Communities and Justice

Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025

Opening 16 September and Closing 21 October 2024

Overview of the Connecting Seniors Grant Program 

The NSW Government is investing $840,000 in projects and initiatives under the Connecting Seniors Grant Program (the Grant Program).  The Grant Program aims to support older people to connect with others and address the challenges that contribute to isolation for older people. The Grant Program is available for projects and initiatives that support people aged 65 years and over, and Aboriginal people aged 50 years and over.  The Grant Program is an action under Priority Area 3: Participating in Inclusive Communities in the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031.


See how the NSW Spanish and Latin American Association for Social Assistance used their DCJ Connecting Seniors Grant to bring seniors together in South West Sydney.

Introduction of Aboriginal Grants 

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is committed to responding to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities and strengthening the Aboriginal Community-Controlled sector. The Aboriginal Grants category targets projects led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). Aboriginal-led and delivered initiatives benefit from firsthand knowledge of community needs and strengths. 

Introduction of Multicultural Grants

To improve support for older people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), DCJ has introduced a multicultural grant category. This category focuses on projects led by multicultural organisations that support people from CALD communities. These projects may assist older people who face challenges such as language barriers, racism, digital exclusion, financial hardship, elder abuse, and difficulties accessing community support and services, which can increase their risk of further isolation.

Target group

The target group for the Connecting Seniors grant program is aligned with the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021 – 2031 and must include older people who are considered at higher risk of isolation.

Objectives 

The 2025 Grant Program aims to build social connections and reduce isolation for older people, including those aged 65 years and over, or 50 years and over for Aboriginal people.
The objectives of the Connecting Seniors grant program are to:

  • provide meaningful and lasting social connections that can be maintained beyond the program
  • help older people connect with each other through small group activities held in person throughout the year to build and maintain social connections (rather than a one-off activity)
  • enable older people to develop lasting quality relationships. 
  • engage new people, particularly harder-to-reach older people
  • help older people and young people connect through intergenerational projects. 

Resources

Last updated:

16 Sep 2024