Strong and Resilient Communities

The Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity provides grant funding to organisations for one-off, time limited projects that support vulnerable and disadvantaged people participate socially and economically through local community-driven solutions.

SARC helps build strong and resilient communities that support people:

  • overcome disadvantage
  • provide greater community engagement
  • promote participation and belonging
  • build self-reliance and empowerment.

SARC – Inclusive Communities Grants

SARC – Inclusive Communities Grants (SARC – IC) is funded from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2028.

The $63 million SARC – IC Grants will run over 5 rounds with projects commencing from 1 July 2022 and ending 30 June 2028.

It aims to improve the social and economic participation of four target groups:

  • young people aged 12 to 18 years who are, or are at risk of:
    • being disengaged, marginalised
    • having limited engagement with education/training
  • people with disabilities and/or mental health issues
  • vulnerable women who may be socially isolated
  • unemployed people who face individual barriers to employment to engage with existing employment/training services.

SARC – IC supports one-off, time limited projects for up to 2 years. It does not assist ongoing service delivery.

Round Number of Projects
Round 1 (1 July 2022 – 30 June 2024) 38 not-for-profit community organisations
Round 2 (1 July 2023 – 30 June 2025) 34 not-for-profit community organisations

They will deliver projects in metropolitan, regional and remote areas across Australia.
Before 2021, SARC comprised 3 streams:

  • Community Resilience grants
  • Inclusive Communities grants
  • National Research grants.

SARC evaluation

In January 2020, the Social Research Centre conducted an evaluation of the SARC grant activity. The evaluation found that SARC was promoted effectively and targeted a diverse range of groups. It also positively contributed to:

  • community cohesion
  • economic participation
  • engagement with services
  • positive community attitudes.

We have improved the design and focus of the SARC Activity based on the findings of the evaluation.

More information

See www.grants.gov.au to learn more about Australian Government grant opportunities and grant awards.

Visit the DSS Grants Service Directory to find a service near you. Remember to search for Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities grants.

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