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Natural Disaster Resilience Program (NDRP)

The Natural Disaster Resilience Program (NDRP) aims to enhance the capacity of Australian communities to prepare for and withstand the effects of natural disasters.

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government, the NDRP provides funds for projects that contribute to the priorities of the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience. The Strategy recognises that disaster resilience is a shared responsibility for individuals, households, businesses and communities, as well as for governments. National Strategy for Disaster Resilience on the Attorney General's Department website.

The State Emergency Management Committee has identified priority areas for funding in NSW:

  • Emergency Volunteering - building capability and capacity.
  • Emergency risk management, mitigation and measurement across the Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery spectrum.
  • Building resilience through community engagement.
  • Enhancing emergency management capability through continuous improvement and an evidence based approach.
  • Effectively communicating across the emergency management sector and with the community.

NSW uses the NDRP funds for programs that address the state priorities.

For guidelines on eligibility, funding criteria and the grants process please click on the program links below.

The NSW gra​nt programs

State Emergency Manage​ment Projects (SEMP) Program

Applications for 2016-17 a​re closed.

For projects of state wide significance which address a capability gap(s) in emergency management.

Community R​​esilience Innovation Program (CRIP)

Supports a broad range of community-led projects designed to increase all-hazard disaster preparedness and build community capacity and resilience. CRIP projects are based on collaboration and partnership between local community organisations and emergency management agencies.

Emergency Voluntee​r Support Scheme (EVSS)

Applications for 2017-18 are now open.

Apply for EVSS – Applications close 1 pm Tuesday 22 May 2018.

Assists with the recruitment, retention and training of emergency volunteers.

Bush Fire Risk Managemen​​t Grants Scheme (BFRMGS)

Supports bush fire mitigation projects. Managed by the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Email Rural Fire Service for guidelines and closing dates.

Floodplain Grants Scheme (FRM​​GS)

Applications for 2016-17 are closed.

Supports floodplain mitigation projects. 

Managed by the Office of Environment and Heritage

What is a natural ​disaster?

A natural disaster is a serious disruption to a community or region caused by the impact of a naturally occurring rapid onset event that threatens or causes death, injury or damage to property or the environment and which requires significant coordinated multi-agency and community response. It can be caused by bushfire, earthquake, flood, storm, cyclone, storm surge, landslide, tsunami, meteorite strike, or tornado. (Definition taken from the Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements Determination 2012.)

Grants approved in previous r​​ounds

Further information

Email the Office of Emergency Management Grants Unit or call (02) 9212 9252.

Department of Justice, 
Office of Emergency Management, 
Post Office Box 5434, Sydney, NSW 2001