About the Small Grant Program

Each year, Wayahead provides Small Grants to support community-led mental health projects and events delivered during Mental Health Month (October). The program aims to strengthen awareness of mental health and wellbeing, reduce stigma, and support meaningful community connection in line with the annual Mental Health Month theme.

2026 Grant applications are now OPEN!

What is a Mental Health Month Event

A Mental Health Month event or project is an activity that promotes awareness of mental health and social and emotional wellbeing within a community. These events may encourage conversation, connection, help-seeking, or learning, and can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities.

Some Examples Include:

  • Community workshops or information sessions focused on mental health and wellbeing

  • Panel discussions or guest speaker events sharing lived experience and professional insights

  • Creative activities such as art, music, writing, or storytelling workshops

  • Walks, group activities, or social events that encourage connection and belonging

  • School or youth-led activities that promote mental health awareness

If you’re still unsure whether your planned event is eligible, please contact us.

Wayahead

Grant Amounts and Availability

Each year, Wayahead awards over 30 Small Grants of either $500 or $1,000 to eligible community groups and organisations across NSW. Funding supports the planning and delivery of Mental Health Month projects or events that take place during October.

Grant applications will be open until June 5th

Grant Categories

Explore the available grant categories below, along with detailed descriptions of each to help decide which is most suitable for you.

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The General Grant category encourages groups or organisations to propose projects or events that promote mental health awareness and dialogue. It supports initiatives aligned with the current years theme, providing funding and partnering with Wayahead to enhance their impact within communities.

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The Youth Grant category invites youth-focused groups or organisations to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness among peers during Mental Health Month. Recipients align with the current years theme and partner with Wayahead to amplify the impact of their initiatives within communities.

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The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Grant category encourages groups or organisations addressing CALD communities to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness and support. Recipients align their initiatives with the current years theme and partner with Wayahead to enhance the impact of their events.

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The LGBTQIA+ Grant category welcomes groups or organisations focusing on LGBTQIA+ to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness and support within the community. Recipients align their initiatives with the current years theme and partner with Wayahead to enhance the impact of their efforts.

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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grant category welcomes groups or organisations focusing on Indigenous communities to propose projects or events promoting mental health awareness and support. Recipients align their initiatives with the current years theme and partner with Wayahead to support the impact of their efforts within these communities.

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