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 attractions, 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/or Torres and Strait Islander communities and culture, including Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and networks.

These are questions asked in the application that align with the assessment criteria used at assessment stage:

• Why is there a need for the project and what are the proposed outcomes?
• What is your experience in delivering projects?
• How have you included the local diverse community and how will they benefit and/or being engaged?
• How does the project rate against the funding priorities?
   

• 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. Not-for-profit organisations are also eligible for a 25% reduction on equipment hire fees at landmark venues for equipment owned by the City of Sydney.
• For-profit organisations are required to match the funding requested with cash. Value-in-kind won’t be accepted.
• You can apply for up to $10,000 worth of capital expenditure or equipment purchase.
• The City of Sydney wants to support applicants to provide fair pay to the artists and creative professionals working on funded projects, including child performers. Fees for artists and creative workers should be clearly included in your application budget and you are encouraged to set these fees in accordance with industry standards.

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

For information on how to ensure a safe and successful event refer to the City’s 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 & Filming Team via email on [email protected] or on (02) 9265 9333.

See list of recent grant recipients, including description of projects and amount approved.

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

To be eligible an applicant must operate within the City of Sydney’s local government area or be able to demonstrate significant benefits for the area’s residents, workers and/or visitors.

These organisations can apply for both Tier 1 and 2:

• Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
• Incorporated Association
• Unincorporated Community Group auspiced by an Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
• Corporation
• Co-operative
• Trustee of a Trust
• Government Entity

These individuals and organisations can apply for Tier 1 only:

• Individual auspiced by an Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
• Sole traders

If you work with an auspicing organisation, we encourage you to choose one that is relevant to the sector and that can support the development of the proposal.

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

Funding is not available for:

• operational costs or overheads for the core business of an organisation
• fees and charges associated with event teams at landmark venues
• projects that directly breach the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.
• Outdoor venues aren’t available for value-in-kind requests. For outdoor events contact [email protected].