Innovation and ideas grant

Supports innovative projects that address local and global issues across key sectors that contribute to a sustainable city, thriving economy, vibrant communities and cultural life.

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City concierge

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

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

Ideas forms (stage 1) are now closed

Pitch your idea before the next grant round to receive feedback
Ideas forms are open year-round, except 6 weeks before and during summer or winter grants rounds
Ideas forms are optional and not required before you submit an application

Applications (stage 2) are now closed

Applications open: Tuesday 8 July 2025
Applications close: Tuesday 12 August at 4pm
Project timeline: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Recommendations to Council: November 2025

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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
ideas that explore the circular economy.

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

Application process

Before submitting your application, you can share your idea with us for feedback.

Stage 1 is an ideas form to pitch the initial thinking and concept behind your application. It’s followed by stage 2, when you submit a formal application.

You can submit an idea for all year round. Formal applications can only be submitted during the fixed dates for the summer and winter grant rounds.

You can apply directly to the innovation and ideas grants program (stage 2) without first submitting a stage 1 ideas form. But the ideas form and feedback process is designed to help finetune your application and find the best grant program to suit you.

To receive guidance in this program, you’re invited to first submit a form outlining your idea.
- The ideas form is an opportunity for you to share your initial thoughts or concept for feedback. This isn’t an assessment for funding and positive feedback doesn’t guarantee funding.
- One of our specialist team members will review your pitch. You can expect some feedback about how to develop your project, partners you should work with and your best options for funding.
- The ideas form must be submitted at least 6 weeks before funding rounds.
- A formal application should be submitted as part of the summer or winter grants round.
- It’s likely to be informed by feedback you received in stage 1.

Our funding will prioritise innovative projects that contribute to making Sydney:
- a leading environmental performer
- equitable and inclusive
- more resilient and diverse
- thrive culturally and creatively
- a place with a transformed and innovative economy.
We encourage applications from organisations, groups and individuals that support Aboriginal and Torres and/or 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?
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.

Funding available

Cash funding from $10,000 to $50,000 a year is available, for a one-year program or multi-year funding (up to 3 years).

For-profit organisations are required to match funding with cash and/or value-in-kind.

You 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

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:
- Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
- Incorporated Association
- Corporation
- Co-operative
- Trustee of a Trust
For more information on eligibility see the eligibility section in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.
- Operational costs or overheads for the core business of an organisation
- Projects that copy existing services
- Projects that breach the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.