The NSW Government has announced an additional $5 million investment in the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program furthering efforts to improve safety and security for faith groups across the state.
This funding comes after a successful first round, where $5 million was distributed to 103 community and faith organisations addressing security needs at places of worship, and congregation.
This funding is part of a $15 million program focused on creating secure, resilient and cohesive spaces for NSW’s diverse faith communities. This new grant round provides new applicants a chance to apply for $5,000 to $250,000 to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.
The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.
An information session will be held online on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 November.
To apply, visit multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/SafePlacesforFaithCommunitiesGrants2024-25. Applications close 3pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“In NSW we are proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear of harm.”
“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”