Grants guide: are you ready to apply – step-by-step guide

We offer cash or value-in-kind support to eligible applicants and projects.

You can explore the programs and categories on offer using our grants finder.

We have 4 main grants programs that open each year in July:

• Creative supports projects that enhance and enrich the city’s cultural life.
• Social and community supports projects that strengthen community wellbeing, inclusion and resilience.
• Economic supports local innovation and promotes precincts.
• Environmental supports climate resilience, emissions reduction and the circular economy.

We also offer a range of grants that are open all year, until funding is exhausted, for time-sensitive projects.

Each grant program has specific objectives and priorities. Your project needs to align with these to be eligible.

Tip 1
Review the examples of previously funded projects on each grant page to understand the scale and types of projects we support.

Tip 2
If your project could fit under more than one program, choose the category that best reflects its main purpose. For example, if your event has both economic and social outcomes but focuses on supporting local businesses, apply under economic.

You can only apply for the same project in one category, so think carefully about your priorities before applying.

Choosing the right grant means your application will be assessed alongside projects with similar goals.

If you’re not sure which grant is right for you, contact the grants team: [email protected], 02 9265 9333.

Before you start your application, make sure you and your project are eligible for City of Sydney funding.

• Check the eligibility criteria on the relevant grants program webpage. There are general criteria for all applicants, as well as specific requirements for each program and category.
• Makes sure your project aligns with the program’s funding priorities.

If you’re unsure, contact us before you start writing. It’s better to check early than spend time on an application that isn’t the right fit.

A strong application is clear, specific and well planned.

Before you start writing, make sure you can clearly explain:

• what you want to do and why
• what outcomes you’re aiming to achieve
• who will benefit from your project
• how your project is different from what already exists, or what gap it fills.

If you come across terms you’re unsure about, refer to the glossary.

Many of the documents you’ll need take time to prepare. Start early so you’re not rushing at the end.

Letters of support

Letters of support are required for many grants and can strengthen your application. Request them as soon as you decide to apply and allow enough time for people to respond.

Read our letters of support guide for what to include and how to ask.

Project plan

You’ll need to submit a project plan with your application. The level of detail required depends on the amount of funding you’re requesting.

Read the project plan guide to get started.

Budget

Your budget must be balanced, meaning your total income equals your total expenditure. It should clearly show what you’re asking the City of Sydney to fund.

Include any other income sources, such as ticket sales or other income.

Use our writing a budget guide and budget template to prepare your budget.

Value-in-kind support

If you plan to apply for value-in-kind support (such as venue hire or street banner poles at a reduced cost), you’ll need to get quotes before you apply.

Read our value-in-kind guide to learn what’s available and how to request a quote.

Child safety plan

If your project involves working with children or young people, you may need to include a child safety plan or policy.

Read our child safety plan guide to check if this applies to you and what to include.

Once your supporting documents are underway, you can start writing your application.

Download a preview of the application form from SmartyGrants before you begin. This helps you plan your responses and avoid repeating information across sections.

Tips for a strong application

• Read the grant guidelines carefully to make sure you understand the full process and requirements
• Be specific about what you want to do and why – vague applications are harder to assess
• Address the assessment criteria directly and make sure each one is clearly covered
• Support your claims with evidence, such as data, demonstrated community need, letters of support, or examples of similar work
• Explain what makes your project distinct – what gap it fills or how it differs from what already exists
• Keep your responses concise – assessors read many applications, so focus on quality over quantity

Hint

Copy the application questions into a separate document to draft your responses before entering them into SmartyGrants.

Before you submit, take time to review your application carefully:

• ask someone unfamiliar with your project to proofread it – a fresh perspective can help identify gaps or unclear information
• check that your budget is balanced
• make sure all required attachments are uploaded and clearly labelled – only include documents that are directly relevant
• keep a copy of your application in case there’s an issue with your online submission.

Once you’ve submitted, you can find out what to expect next in our what happens after you apply guide.