For more than a decade, the Community Building Partnership (CBP) program has been quietly transforming neighbourhoods across NSW. Designed to back shovel-ready community infrastructure, CBP grants help fund projects that increase participation, inclusion, and social cohesion.
This year, Sydney Anglican parishes didn’t just participate, they excelled.
A program that builds community
Since 2009, the NSW Government has invested more than $505 million into over 22,400 community projects through the CBP program. The initiative prioritises small-scale, high-impact projects that make local life better: facilities that are safer, more accessible, more welcoming, and more sustainable.
For churches, this aligns beautifully with parish life. Parish halls aren’t just buildings, they’re neighbourhood hubs. Children learn music. Seniors meet for support and friendship. English classes are run. Petals are scattered at weddings and life is celebrated at funerals.
St Paul’s Anglican Church, Carlingford & North Rocks is one of the churches that recently received grant funding through the CBP initiative. This funding will allow St Paul’s to undergo much needed upgrades to their community courtyard.
Parish Administrator, Philip Gunning says, “We’re incredibly thankful to receive this CBP grant. Upgrading our community courtyard will make a real difference, not just for our parish, but for the many local groups and families who use this space every week. It’s a wonderful boost that will help us continue serving our community with hospitality and care.”
The CBP grants program recognises that well-maintained church spaces are a blessing to entire communities.
The highest funding of any organisation in NSW
Across 64 parishes, more than $1.8 million worth of grants has been awarded in this latest funding round, with countless local communities benefitting as a result.
This is the second best result we’ve seen since the program began in 2009, and is largely thanks to a coordinated effort from the Sydney Anglican Property (SAP) Parish Property Services team, including targeted communication with parishes who had never applied before.
Scott Lincoln, Senior Manager Parish Property Services, shared, “Many churches lack confidence, clarity, or simply awareness of the opportunity. By resourcing, guiding, and encouraging them, parishes were able to present well-prepared, well-scoped, and genuinely community-focused applications.”
The success rate was strong, with 64 out of 135 parish applications approved, roughly 47%. This compares favourably with the overall CBP 2025 success rate of 40% (1,463 grants from 3,569 applications).
How it compares to previous years
- 2025: 64 grants | $1.8M+
- 2024: 61 grants | $1.36M
- 2022: 55 grants | $1.47M
One of the most striking results is that Sydney Anglican parishes received more funding than any other organisation in the entire program.
This level of success highlights the growing capacity of parishes to present compelling, community-focused proposals with the help of SAP.
Projects that make everyday ministry possible
The successful parish projects were diverse, practical, and deeply missional, exactly the kind of upgrades that allow churches to keep serving their communities well.
Grants ranged from $10,000 to $88,800, with an average of $28,125.
Other projects included:
- Acoustic panel installation for clearer gatherings
- Air conditioning to make halls usable year-round
- Bathroom and kitchen upgrades to improve hospitality
- New carpeting, chairs, and PA systems
- Accessible pathways and ramps
- Playground equipment and shade structures
- Solar panel installations
- CCTV and security improvements
- Maintenance repairs and equipment sheds
- “People mover” vehicles for community events
- Welcoming shelters and outdoor gathering areas
These are not luxury additions, they are essential ministry tools.
They help parishes welcome newcomers, equip volunteers, host community groups, and build connections with local families.
More to come
With so many parishes receiving funding simultaneously, the coming months will be busy. The SAP Parish Property team will be administering funding deeds, coordinating next steps, and supporting parishes as projects move to construction.
And more is coming.
Scott says, “Parishes are encouraged to identify potential projects now. This includes obtaining quotes for the works in preparation for the upcoming funding round. These grants help parishes create welcoming spaces where people can connect, with enhanced facilities that create a lasting impact for mission to our local communities.”
The CBP 2026 round is currently anticipated to open in February 2026. SAP will keep parishes notified about when this officially opens. If you have any questions about the information needed to submit an application, please contact your Regional Property Manager.
In other words, this year’s success isn’t the finish line. It’s momentum.
It’s a reminder that when parishes are equipped, communities flourish. And when churches invest in safe, accessible, welcoming spaces, they create more opportunities for their community to meet Jesus.