The Complete Security Funding Guide for Churches, Mosques, Temples & Faith Organisations
The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants Program is a New South Wales Government initiative delivered by Multicultural NSW to help faith-based organisations improve security, safety, preparedness, resilience and wellbeing at places where faith communities gather.
This program provides $5,000 to $250,000 (excluding GST) in grant funding to eligible organisations to reduce risk, protect people, and ensure faith communities can gather safely and confidently.
This page is designed as a complete, authoritative guide to help faith organisations understand:
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Who can apply
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What can be funded
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How applications are assessed
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How to prepare a strong submission
THE FORM TO FILL IN – https://multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/SPFC2025-26R3
What Is the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grant?
The grant exists to support faith organisations that may face increased safety or security risks, including vandalism, threats, antisocial behaviour, or targeted incidents.
Funding can be used for physical security improvements, preparedness planning, training, and community resilience initiatives that improve safety outcomes while supporting social cohesion.
The program recognises that places of worship are not only religious sites, but also community hubs, cultural centres, and essential gathering spaces.
How Much Funding Is Available?
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Minimum grant: $5,000
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Maximum grant: $250,000
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GST: Funding amounts are exclusive of GST
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Total program funding: $15 million
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Funding type: One-off, non-recurrent
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Project completion deadline: Must be completed before 30 June 2027
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be a non-profit organisation
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Operate or manage a faith-based venue or place of worship
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Be located in New South Wales
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Have legal authority to carry out the proposed works
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Hold required public liability and workers compensation insurance
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Have acquitted any prior Multicultural NSW grants (if applicable)
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Demonstrate a clear and genuine safety or security need
Funding Pathways Explained
There are two funding pathways, depending on the amount requested.
Pathway A – Up to $50,000
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No formal security risk assessment required
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Suitable for smaller upgrades such as CCTV, alarms, lighting, or access control
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Faster and simpler application process
Pathway B – $50,000 to $250,000
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Requires an evidence-based security risk assessment
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Suitable for larger, multi-stage security projects
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Higher scrutiny during assessment
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
Funding supports practical, risk-based safety and security measures, including:
Physical Security Measures
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CCTV camera systems
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Video monitoring and recording equipment
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Alarm systems and intrusion detection
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Access control systems
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Intercoms and door entry systems
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Security lighting
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Secure fencing, gates and locks
Preparedness & Risk Management
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Security risk assessments
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Safety audits and site assessments
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Emergency response planning
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Incident management procedures
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Staff and volunteer safety training
Wellbeing & Recovery
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Psychological first aid training
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Trauma-informed response training
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First aid and emergency response training
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Community wellbeing initiatives related to safety
What Cannot Be Funded
The grant does not cover:
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Projects already started or completed
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General operating costs (rent, utilities, wages, maintenance)
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Security guards or patrol services
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Weapons or defensive equipment
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Costs of writing the grant application
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Non-compliant building works
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Activities unrelated to safety, security or resilience
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are assessed competitively based on:
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Demonstrated risk or safety need
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Alignment with program objectives
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Quality and feasibility of the proposed project
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Value for money
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Readiness to deliver the project
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Measurable outcomes and reporting capability
How to Apply – Step by Step
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Review the grant guidelines carefully
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Confirm eligibility and funding pathway
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Prepare a clear project scope and budget
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Obtain compliant quotes for proposed works
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Submit the application via the SmartyGrants portal
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Lodge before 4:00 pm on Friday, 30 January 2026
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Why Planning Early Matters
Many applications fail due to:
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Poorly scoped security works
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Non-compliant equipment
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Unrealistic budgets
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Lack of measurable outcomes
Early planning ensures your project is grant-ready, compliant, and defensible during assessment.
How Serious Security Can Help
Serious Security specialises in security solutions for faith organisations, community facilities and non-profit organisations across NSW.
We can assist with:
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Security system design aligned to grant objectives
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CCTV, alarm and access-control solutions
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Site-specific risk-based security planning
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Grant-ready scopes of work and budgets
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Compliant quotations suitable for submission
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Post-approval implementation and delivery
Our approach focuses on practical, proportionate security that meets funding requirements without over-engineering or unnecessary cost.
If your organisation is considering applying for the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grant, now is the time to plan.
Contact Serious Security to discuss your site, risks, and grant-aligned security options — so your organisation is ready to proceed if funding is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much can we apply for?
Between $5,000 and $250,000 excluding GST.
Do we need a security risk assessment?
Only if applying for $50,000 or more.
Can the grant cover CCTV systems?
Yes, CCTV systems are an eligible expense when aligned with safety objectives.
Can we apply for multiple buildings?
Yes, provided they are managed by the same eligible organisation and justified in the application.
Can volunteers be trained using the grant?
Yes, safety and preparedness training is eligible.
Can the grant fund ongoing monitoring or subscriptions?
No, ongoing operational costs are not covered.
Can we submit quotes from security companies?
Yes, detailed and compliant quotes strengthen applications.
Do we need council approval before applying?
Not always, but applicants must have authority to carry out the works.
What happens if our application is approved?
Funding is released subject to agreement, reporting obligations and project milestones.
When must the project be completed?
All funded projects must be completed before 30 June 2027.
