Community Living Supports Open Grant Opportunity - 2025-2026

​A statewide open grant opportunity is now live for the Community Living Supports (CLS) program on the NSW Grants Finder website​.  The Mental Health Branch is working with NSW local health districts to manage the open grant opportunity which will implement a contemporary service model for CLS from 1 July 2026. 

CLS is a holistic and culturally responsive service that builds on the strengths and aspirations of people with severe mental health conditions, working together to create meaningful goals and personal change for a fulfilling life within their communities.

An open grant opportunity will ensure funding is fair and transparent.

​Stage one - Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) and CLS Service Model Review

In preparation for the 2025-26 open grant opportunity, the Branch partnered with the Agency of Clinical Innovation (ACI) and H4 Consulting to engage key stakeholders to review and refresh the HASI/CLS service model.

ACI and H4 Consulting provided specialist skills to undertake the review as a two-part review process.   Part A involved a review of the current service model and its principles.  Part B involved a pricing review of the current pricing structure and benchmarks.

Conducting a comprehensive review of the HASI/CLS service model and pricing structure with ACI and H4 Consulting allowed for the service model review to be conducted by independent parties, ensuring a refreshed and contemporary approach was agreed to prior to an open grant opportunity in  2025-26. 

Key outcomes of the review are that:

  • the HASI and CLS programs will be merged into a single program known as 'Community Living Supports' from 1 July 2026.
  • the service model has been refreshed and tailored to target consumers with severe and complex mental health needs.
  • the consumer journey remains evidence based and reflects a contemporary service that will build on the strengths and aspirations of eligible individuals.
  • the updated pricing model is based on population and demand-based evidence to match current population data with unmet need for psychosocial supports.

Refer to the refreshed Community Living S​upports ​Service Model ​for more information.​​​​​​

Stage two - Preparation for the CLS open grant opportunity

The Branch has engaged Procure Group and O'Connor Marsden for independent procurement and probity support to ensure the integrity and accountability of the open grant opportunity. 

​Stage three - Go to market

On 22 August 2025, the CLS Open Grant Opportunity went live to market on the NSW Grants Finder website​ . The CLS Open Grant Opportunity is open for applications up until 12pm Friday 17 October 2025.

Eligible community managed organisations (CMOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) interested in delivering CLS from 1 July 2026 can apply through NSW Grants Finder website​.

Successful applications will be notified of the outcome by 31 March 2026 and will enter into contracts for an initial period of 5 years from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031.

All updates for the CLS Grant Opportunity and further instructions on the application process and eligibility can be found on NSW Grants Finder website​​​​.

Communiques​

​For more information refer to the HASI/CLS Service Model Review Communiques:

Current as at: Thursday 25 September 2025
Contact page owner: Mental Health