A new streamlined, user-friendly grants program will help achieve stronger outcomes for communities across the City of Sydney’s area.
The redesigned program introduces one grants round a year, where all applications are assessed together and funding is shared fairly across projects, communities and organisations.
Applicants will have an increased 6 weeks to prepare, with the City of Sydney’s main funding round now opening in late July each year.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the new grants program would provide nearly $20 million in cash and value in kind grants and sponsorships to support local community, cultural, environmental and business initiatives this financial year.
These open application grants run alongside the City of Sydney’s funding of major events and affordable diverse housing initiatives, bringing the total grant program to around $35 million.
“I’m constantly awed by the ideas and enterprise of our community, and issuing grants to get their projects off the ground is one of the most important things we do, particularly given current economic pressures,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“Our grants program helps to build and sustain the social, cultural and economic life of our city. It’s these projects that make a positive difference to our communities and would often not be possible without our support.
“We have reviewed our grants program to make it more inclusive and easier to navigate, with more time for applicants to plan, more flexibility across broad grant categories, and better support and feedback from our staff.
“The new model ensures funding is distributed fairly while supporting innovative ideas and projects that strengthen our city.”
Four programs now exist under the City of Sydney’s yearly funding round:
Creative
Supports artists, makers and arts organisations through 3 categories: creative projects, artist support, and cultural infrastructure (open year-round until budget is exhausted). Priorities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led proposals, affordable creative spaces and reducing barriers to participation in arts and culture.
Economic
Helps enliven local areas and build the skills and capacity of businesses, industry associations and business chambers through 2 categories: precinct and place activation funding, and innovation and business capacity building. Priorities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led brands and helping businesses adapt to new technology and models.
Environmental
Supports climate response, reduced energy and water use, and sustainability through 3 categories: green building, climate resilience and circular economy. Priorities include improving energy efficiency, supporting the transition to renewables and building community climate resilience.
Social and community
Strengthens social connection and access to essential services through 2 categories: social and community projects, and food support projects. Priorities include supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and improving access to healthy food, including through genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
As well as the 4 programs, the City of Sydney will continue to offer its year-round funding streams: quick response grants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund and value-in-kind (non-monetary assistance). Separate to this, opportunities to apply for accommodation, creative live and work spaces, and short-term empty property grants will open when spaces become available.
Funding for festivals and events, and innovation-based projects will also fall under the 4 new programs, making it easier for applicants to choose which category best fits their main goal. Submissions will be assessed alongside similar projects, allowing for fairer review.
The redesigned program aims to attract more first-time applicants, younger and more diverse communities who may have found the earlier process difficult to navigate, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and previously ineligible groups who may now qualify for some grants.
“As part of the updated program, we’re investing in better support for applicants, including information sessions, case studies, tailored advice and online guides that help applicants understand how to prepare, what to include and how to align their plan with our funding requirements,” the Lord Mayor said.
“I would encourage applicants to take advantage of the support services available to help them develop stronger proposals and more competitive applications. If you’ve got an idea that could help make our city a better place to live, work in or visit,
