Community services grants

Support sustainable communities and contribute to a connected, inclusive, liveable and engaged city.

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Don’t miss out on our grants and sponsorship opportunities. Get all the latest information, grant opening dates and much more.

Applications are now closed

This program will be offered again in 2024.

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We’d like to help you choose the right grant and provide tips for a successful application.

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

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About this program

This grant program supports projects and programs that help increase social cohesion and inclusion, develop healthy and resilient communities, and support participation in civic life.

Our funding will prioritise projects or programs that:
- recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culture
- promote sustainable and equitable food systems and address food insecurity
- strengthen social cohesion, community resilience and wellbeing
- involve our communities in local decision making and community life
- improve our communities’ digital literacy and skills
- support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
We encourage applications from organisations that support Aboriginal and Torres and Strait Islander communities and culture, including Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and networks.
Proposals are assessed against:
- evidence of the need for the project or program and proposed outcomes
- capacity and experience of the applicant to deliver the project or program
- demonstrated connection and benefit to the local area and communities
- how the project or program delivers against the funding priorities
- evidence of the project or program having direct engagement with our diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, young people, older people, people with disability, international students, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, LGBTIQA+ communities and low income earners.
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.

To see what projects have been awarded our grants and sponsorships in the past, please search for grants in our statutory returns annual reports.

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 from $10,000 to $50,000 per year 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.

Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 worth of capital expenditure or equipment purchase.

For applicants requesting multi-year funding, please contact the grants team for a call back to discuss your suitability to the program, on 02 9265 9333 or email [email protected]

Eligibility

An applicant must operate within the City of Sydney local government area or be able to demonstrate benefits for the city’s residents, workers and/or visitors.
These individuals and organisations can apply:
- not-for-profit organisations
- individuals or unincorporated community groups auspiced by a not-for-profit that is eligible to apply in their own right.
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.
Funding is not available for:
- for-profit organisations, including small businesses
- projects that duplicate existing services
- projects or programs that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.