Social and community grants
Supporting community projects that strengthen connection and access to essential services.
Social and community grants briefing: Friday 24 July, 11:30am to 12:30pm
Our next grants round opens 21 July. Join this webinar to learn about the new grants program, what’s changed and the opportunities for social and community projects including food support.
Discuss your project or idea
The grants team is available in person or online.
Our social and community grants support local communities to lead projects that address local challenges.
We support programs 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.
Help with grants in your language
Need help with information about our grants in other languages?
Our funding categories
The social and community grants program is part of our main annual funding round. It opens once a year in late July for 6 weeks.
Applicants apply online and are notified of the outcome in November. Projects can start from 1 January.
There are 2 grant categories opening for applications 21 July 2026.
Opportunities
Apply for funding for a social and community projectSupports programs in our area that build social cohesion, encourage inclusion and help strengthen our communities.PlannedOpportunities
Apply for funding for a food support projectSupport for small scale or large-scale projects that increase access to affordable and healthy food for our priority communities.Planned
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
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.
Other opportunities for support
These programs are open all year until budgets are exhausted.
Opportunities
Apply for a quick response grantOur quick response grants are open year-round, until funding runs out, supporting priority communities with urgent projects that improve access and reduce barriers.In progressOpportunities
Apply for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fundApplications are open year-round until the budget is exhausted.In progressOpportunities
Apply for venue hire supportOur venue hire support grants help community and cultural groups and organisations to access our indoor venues at reduced rates.In progressOpportunities
Apply for street banner hire supportApply for free or discounted 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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Set yourself up for success
Check out our new grants guides and resources. Get tips on writing a strong budget or project plan, sourcing letters of support, templates and more.
