The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) supports Crown land managers (CLMs) by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown reserves. The funding aims to benefit the community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.

The CRIF is a self-sustaining program that is supported by income generated from loan repayments and interest, leases and licences on Crown land, and levies from the operation of coastal Crown caravan parks.

CRIF 2023/24 update

We are currently updating our grant application software in preparation for the FY2023/24 CRIF round. We are moving to a whole of government grants management system and plan to announce the opening of the funding round in October 2023. Successful grant recipients for this year's round can expect to receive funding in May 2024. Updates on key dates will be noted on this page.

If you are planning to apply for this year’s funding round, we encourage you to start gathering quotes and supporting documentation for a grant application.

To be eligible to apply, the Crown land manager must have no overdue CRIF final project report/s for funding received in prior years. Final project reports are due within 14 months of the date the grant/loan funds were credited to the CLM's account. Download the latest report template.

CRIF 2022-23 funding round outcomes

All successful Crown land managers and unsuccessful applicants have now been advised.

The CRIF 2022-23 offered funding for 267 projects totalling $17.947m to maintain and upgrade facilities and reserves on government-owned land. The funding provided will continue to benefit our community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our region.

Further detail of executed agreements as at 1 March 2023 can be found in the attached file CRIF FY2022-23 Outcomes as of 19 Jun 2023 (Excel spreadsheet).

2022-23 CRIF guidance documentation

• The CRIF Guidelines outline the application process and the program objectives. It is essential that you read the Guidelines before submitting an application.
• The application instructions provide a step-by-step guide through the online registration, logon and application process.
• Consult the frequently asked questions for responses to questions you may have about the program.
• The assessment and eligibility checklist is a guide to ensure applications are eligible and address the criteria.
• You must agree to the terms and conditions of the CRIF before submitting an application.

Terms and conditions of funding acceptance

• Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the funding.
• CLMs must submit a final report within two months of the project’s completion. Download the latest report template.
• The procurement guidelines provide information on acceptable procurement practices when spending public money.
• Acknowledgement of NSW Government funding is a condition of the funding. Refer to the NSW Government funding acknowledgement guidelines to help you decide the best acknowledgement for your project.

Price increases impacting CRIF projects

The department is aware that the current environment of global material shortages and price increases are having an impact on some Crown land manager's ability to complete CRIF projects.

Depending upon the size and nature of your CRIF project, here are some options for you to consider in order to progress your project:

• De-scoping the project, removing elements that will not alter the fundamental amenity of the project
• Phasing the project over multiple years and applying for further funding to complete the project in the future
• Seeking alternative top-up funding from another grant program
• Running community fundraising events and/or crowd funding
• Seeking cash or in-kind support from local councils

2022-23 program information

Project delivery timeline: Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the funding.

Funding acquittal: Funding recipients must submit a final report within two months of the project’s completion. Download the latest report template.

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Contact

Please contact the department for funding enquiries

2021-22 funding round

The CRIF 2021-22 funded 257 projects totalling $15.233m to maintain and upgrade facilities and reserves on government-owned land. The funding provided will continue to benefit our community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our region.

View the Crown Land Funding Map for project details.

2021-22 program information

Project delivery timeline: Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the funding.

Funding acquittal: Funding recipients must submit a final report within two months of the project’s completion. Download the latest report template.