Community services grants

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

2 children playing on grass outside a large building

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Get your application in by Tuesday 3 March.

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Applications open

Applications close: 4pm Tuesday 3 March
Project timeline: 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027
Recommendations to Council: mid-2026

City concierge

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 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 and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures
- strengthen social cohesion, community resilience and wellbeing
- involve our communities in local decision making and community life
- improve digital literacy and skills
- support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Proposals are assessed against:
- evidence of the need for the project or program
- demonstrated connection, benefit to, and engagement with local priority communities in the planning and completion of the project
- your capacity and experience to complete the project or program.
Further criteria for projects requesting more than $20,000 include how the project or program achieves the funding priorities.

For more information, see the ‘What the assessment criteria means’ section under ‘Application tips’ in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.
For comprehensive information, including definitions and other details, refer to the community services grant program in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

For information on how to ensure a safe and successful event refer to our sustainable event guidelines, associated policies and procedures.

If your project involves an outdoor event in the City of Sydney area, please discuss your event with our outdoor events and filming team by email [email protected] or call (02) 9265 9333.

To learn about the types of projects we fund, see the list of recent grant recipients.

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 a 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.

You can apply for up to $5,000 for capital expenditure or equipment.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must operate in the City of Sydney local area or be able to demonstrate significant benefits for the area’s residents, workers or visitors. These individuals and organisations can apply:
- eligible not-for-profit organisation
- incorporated association
- individual auspiced by an eligible not-for-profit organisation
- unincorporated community group auspiced by an eligible not-for-profit organisation.
If you work with an auspice, we encourage you to choose an organisation relevant to the sector that can support the development of your proposal.

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

Upcoming information sessions

The following sessions provide general information relevant to many grants. For more detailed information on this grant, see the video recording below.

General online information session – open to all: 1pm to 2.30pm, Thursday 5 February. This session will include an overview of our grants, eligibility and general requirements for an application. Register your spot.
Grants overview for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: 12pm to 2pm, Friday 6 February at 119 Redfern Street, Redfern. Register your spot.
Grant writing workshop for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: 10am to 5pm, Wednesday 18 February at 119 Redfern Street, Redfern. Register your spot.
Online grant writing workshop – open to all: 9.30am to 1pm, Wednesday 11 February. Register your spot.
Online grant writing workshop – open to all: 1pm to 4.30pm, Tuesday 17 February. Register your spot.