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 interest income on loans, leases and licences on Crown land, and levies from the operation of coastal Crown caravan parks.

CRIF 2024-25 funding round

The 2024-25 funding round will offer around $10m in grants to the highest priority projects. Priority is given to those applications that best address the assessment criteria and meet all eligibility criteria as detailed in the guidelines link below. Note that there will be no loans offered in this year’s funding round.

Though the 2024-25 annual funding round is for general, pest and weed projects, please note that this year’s general project grant round is targeting highly utilised reserves with projects that will have a significant community impact.

This funding round is now closed for assessment.

Successful applicants will be announced in May 2025.

Key dates

2024-25 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.
• Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for responses to questions you may have about this year's funding round.
• You must agree to the terms and conditions of the CRIF before applying.
• 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.
• Non-council CLMs (excluding Commons) must have submitted their 2023-24 Annual Report to the department by the round closing date via the Reserve manager portal.
• 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.

CRIF 2023-24 funding round outcomes

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

The CRIF 2023-24 offered funding for 144 projects totalling $14.578m 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 30 June 2024 can be found in the attached file CRIF 2023-24 Approved Accepted Projects 300624.xlsx

2022-23 CRIF 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).

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 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

Sign up for updates

Subscribe to our eNewsletter to receive updates on funding programs. Subscribe below.

Contact

Please contact the department for funding enquiries