Festivals and events sponsorship

Our funding will prioritise festivals and events that:

• celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culture
• strengthen social inclusion, enable connectedness and reduce social isolation
• support the visitor economy through activations, events and promotion
• represent the cultural and social diversity of our communities
• activate local precincts with creative programming.

We encourage applications from organisations, groups and individuals 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
• demonstrated connection, benefit to, and engagement with the local diverse community in the planning and delivery of the project
• your capacity and experience to deliver the project.

Additional criteria for projects requesting more than $20,000:

• how the project delivers against the funding priorities.

For more information, see the ‘What the assessment criteria means’ section under ‘Application tips’ in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

• 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 available. Sponsorship recipients provided value-in-kind venue hire for a landmark venue are also eligible for a 25% reduction on equipment hire fees.
• If you’re not an eligible not-for-profit organisation, a business advocacy organisation or an incorporated association, you’re required to match the cash funding requested with cash and/or value in kind.
• You can apply for up to $10,000 worth of capital expenditure or equipment purchase.

For comprehensive information, including definitions and other details, refer to the festival and events sponsorship grant program in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

For information on how to ensure a safe and successful event refer to our 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 and filming team by email at [email protected] or on 02 9265 9333.

See list of recent grant recipients, which includes a description of projects and amounts approved.

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