The 2026/27 Investing in Women Funding Program funds innovative projects that champion opportunities for women and girls in NSW. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $750,000, this is one of the more substantial funding programs available for organisations working in gender equity, health, economic participation, and community empowerment.

Applications close 13 March 2026. Given the size of the funding pool and the breadth of eligible activities, this program is likely to attract strong competition.

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What the grant offers

• Between $25,000 and $750,000 in project funding
• Covers staff, contractors, consultants, evaluation activities, resource materials, equipment, venue hire, marketing, catering, and travel within NSW
• Funding must be used for direct project delivery in NSW

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Who should apply

• Majority women-owned and managed small businesses
• Social enterprises focused on women's outcomes
• Not-for-profit organisations working in gender equity, health, or community empowerment
• Must be a legally constituted Australian entity with an active ABN and appropriate public liability insurance

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What makes a strong application

This program is structured around three pillars from the NSW Women's Strategy (2023-2026): economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment. Your application needs to clearly align with at least one of these pillars, and the strongest proposals will show how your project addresses a specific, demonstrable gap.

The funding range is wide. A $25,000 application looks very different from a $750,000 one. If you are at the lower end, a tightly scoped pilot with clear deliverables will be more competitive than an ambitious but vague proposal. At the higher end, assessors will expect robust project plans, evaluation frameworks, and evidence of organisational capacity to deliver at scale.

Innovation matters here. The program explicitly calls for innovative projects, so repackaging business-as-usual activities under a new name is unlikely to score well. Think about what is genuinely new in your approach, whether that is a new delivery model, a new target cohort, a new partnership structure, or a new way of measuring impact.

Geographic reach can also strengthen your application. Projects that serve regional and remote NSW communities, or that address outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, or women with disability, are likely to align well with the Strategy's priorities.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I apply if my organisation is not majority women-owned?

The program targets majority women-owned and managed small businesses, social enterprises, and not-for-profits. If your organisation does not meet the ownership criteria but primarily serves women and girls, check the detailed guidelines carefully as eligibility may vary by stream.

Can funding cover salaries for existing staff?

Yes, but only where those staff costs are for direct project delivery. General operational salaries or overhead costs that are not tied to the funded project are not eligible.

Is there a co-contribution requirement?

The program details do not specify a mandatory co-contribution, but demonstrating that your organisation is investing its own resources alongside the grant funding signals commitment and strengthens your application.

Can I apply for multiple projects?

Check the program guidelines for limits on the number of applications per organisation. Even if multiple applications are permitted, submitting one strong application is generally more effective than spreading effort across several.

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Why it is worth your time

The $25,000 to $750,000 range makes this one of the larger grant opportunities available for women-focused organisations in NSW. The eligible expense categories are broad enough to fund most project types, from community programs to research and evaluation. For organisations with a clear project concept and the capacity to deliver, this is a significant funding opportunity.

The alignment with the NSW Women's Strategy also means successful projects will have a direct line to government priorities, which can open doors to further funding, partnerships, and visibility down the track.

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How Grant Savvy helps

We write it for you. Grant applications are time consuming and competitive. We handle the writing, positioning, and submission so you can focus on your project.

We know what assessors look for. Our team has helped clients secure over $45 million in government funding. We understand how to frame your project around program objectives and assessment criteria.

Strategic positioning. We help you connect your project to the NSW Women's Strategy pillars in a way that is specific, evidence-based, and compelling rather than generic.

Fixed pricing, no surprises. Our fees are transparent and structured so you know exactly what you are paying before we start.

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Our process

• Initial consultation to understand your project and goals
• Eligibility confirmation and program fit assessment
• Drafting your application with supporting narrative
• Internal review against assessment criteria
• Final revisions with your input
• Submission before the deadline
• Post-submission support and follow-up

Standard turnaround: 3-4 weeks. Rush options available when capacity permits

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