Hundreds of social sector organisations will benefit from a share in $17 million to support initiatives aimed at modernising their operations and improving services.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the second phase of the NSW Government’s Social Sector Transformation Fund would support 440 small to medium sized organisations with grants of up to $200,000.
“Our community services organisations are the backbone of our nation and when they are strong, we are all strong,” Mr Henskens said.
“The community services sector has been able to rapidly change the way they operate in the pandemic and in many cases this has unlocked unforeseen efficiencies in the way they do business.
“This funding will enable grassroots community organisations to invest in practical changes and innovative technologies that will help them remain viable long into the future.”
The Social Sector Transformation Fund supports organisations working in the social and health services sector, including homelessness, housing, disability, youth, health and child and family services.
Playgroup NSW will receive $200,000 to replace an outdated IT system and transform it’s operations to foster more online and digital services for families across the state.
Playgroup NSW CEO Nadene Lee said the number of member families and children participating in playgroup related actitivies in NSW had increased 450 per cent since 2017, reaching almost 50,000 families in over 90 per cent of NSW postcodes.
“The digital transformation will allow us to deliver quality services and experiences to existing and potential members, as well as all our stakeholders,” Ms Lee said.
NSW Council of Social Services CEO Joanna Quilty said it was important for the sector to adapt and be flexible in the current business landscape.
“This fund will invest in positive change for small to medium sized organisations, supporting them to continue delivering important services through improved business processes, technology upgrades and new ways of reaching out to their communities,” Ms Quilty said.
