Environmental grants
Supporting projects that help the city respond to climate change, use less energy and water, reduce emissions and promote a circular economy.
Environmental grants briefing: Thursday 23 July, 11:30am to 12:30pm
Our next grants round opens 21 July. Join this webinar to learn about the new grants program and what’s changed, including expanded eligibility for green building projects and new support for climate resilience and circular economy initiatives.
Discuss your project or idea
The grants team is available in person or online.
Our environmental grants support projects that help the city reach net zero emissions by 2035, build climate resilience and make sustainability easier for everyone.
We encourage new ideas that help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather.
We support projects that:
- reduce energy and water use
- support the move to clean energy
- reduce waste and support a circular economy
- help communities prepare for climate challenges.
A range of organisations can apply, including for-profit entities. For example, strata and building managers and qualified service providers on behalf of building owners or owners corporations.
The program aligns with our environmental strategy, resilience strategy and waste reduction and circular materials strategy.
Help with grants in your language
Need help with information about our grants in other languages?
Our funding categories
The environmental 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 3 grant categories opening for applications 21 July 2026.
Our funding priorities
Our funding will prioritise projects and activities that:
- support apartment building owners and renters to improve energy and water efficiency, transition to all-electric and renewable energy systems and mitigate increasing heat risks
- help commercial offices, hotels, retail building owners and tenants to save energy and water, and reduce waste
- create circular economy services, systems and programs
- support community-led projects that help people adapt and prepare for climate risks and extreme weather
- innovate or scale new ideas, technologies or projects that reduce emissions and waste and build resilience to climate change.
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 Revolve ReCYCLING.
Image: Chris Southwood / City of Sydney
Sustainable apartments: Moore Park Gardens
Be inspired by Caley apartments at Moore Park Gardens in Redfern. Hear how residents are saving more than $100,000 through solar, heat pump and waste management upgrades.
Other opportunities and support
Our quick response grants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund, street banner support and venue hire support programs remain open all year.
We also offer sustainability support for businesses and residents through guides, training and programs such as CitySwitch and Smart Green Apartments.
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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.
