Community benefit payments are generally given to local not for profit and charitable organisations to support communities in the local government area where the funding is generated.

Potential grant recipients may include, but are not limited to, organisations that provide services and support relating to health, mental health, youth, housing, domestic and family violence, social or financial disadvantage and Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Funded organisations incorporate gambling harm minimisation strategies into their usual activities in a way that contributes to the support they provide to local communities.

Where the funding comes from
– When a venue applies to Liquor & Gaming NSW to increase the gaming machines on its premises, it may be required to complete a Local Impact Assessment which examines the impact that the additional machines may have on the local area. The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority uses the Local Impact Assessment to determine if approving the application will have an overall positive impact on the community.

If the application is approved, the venue must make community benefit payments to the Responsible Gambling Fund. The payments are calculated by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and are distributed to organisations that support the social wellbeing of communities in the local area.

How the funding is distributed
– Community benefit payments are allocated through a closed grant process administered by the Office of Responsible Gambling. When the funding becomes available, the Office identifies and invites potential applicants from the local area to apply for a grant.

The Office convenes a community contribution panel to assess applications and make a recommendation for the approval of the Deputy Secretary Hospitality and Racing.

Community contribution panels consist of a local community representative (usually a local government or health representative), a representative of the local GambleAware service and an RGF Trustee.

To be eligible applications must meet the following conditions:
– The amount of funding requested must be within the available range (the funding amounts vary and are outlined in the guidelines for each grant opportunity).
– The proposal must be from a not for profit organisation, social-purpose or government agency with an ABN.
– The proposal must benefit local communities in the target LGA.

Funding proposals are considered against the following assessment criteria:
– The proposal is deliverable within the proposed timeframe and budget
– The applicant has sufficient capacity and expertise to deliver the project
– The proposal will provide benefit to communities in the target LGA
– The proposal will achieve value for money
– The proposal is aligned with NSW Government policy objectives.

If your organisation can meet the eligibility criteria and you would like to be considered if this funding becomes available in your local area, please register your details on the funding provider’s website.

Click here to view full funding guidelines on the provider’s website.