Knowledge exchange sponsorships

We’re encouraging applications in these priority areas:

• Business events that promote the sustainable development of cities and that align with City of Sydney strategic priorities and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led businesses.
• Sharing knowledge initiatives such as best practice guides, on-line tools and other resources that are designed to equip not-for-profits, social enterprises or business owners and new entrants with skills and expertise to deal with contemporary issues facing their sector. Projects should meet a demonstrated need in the sector and be able to provide measurable outcomes.
• Capacity building activities that help not-for-profits, social enterprises or business owners gain more knowledge, gain market insights and enhance their skills to develop their organisations or business ideas. Initiatives should offer demonstrable outcomes in education, skills development for individuals or organisations, networking opportunities, or collaboration or mentoring programs for priority sectors. This could include innovation, digital and e-commerce.

Types of activity supported

Cultural sector support

• research and collaborative strategies to increase inclusion and participation of artists and audiences from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse heritage and/or people living with disability
• temporary activation or permanent transition of vacant commercial property for cultural production
• research on finance and management models to scale up the supply and delivery of cultural infrastructure, including specialist consultancies or advice
• develop mechanisms to source and provide philanthropic funding to the small to medium cultural sector.

Economic outcomes

• support business and sector innovation and adaptation
• develop digital, innovation and entrepreneurial skills
• promote and share business sector knowledge and networks at scale.

Social and community support

• innovative approaches to strengthening social cohesion and building the resilience of local communities
• improve access to digital resources and develop digital knowledge and skills
• research and innovative strategies to increase access to affordable and healthy food
• advocate for improved rights and housing choices for tenants.

Environmental outcomes

• educate and advocate for sustainable regenerative business communities
• accelerate a green and just economic recovery by researching and developing mechanisms to mitigate the disproportionate impact that climate change has on vulnerable community members, impacts such as lack of access to clean affordable energy; resilient, comfortable housing; and respite from extreme weather.

Initiatives and projects can contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:

• adoption and implementation of best-practice approaches by organisations and individuals
• strong networks where participants share resources and acquire new knowledge and skills
• improved capacity in organisations and individuals to develop and maintain sustainable sectors
• increased recognition of Sydney as an innovative and creative city
• improved capacity in organisations and individuals to develop socially just, inclusive and resilient communities.

Applications are assessed against the funding priorities and expected program outcomes. The assessment panel will also consider:

• demonstrated need for the project and the impact of the proposed outcomes
• how the project is innovative in content, design or approach, and/or how it contributes to the reputation of Sydney as an innovative city
• alignment with our community recovery plan and other strategic directions, sector strategies and action plans
• evidence of partnerships with other government agencies, universities, peak organisations, business or community organisations and their contribution to the project
• contribution to the development of the industry sector and local community
• the projected outcomes of marketing initiatives associated with the project, including those of partners and supporters
• demonstrated capacity and expertise to carry out the project
• extent to which the event minimises impact on the environment or raises awareness of the environmental issues that align with our Sustainable Sydney 2030 environmental targets if relevant
• provision of required supporting documentation.

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.