A major funding boost of more than $4.5 million in cash and in-kind support has been awarded to dozens of local businesses, community groups and creative organisations across Sydney.
The City of Sydney approved the funding for 137 projects that will celebrate Sydney's culture and creativity, support the local economy, and encourage sustainability or business growth.
Projects such as free community festivals, programs to assist people experiencing homelessness, business workshops and opportunities for creatives are instrumental in enhancing Sydney's reputation as a premier destination to live, work and visit.
"Through our grants program, we're able to fund local businesses and support initiatives, events and activities that make our city more engaging and inclusive for all our residents," Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
"It's important we help initiatives that deliver tangible outcomes for our communities, particularly those that would not be possible without the City of Sydney's support.
"Issuing grants to get projects off the ground is one of the most important things we do, particularly given current economic pressures. If you've got an idea that could help make our city a better place to live, work in or visit, check out our grants programs."
Through its creative and festivals and events grants programs, the City of Sydney has approved more than $1.66 million in cash and in-kind support for 53 projects including:
- $300,000 towards an incentivisation program for business event organisers to host their events in Sydney to boost the city's economy and competitive edge
- $45,000 for the Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival hosted at multiple venues across the City of Sydney local area
- $37,000 for a program in Haymarket involving diverse artists who will create installations and develop exhibitions, workshops and talks to engage the public 24 hours a day
- $30,000 to help equip young Waterloo residents with documentary filmmaking skills, connecting them with award-winning filmmakers and activists to celebrate the area's history and future
- $30,000 towards the Pyrmont Community Food and Wine Festival
- $25,000 for a series of free, weekly dance workshops at Carriageworks celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion.
More than $1.37 million in cash and in-kind support will be shared across 32 projects in the community services and food support grants programs including:
- $214,000 to operate a free village-to-village bus service to help disadvantaged local residents to access essential services and local amenities
- $120,000 to support a free, safe and supervised space for disadvantaged young people aged 11 to 18 years on weekends
- $118,000 towards a food support, education and capacity building program in Darlington
- $50,000 towards an initiative in Redfern and Green Square to build a support network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander frontline workers who respond to people subject to sexual, domestic and family violence
- $25,000 to support a cyber safety, awareness and training program to reduce risk and help vulnerable communities
- $23,400 for a program providing specialised legal services to vulnerable and financially disadvantaged refugee women who are at risk.
Almost $1.3 million in cash and in-kind support has been awarded to 32 projects through the business sector support, innovation and ideas, Haymarket activation and Dixon Street improvement grant programs including:
- $200,000 for a series of events in Haymarket showcasing multi-Asian food, arts and music
- $160,000 shared among 4 projects to restore the façades and shopfronts of several properties along Dixon Street
- $50,000 towards a recycling project that transforms office workstations into bed bases, providing them free to individuals and families rebuilding their lives in safe, stable housing
- $49,680 for a funding and investment readiness program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to pitch for loans, grants, procurement and investment opportunities
- $47,000 to help local entrepreneurs with AI workshops, expert guidance and community support to enhance business efficiency and growth
- $40,600 for an industry-led program aimed at upskilling the local fashion workforce in innovative digital technologies and circular business practices.
Twenty projects have also been approved for green building grants. Under the program, more than $184,000 in cash has been awarded to organisations to help them carry out environmental ratings, certifications, audits and assessments, to enable their buildings to become more resource efficient.
As well as approving the latest round of grants, the City of Sydney recently completed a review of its grants and sponsorship guidelines. Following public consultation, Council has approved the updated funding guidelines which will support stronger outcomes for local communities through the provision of grants to people living in or providing benefits in the City of Sydney local area.
A further review of the guidelines will be carried out in the new financial year to incorporate a new cultural grants program, part of the City of Sydney's cultural strategy 2025-2035.
