Innovation and ideas grant

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Applications are now closed

This program will be offered again at our winter round.

Applications open: 25 July 2023.
Applications close: 22 August 2023.
Project timeline: from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
Recommendations to Council: November 2023.

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

: 02 9265 9333
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About this program

This grant program supports projects that foster innovation, showcase local expertise and test new ideas to address local and global issues across the city’s social, cultural, sustainability and business sectors.

Funding can support:

research and feasibility studies relating to the funding priorities listed below
pilot projects that test new approaches for addressing local and global issues
demonstration projects that promote market awareness and adoption of innovations
development and implementation of best practice approaches and toolkits
new technologies and platforms that support sector development.

Programs supported will align with the social sustainability policy, environmental strategy and action plan, cultural policy, economic development strategy and open strategy and action plan.

Our funding will prioritise innovative projects that contribute to making Sydney a city:
- that is a leading environmental performer
- that is equitable and inclusive
- with resilient and diverse communities
- with a thriving cultural and creative life
- with a transformed and innovative economy.
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 and proposed outcomes
- capacity and experience of the applicant to deliver the project
- demonstrated connection and benefit to the local area and communities
- evidence of diversity, inclusion and equity in the planning and delivery of the project
- how the project delivers against the funding priorities.
For comprehensive information, including definitions and other details, refer to the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

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).

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

Value-in-kind in the form of venue hire is also available.

Eligibility

Funding is not available for:
- operational costs or overheads for the core business of an organisation
- projects that duplicate existing services
- projects that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.