Community services grants

Support sustainable communities and contribute to a connected, inclusive, liveable and engaged city.

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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]

Applications are now closed

Applications open: mid 2025
Applications close: 5 weeks from opening date
Project timeline: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Recommendations to Council: end of 2025

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About this program

This grant program supports projects and programs that help increase social cohesion and inclusion, develop healthy and resilient communities, and support participation in civic life.

Our funding will prioritise projects or programs that:
- recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culture
- strengthen social cohesion, community resilience and wellbeing
- involve our communities in local decision making and community life
- improve digital literacy and skills
- support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
We encourage applications from organisations 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:

Proposals of $20,000 or less:
- Why are you doing this project and what will the results be?
- How will you deliver the project and what skills do you bring?
- Who in the community will engage and/or benefit? How will you do this?
Proposal of $50,000 or less:
- 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?
Our diverse communities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, young people, older people, people with disability, international students, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, LGBTIQA+ communities and low income earners.
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).

Value-in-kind in the form of street banner and venue hire is also available.

You can apply for up to $5,000 for capital expenditure or equipment.

Eligibility

An applicant must operate within the City of Sydney local government area or be able to demonstrate benefits for the city’s residents, workers and/or visitors.
These individuals and organisations can apply:
- Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
- Incorporated Association
- Individual auspiced by an Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
- Unincorporated Community Group auspiced by an Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
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:
- projects that duplicate existing services
- projects or programs that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.