Social and community grants
Supporting community projects that strengthen connection and access to essential services.
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Our social and community grants support local communities to lead projects that address local challenges.
This program is part of our main funding round. It opens for applications in late July each year with funding available from 1 January.
The program has 2 funding categories:
We support projects that:
- bring people together and strengthen social cohesion and wellbeing
- support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- improve access to healthy food and services.
We encourage projects that use creative approaches to meet changing community needs. We also support organisations to build their skills and plan for the future.
We prioritise programs led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The program aligns with our social sustainability policy and action plan.
Our funding priorities
Our funding will prioritise projects and activities that:
- are led by, or developed in genuine partnership with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- strengthen social cohesion, community resilience and wellbeing
- use creative approaches to meet changing community needs
- support people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- build skills for sourcing and preparing healthy food
- improve how healthy food is supplied, stored and delivered to priority communities
- make it easier for people to access food support services by improving affordable internet access.
Support for events or festivals
We’ve changed how we support festivals and events.
We still support events and experiences, but there’s no longer a separate festivals and events sponsorship program.
Grant recipients OzHarvest run a free market in Waterloo that provides rescued fresh produce and pantry staples to people in need. — Image: Mark Metcalfe / City of Sydney
Other opportunities for support
These programs are open all year until budgets are exhausted.
Opportunities
Apply for a quick response grantThis program supports priority communities with an urgent or immediate need. It funds projects that reduce barriers and improve access to opportunities, services and programs.In progressOpportunities
Apply for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fundThis program supports the priorities and aspirations of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and contributes to a sustainable, community-controlled sector.In progressOpportunities
Apply for venue hire supportOur venue hire support grants assist community and cultural groups and organisations to access our indoor venues at reduced rates.In progressOpportunities
Apply for street banner hire supportApply for reduced rate street banner pole hire to promote your cultural event or community activity.In progress
Subsidised spaces
We offer reduced rental charges for organisations whose activities benefit local communities.
These opportunities are published on our website and in our email newsletters.
To find out when spaces become available, sign up to our mailing list.
Community support & funding
Short-term empty properties grantsCommunity support & funding
Accommodation grants
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