National Carers Week 2026

National Carers Week 2026 is scheduled for 11 to 17 October 2026.

This annual event recognises and celebrates the more than 3 million Australians (almost 1 million in NSW) providing unpaid care to family members and people in their community who need support due to disability, a medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness), a mental health illness, or because they are frail and aged.

NSW National Carers Week Grants Program 2026

The NSW National Carers Week Grants Program provides one-off grants to support community-based activities and events that recognise and celebrate carers and create opportunities for connection during National Carers Week (11–17 October 2026).

The program aims to:

• increase awareness of carers and their contributions
• promote recognition of carers within local communities
• support carers to feel valued, connected and visible.

Eligible organisations in NSW are encouraged to apply for grants of between $1,000 and $2,000 for events and activities to be held throughout NSW during or close to National Carers Week in 2026. Applications open 9am Friday 24 April 2026.

How to apply

• Applications open 9.00am Friday 24 April 2026 and close 5.00pm Monday 25 May 2026.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the NSW National Carers Week Grants Program Guidelines (PDF, 368.8 KB) before applying.
• The application form and further information is available via the NSW Government Grants and Funding website from Friday 24 April 2026.
• Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants.

Funding available

• Up to $220,000 in total is available for the grant program
• Grants of $1,000 to $2,000 per application
• Eligible organisations can submit up to four applications, noting their priority order
• Funding for the program has increased in 2026 compared with previous years.

What the grant funding can support

Grant funding supports community activities or events delivered during or close to National Carers Week that should:

• provide carers with opportunities to connect with others, and
• enhance the recognition and visibility of carers within their local community.

Examples of activities include:

• social gatherings or community celebrations
• wellbeing or self‑care activities
• cultural or creative events
• workshops or other inclusive and accessible community events.

Activities should reflect what carers say they need and value and be inclusive and accessible.

More information

For further information or questions about the application process, email: [email protected].