Community Living Supports Open Grant Opportunity

Outcomes for the statewide Community Living Supports (CLS) Open Grant Opportunity have been finalised and published on the NSW Grants Finder website​ .  The Mental Health Branch is currently working with NSW local health districts and all incoming and outgoing community managed organisations to implement the refreshed and contemporary CLS service model from 1 July 2026. 

A summary of the CLS grant outcomes by local health district can be found here.

CLS is a holistic and culturally responsive program 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.

The staged approach for the CLS open grant opportunity is outlined below.

​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 engaged Procure Group and O'Connor Marsden to provide 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 was open for applications up until 12pm Friday 17 October 2025.

A total of 30 community managed organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) applied through the NSW Grants Finder website​.

All applicants were notified of the outcomes in April 2026. Successful applicants will enter into contracts for an initial period of 5 years from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031.

All outcomes and any further updates for the CLS Grant Opportunity can be found on the NSW Grants Finder website​​​​.

Communiques​

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

Current as at: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Contact page owner: Mental Health