Active
ageing grants
Grants to help older adults stay active across Northern NSW
Healthy North Coast, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), are offering grants to support safe and inclusive physical activity programs to help older people in Northern NSW get moving.
Grants of $5,000 to $30,000 (excluding GST) are available for local projects that help older people stay active, improve their health, connect with others and remain independent. Up to $300,000 is available across two funding rounds.
$150,000 has been allocated in funding Round 1 (closed May 2026).
View the list of successful round 1 grant recipients.
A further $150,000 in funding is available through Round 2, opening on 3 September 2026 and closing on 15 October 2026.
Please note: The information on this webpage provides background and key information about the grant opportunity. The formal grant process will be managed through TenderLink. Organisations will need to register their interest through TenderLink to receive grant updates, including questions and answers (Q&As), and to submit an application. Details are provided below on how to register and program requirements.
Program overview
We are looking for practical local programs that help older people become more active, stay connected and take part in safe, welcoming activities.
We encourage applications for programs that support people who:
• are not currently physically active
• are socially isolated
• face barriers such as cost, transport, confidence or limited local opportunities.
We especially welcome culturally safe activities for First Nations people.
The Active Ageing grants program aims to increase opportunities for older people to be physically active by improving access to safe, affordable and welcoming activities, reducing barriers to participation, supporting people who may be socially isolated or at greater risk of poor health, and strengthening local organisations to support healthy ageing, wellbeing and social connection.
Key information
Who is the program for?
Activities should support:
- people aged 50 years and over
- Aboriginal people aged 45 years and over
- older people who are not currently physically active
- people at risk of social isolation or declining health
- people living in rural or underserved communities
- Aboriginal communities and other priority populations.
Program delivery
Funded activities must take place between January 2027 and June 2028 in one or more of the following areas:
- Ballina
- Byron
- Clarence Valley
- Kyogle
- Lismore
- Richmond Valley
- Tweed
- Urbenville (Tenterfield Shire).
Who can apply?
We encourage applications from:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- community groups and not-for-profit organisations
- incorporated associations
- local councils
- local sporting clubs
- sole traders and small businesses employing fewer than 20 staff
- universities
Key dates
- Grant round 2 open for applications – 3 September 2026
- Briefing session for applicants – Register now – RSVP required – 16 September at 3.30pm held online
- Round 2 applications close – 15 October 2026 5pm
- Round 2 successful applications announced – November 2026
- Contracts executed – December 2026
How to apply
Step 1
- Review the grant overview, eligibility information and key dates on this page.
- Download and read the grant documents
- Part A: Grant Guidelines: Grant guidelines with full background on the program and its requirements
- Part B: Grant Application: Grant Application which outlines the information you would need to provide and response documents
Step 2
- Register with TenderLink – If you feel the opportunity is right for your activity, head to Tenderlink and register your organisation (if you haven’t previously done so).
- Registration is important to receive official grant notifications, updates and Q&As, and is required to submit your application.
- If you’re unsure or need help, please get in touch, we’re happy to support you. Email commissioning@hnc.org.au
- If you need assistance with TenderLink, contact TenderLink support 1800 233 533 or support@tenderlink.com.
Step 3
- Register to attend the Industry Briefing session on 16 September at 3.30pm, to learn more about the grant opportunity and application process.
Step 4
- Complete and submit your application
- Complete Part B: Grant Application, ensuring all required information and supporting documentation is included.
- Submit your completed application through TenderLink by the closing date. Applications must be submitted through TenderLink to be considered.
Program criteria & objectives
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Increase opportunities for older people to be physically active.
- Improve access to safe, affordable and welcoming physical activity opportunities.
- Support older people who may be socially isolated or at greater risk of poor health.
- Reduce barriers to participation, including cost, transport and limited local options.
- Strengthen the capacity of local organisations to support healthy ageing.
- Improve strength, balance, mobility and overall wellbeing, while supporting greater social connection.
- have a current ABN
- have been operating in NSW for at least 12 months
- provide services within Northern NSW
- have appropriate insurance, or be willing to get it
- be able to enter into a funding agreement with Healthy North Coast
Applicants that do not meet all eligibility requirements may be able to apply through an eligible auspice organisation.
We want to fund activities that:
- help older people to move more
- encourage people to attend regularly
- combine physical activity with social connection
- are free or low cost
- are safe, welcoming and inclusive
- remove barriers such as transport, affordability, mobility limitations or confidence
- respond to a local need
- can continue after the grant funding ends.
Strong applications will:
- focus on inactive older people
- reach priority groups
- provide value for money
- be realistic and easy to deliver
- be run by people with the right skills and experience
- include clear risk management and safety measures.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- walking football, walking netball and other modified sports
- strength and balance programs
- falls prevention activities
- Tai Chi, yoga, dance and aqua aerobics
- community exercise groups
- transport assistance to help people attend activities
- equipment purchases that improve participation and accessibility
- community initiatives that combine movement and social connection.
The program is unlikely to support:
- one-off events
- activities primarily for people who are already physically active
- standard business-as-usual programs without additional benefit
- high-cost projects with limited community reach
- major infrastructure projects
- clinical or treatment-based services
- projects outside the eligible Northern NSW region
- political, lobbying or commercial promotional activities.
- If you’re unsure or need help, please get in touch, we’re happy to support you. Email commissioning@hnc.org.au
- If you need assistance with TenderLink, contact TenderLink support 1800 233 533 or support@tenderlink.com.
Pictured: a selection of Active Ageing Grants – Round 1 recipients.
