby-Woods that celebrates connection to community, culture and place. Providing Cultural Awareness Training to frontline and management staff, with the aim to create a culturally safe environment for First Nations People accessing food relief.

Purchasing a commercial chest freezer and upright display fridge to support the expansion of food relief operations. Co-designing a culturally significant ‘Our Culture, Our Shirt’ uniform through a whole-of-school approach with students and a local First Nations artist.

Lincoln Gardens Primary School Developing a dedicated space within their Nature Play Garden to develop knowledge of native plants and create a bush tucker garden. Loxton North Netball Club Collaborating with Riverland Aboriginal artist Daniel Giles to create an artwork that celebrates reconciliation, pride and learning.

Implementing a targeted waste management initiative aimed at significantly reducing landfill contributions from the event and promoting responsible disposable practices. Midway Road Community House Replacing internal lighting and an ageing electric oven to capture a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.

Mission Possible (through Sustainable Community South Australia Creating workshops to educate residents living in rental and social housing to support electrification and enhance sustainable living practices. North Haven Surf Life Saving Club Delivering cultural awareness training as part of a new First Nations program, which supports the development of Indigenous and Special Needs Youth through surf lifesaving.

Commissioning a local Aboriginal artist to create a welcoming mural at the school’s entrance to celebrate culture, foster inclusivity and better reflect the school community. Establishing a community vegetable garden to provide fresh produce for people in need who visit the farm.

Upgrading an outdoor playground area to better serve both the club and the wider community, providing a safe, engaging and accessible space for children to play. Port Pirie Community Garden Building a free-standing, flat roof shelter to provide protection from the elements for members and visitors as well as protecting Trees for Life seedlings.

Roma Mitchell Secondary College Providing an immersive Kids on Country excursion led by Aboriginal Rangers and Elders to help young people connect with culture and country. Transitioning the club’s current lighting system to energy-efficient alternatives as part of a broader commitment to sustainability, cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Installing additional infrastructure to expand capacity to sort, store and distribute preloved goods to families in need. Installing an Acknowledgement of Country plaque featuring a First Nations artwork in clubroom to provide a powerful visual celebration of unity, community and reconciliation.

YMCASA - The Valleys Lifestyle Centre Upgrading an existing pool heating system by integrating solar energy, reducing reliance on gas and lowering operational costs. Installing of a 6. 6kW solar energy system with a 5kW inverter to reduce power bills and then reinvest the savings into community events to promote mental wellbeing and social inclusion for local residents.

Port Pirie: A Garden That Brings People Together From seedlings to shared meals, the Port Pirie Community Garden is helping bring people together. A new shelter, supported by a Community Grant, is making it easier for the community to connect, learn and give back. Our grant helped fund a key feature of the project to revitalise the Station Master's House at Tailem Bend.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity: Riverland Youth Theatre's Alternative Prom! Riverland Youth Theatre (RYT), a 2023 recipient of the SA Power Networks Community Grant, held a celebration for queer and marginalised youth in the Riverland community. The Alternative Prom, held in Renmark, wasn't just a safe space; it was a party and victory lap for kids who have faced adversity.

The Zimbabwe Community of South Australia The Zimbabwe Community of South Australia (ZICOSA) launched their solar powered, purpose-built BBQ trailer, which was funded by an SA Power Networks Community Grant. For the third year in a row, SA Power Networks' Community Grants program is making a real difference at a local level.

This year, over half of the funding is dedicated to projects in regional and remote communities, empowering South Australians across the state. We are thrilled to announce that 30 diverse groups are receiving grants of up to $5k in 2024. These passionate organisations will deliver impactful projects that benefit their communities.

Imagine solar panels and battery storage powering community centers, schools equipped with cutting-edge STEM tools, vibrant community gardens flourishing, and educational programs addressing energy transition, bill reduction, and upcycling. These are just a few examples of the exciting initiatives our grants are supporting this year.

For a list of the 2024 recipients, go to Announcing the 2024 SA Power Networks Community Grant Recipients!. The recipients of the 2023 SA Power Networks Community Grants have been announced. Successful projects include upgrades to parks, gardens, playgrounds and other community facilities, as well as support for mental health, inclusion programs and equipment and training for emergency response agencies.

In total, 30 projects will be funded across the State, with over half of the funding supporting activities in regional and remote communities. SA Power Networks is delighted to be able to support our communities, and the many volunteer-led grass-roots organisations, through these grants.

While we couldn’t support every application received, we know that our small investment will make a big difference to the local communities that we could fund. We would like to thank all organisations that applied for funding. We’d also like to thank the members of our Community Advisory Board and Community Reference Group who participated in the Assessment Panel.

Their knowledge and expertise were invaluable for the Panel. For a list of the 2023 recipients, go to introducing our 2023 SA Power Networks Community Grant recipients. We were delighted to award grants to 25 groups across South Australia.

The funded activities were split between metro/suburban Adelaide and regional areas such as Wudinna on the Eyre Peninsula, Hawker in the Flinders Ranges, Murray Bridge, the APY Lands and Kangaroo Island. We supported a range of wonderful ideas, from sustainable community gardens and lighting and solar upgrades to education programs for young people and innovative safety projects for remote areas.

We are excited to announce the recipients of the inaugural SA Power Networks Community Grants 2022. We welcome your feedback on this webpage. All feedback is anonymous.

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