Applications closing date: 16 February 2026, 5:00pm
Australian-based not-for-profit organisations and community energy groups that support households or communities in NSW with managing their energy use
Overview
The Community Energy Activation Program (CEAP) is a $5 million competitive grant initiative supporting NSW community energy organisations and eligible not-for-profit organisations to help their local community take control of their energy use and costs.
Through local engagement, trusted guidance, and innovative tools that connect consumers to energy-saving products and services - CEAP empowers communities to lower energy bills and participate in the renewable energy transition.
Key information
- Funding available: From $150,000 to $600,000 (total pool of $5 million)
- Applications open: 27 November 2025, 9:00am
- Applications close: 16 February 2026, 5:00pm
- Project completion date: 30 April 2029
- Co-contribution: Minimum 10% (cash or in-kind) required.
Read the full grant guidelines for detailed eligibility, funding rules and assessment criteria.
Learn more about the CEAP grant opportunity
Join our upcoming webinar on 9 December 2025 to find out how your organisation can apply for funding under CEAP. The session will cover eligibility, key dates, funding amounts, and tips to strengthen your applications.
Program objectives
The program aims to:
- Reduce barriers for the community to access energy-saving products and services
- Support and scale community energy initiatives
- Improve awareness and uptake of existing financial support and energy efficiency programs
- Deliver measurable benefits—lower energy bills, reduced emissions, and protect the community against future electricity cost increases
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
- an Australian based not-for-profit organisation (NFP), which is established with the purpose or mandate to advocate on behalf of household energy consumers and/or to promote consumer energy benefit through community energy initiatives, or
- a Community Energy Group.
Applicants must:
- have an ABN and be a legal entity capable of entering a funding deed
- be financially solvent
- deliver activities within New South Wales that directly and exclusively benefit consumers and communities in New South Wales
- hold a current Public Liability Insurance policy to the value of at least $20 million
Any applicant intending to conduct consumer guidance or recommendation activities must also:
- be set up to provide guidance and recommendations, with sufficiently expert staff on hand to do so, and
- hold a current Professional Indemnity Insurance policy (with cover amount not less than $5 million in respect of any one claim) and have appropriate risk mitigation measures in place
Individuals, councils, government agencies, businesses, energy product suppliers and retailers, organisations that do not operate in NSW or are based overseas and unincorporated associations are not eligible to apply for funding.
Partnerships between organisations are encouraged. However, while two or more organisations can partner to deliver the grant, only one eligible organisation (‘lead applicant’) should apply on behalf of all partners and will enter into a funding agreement with the NSW Government.
What can be funded
Projects may include:
- energy education or information sessions and workshops
- adapting and delivering existing energy education/guidance initiatives to engage new and diverse audiences, with a focus on local relevance, and unlocking barriers to action for previously un-engaged consumers
- providing expert, face-to-face guidance to the community
- delivering other innovative or alternative activities that address specific needs of their local community to enable them to benefit from energy saving products and services, and link consumers with NSW Energy incentives and rebates
- dedicated personnel to deliver energy outreach and guidance programs
- digital tools or platforms that connect consumers with energy-saving products and NSW rebates
- and communication activities supporting the above.
Note: Funding cannot be used for capital purchases and expenditures such as solar panels or batteries, business-as-usual operations, staff costs not related to the project, or retrospective costs.
Key application steps
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Check your eligibility
Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements. Only eligible applicants should submit an application.
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Read the guidelines and FAQs
Read the grant guidelines and review the frequently asked questions before applying.
You can also register for the information session on 9 December 2025 to learn more about the process.
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Submit your application
New users will need to register before applying.
Complete and submit your application through the Grants Management System by 5:00 pm on 16 February 2026. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted.
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Assessment and notification
All eligible applications will be reviewed against the merit criteria.
You may be contacted to provide additional information, and a response will be required within 5 business days.
Successful applicants will receive a funding offer and funding deed for signature.
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Deliver your project
Once your funding deed is signed by both parties, you can begin your project.
Projects must start within 3 months of signing the funding deed and be completed by 30 April 2029.
Funding and co-contribution
A minimum 10% co-contribution is required and can include cash, in-kind support (such as volunteer hours or venue hire), or a combination of both. Higher contributions may improve your application’s competitiveness.
Frequently asked questions
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations and community energy groups that support households or communities in NSW with managing their energy use. Applicants must have an ABN, be a legal entity, deliver activities within New South Wales that directly and exclusively benefit communities in New South Wales, hold a current Public Liability insurance policy with a value of at least $20 million and be financially solvent.
Organisations looking to conduct consumer guidance activities must also have a Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy (with cover amount not less than $5 million in respect of any one claim) and be set up to provide guidance and recommendations, with sufficiently expert staff on hand to do so.
Funding supports education, consumer guidance and engagement activities, creation of digital tools or platforms, and partnerships that help consumers access energy-saving products and NSW Government rebates. Capital purchases are not eligible for funding.
Partnerships with other organisations—such as local councils, research institutions, government bodies, and other community groups—are encouraged, to support knowledge sharing and build local capability. One organisation must be nominated as the lead applicant to submit the application and, if successful, enter into a funding deed with the NSW Government. The lead applicant must be eligible in line with the eligibility criteria in the grant guidelines.
Yes, staffing costs are eligible for funding where they directly support the delivery of funded activities. This includes costs for personnel with relevant skills and experience, provided their involvement is not the result of cost shifting. For existing staff, funding must enable expanded engagement—such as reaching new cohorts or extending current initiatives.
Funding can also be used to engage consultants or contractors, where their scope includes capacity building to ensure knowledge, skills, or resources are transferred to the funded organisation for ongoing delivery beyond the funding period.
For help with eligibility or the Grants Management System, contact the Community Energy Delivery Team at [email protected].
Contact and support
For questions or support with your application, contact the Community Energy Delivery Team at [email protected].