16 Days of Activism 2025

The NSW Government is supporting the prevention of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence (DFSV) at the local level through annual grants to communities across the state.

Program objective

There are three key objectives of the 16 Days of Activism Prevention Grant Program:

1. Increase awareness in the community about the primary prevention of domestic, family violence and sexual violence by tailoring initiatives to address the four gendered drivers of violence outlined in the Change the Story framework by Our Watch.
2. Reinforce messages about positive behaviours and social norms rejecting violence against women.
3. Engage local groups, organisations – including men's organisations – and schools in leading efforts for change.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Eligible organisations must meet the assessment criteria to be considered for funding:

• The project/initiative aligns with the objectives of the grant program and is expected to produce clear and positive results.
• You may want to show proof of past and current success, or the potential to achieve these results, as a way to prove you have the necessary skills and expertise to complete the project/initiative during the campaign period and within budget.
• Demonstrate value for money, budget should be clear and cost effective.

Please ensure you read the Frequently Asked Questions and the Grant program guidelines.

Who the grant is targeted towards

The 16 Days of Activism Prevention grant program is aimed at local communities via:

• Local Domestic and Family Violence Committees
• Non-government organisations that are a part of the Local Domestic Violence Networks.

This grant is designed to support initiatives with clear and actionable delivery plans across metro, rural and regional NSW that engage a range of different communities and marginalised cohorts during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender - Based Violence campaign running from 25 November to 10 December 2025. 

Types of projects funded under this grant

Grant applications must demonstrate how the proposed project will contribute to raising awareness of the prevention of domestic, family violence and sexual violence in your community by meeting at least one of these program objectives, through an initiative that addresses at least one of the four gendered drivers of violence outlined in the Change the Story framework by Our Watch:

1. The condoning of violence against women.
2. Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life.
3. Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity.
4. Male peer relations and cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control.

It is a short-term initiative designed to be delivered during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December 2025. All successful initiatives will need to be delivered or targeted at this period of local activism.

When the project can start and end

The project start date must be after 25/11/2025 and the project end date must be before 10/12/2025.

What your application needs to include

Prepare your application with this checklist

The purpose of the Grant Program Guidelines is to provide potential applicants with information on:

• the grant program and its intended purpose
• the application and assessment process
• how the funds can be used
• the performance, monitoring and reporting requirements for any entity successful in their grant application.

It is recommended that the program guidelines are carefully read prior to completing your application in conjunction with the FAQs.

Address the eligibility criteria

Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.

Address the assessment criteria

This is an Open competitive grant program and funding is not guaranteed. All submitted applications will be assessed against the assessment criteria.

All eligible applications must meet the following assessment criteria to be considered for assessment:

• Provide a broad outline of your initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to meet the eligibility criteria
• Address this grant program’s purpose and objectives.
• Articulate which target group the initiative will address or benefit
• Demonstrate how you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience in DFSV primary prevention to complete the project/initiative during the campaign period and within budget.
• Demonstrate value for money, budget should be clear and cost effective.

Start the application

One stage application process

Applications will be reviewed by the eligibility team for eligibility and compliance with guidelines and eligible criteria. They will then be subject to the assessment process which will include assessment by the Assessment Team and Assessment Panel.

The Delegated DCJ officer will be the decision-maker. All applicants will be formally notified on whether their application has been successful. It is an applicant’s responsibility to ensure all contact details are up to date.

Please feel free to review the DCJ Grants Service Providers page.

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: Delegated, Decision Maker

One application form submitted by the applicant that will be assessed based on eligibility and assessment criteria.

• All applications must be submitted online via Smarty Grants portal.
• Applications will open 6 August 2025 and close on Wednesday 3 September 2025 at 5.00 pm.
• Late submissions will not be considered or accepted.
• All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.

Note for all applicants:

• Applicants must ensure that their contact details are up to date.
• Applicants must not have any outstanding acquittals for any other funding program with DCJ.

Anticipated assessment outcome date is 30/10/2025.

Recipients of 16 Days of Activism 2025

Recipients of 16 Days of Activism 2025 grant funding

Support and contact

16 Days of Activism Grant information session (PDF, 802.6 KB)

[email protected]

Primary Prevention

Women, Family and Community Safety | Strategy, Policy and Commissioning

Department of Community and Justice