Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund

Supports local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led projects that build stronger local communities.

Close-up of feet wearing traditional anklets and stepping on sandy ground, with straw skirts visible in the background.

Grants team

Before applying please contact the team to arrange a call back to discuss your project.

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

Applications are closed

This program is open all year for applications until the budget is exhausted.

Activities should be delivered within 12 months of the project start date.
Recommendations are taken to Council for approval.

Help with grants in your language

Need help with information about our grants in other languages?

About this program

This funding program supports a strong and sustainable local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled sector to work on projects that meet the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local area.

Funding supports increased self-determination and equity for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through projects that connect people with community, country and culture.

Our funding will prioritise projects that:
- are led by local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities
- deliver positive outcomes for local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
- meet the needs and aspirations of local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
- build the capacity of local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned and/or led organisations and businesses.
Proposals are assessed against:

These are questions asked in the application that align with the criteria used at assessment stage:

Proposals of $20,000 or less:
- Why are you doing this project and what will the results be?
- How will you deliver the project and what skills do you bring?
- Who in the community will engage and/or benefit? How will you do this?
Proposal of $50,000 or less:
- Why is there a need for the project and what are the proposed outcomes?
- What is your experience in delivering projects?
- How have you included the local diverse community and how will they benefit and/or being engaged?
- How does the project rate against the funding priorities?
Multi-year applications must demonstrate the benefit of City of Sydney support including long-term sustainability.
For comprehensive information, including definitions and other details, refer to the business support grant program in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

For information on how to ensure a safe and successful event refer to the City’s event guidelines, associated policies and procedures.

If your project involves an outdoor event within the City of Sydney please discuss your event with the Outdoor Events & Filming Team via email on [email protected] or on (02) 9265 9333.

See list of recent grant recipients, including description of projects and amount approved.

Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continuing the Vision outlines the goals we have set to make the city green, global and connected.

Funding available

Cash funding up to $50,000 is available, for a one-year program or multi-year funding (up to 3 years).

Value-in-kind in the form of street banner and venue hire is also available. You can apply for up to $5,000 for capital expenditure or equipment.

Applicants can include the cost of necessary insurances in their application.

For any questions, please contact the grants team on 02 9265 9333 or email [email protected].

Eligibility

To be eligible an applicant must operate within the City of Sydney local area and be able to demonstrate significant benefits for the area’s residents, workers and/or visitors:
- Individuals and sole traders must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted as such by the community in which they live.
- Groups must consist of majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members.
- Organisations must have a governing body that is majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
These individuals and organisations can apply:
- Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
- Incorporated Association
- Corporation
- Co-operative
- Partnership
- Sole Trader
- Trustee of a Trust
- Individual auspiced by an Eligible Not For Profit Organisation or Corporation
- Unincorporated Community Group auspiced by an Eligible Not For Profit Organisation or Corporation
If you work with an auspicing organisation, we encourage you to choose one that is relevant to the sector and that can support the development of the proposal.

For more information on eligibility, see the eligibility section in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

Proof of Aboriginality requirement

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund is dedicated to local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, groups and organisations.

To be eligible for this fund, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, sole traders and community groups will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginality. It is preferred (but not limited to) this confirmation is from a registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community organisation and stamped with their common seal and that confirms the applicant:
- is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community in which you live, or formerly lived.
Alternatively, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses are required to provide proof of certification and/or registration from the following:
- NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
- Supply Nation
- Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.
Funding is not available for:
- applicants that do not meet the eligibility criteria
- projects that duplicate existing services
- projects that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.