NSW Health staff.
Initiatives or projects must be led by a NSW Health staff member.
We also encourage applications from community members, carers, consumer representatives, and volunteers who are enthusiastic about making a difference. To apply, they must be collaborating with a NSW Health organisation that supports the application and a NSW Health staff project lead. This staff member will act as the primary contact and be responsible for leading the project.
This approach ensures that ideas submitted to Kindlab have the necessary partnership foundations to help you set up for success. Most local health districts (LHDs) and specialty health networks (SHNs) have a dedicated consumer engagement lead.
Your application should include a completed application form, with required evidence of meeting eligibility criteria attached to the application. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their local consumer and community partnerships lead and senior executive to inform the expression of interest. The application should clearly justify how the project under investigation is a key priority for the host organisation.
A host organisation is a:
Our structure
A chief executive or executive director of the host organisation must approve the Application submission and certify that the initiative or project will be supported. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their local consumer and community partnerships lead and senior executive to inform the expression of interest.
Host organisations may require you to submit a proposal directly to their chief executive ahead of the submission deadline for Kindlab. Please consult with your host organisations delegations of authority for approvals needed.
Your Kindlab application must contribute meaningfully by addressing at least one of the enabler focus areas outlined in the Elevating the Human Experience Guide to Action. When completing your application, please select one or more of the enablers that your initiative supports:
Applications meeting eligibility criteria will progress to assessment by the review panel. The assessment criteria is outlined in the application guidelines.
Yes, Individuals may apply for funding for more than one kindness-driven idea. Separate application forms must be submitted for each kindness-driven idea you are applying for.
No, do not submit two applications. Identify one lead host organisation and submit the application with the other host organisation as a partner organisation. The lead host organisation should be the LHD, SHN, pillar or support organisation that is driving the innovation project. Partner organisations are those that are enabling the project.
Recipients will be announced by Human Experience Week in May 2026.
Kindlab supports new and transformative initiatives that promote kindness and compassion across the NSW Health system. Your application pitch should present a creative or innovative approach that enhances healthcare experiences and fosters a more humane and supportive environment for both staff and patients.
Funding is designed to kick-start initiatives with the potential to make a meaningful difference. It may be used to cover costs associated with planning, implementation, and project-related activities.
Please refer to the Kindlab application guidelines for details of funding scope, conditions and exclusions.
Funds will be awarded to the host organisations for successful applications in July 2026, approximately.
Kindlab innovation funding must be spent by 30 June 2027.
Please ensure your project planning and implementation timelines allow for all expenses to be completed and acquitted by this date. Should the initiative or project cease for any reason, or reporting requirements are not met, remaining funds are required to be returned to the NSW Ministry of Health.