The City of Sydney has approved more than $2 million in direct cash and in-kind support to boost local communities and businesses.
The funding will support a range of projects and initiatives that foster and celebrate Sydney's creativity, provide vital services, boost the local economy and back local community projects.
More than 70 projects across 4 grants programs were selected by Council for their capacity to meet the needs of local communities during the 2024/2025 financial year.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, said free community festivals, educational workshops, support for vulnerable communities and a series of sustainable energy solutions are among the projects to receive funding.
"Our priority is to ensure our grants go where they're most needed - supporting projects and programs that make a real difference to our community," the Lord Mayor said.
"Whether that's helping to bring diverse creative projects to life, enabling entrepreneurs to kick-start their business, or highlighting Sydney's Indigenous history and culture, we are proud to support projects that ultimately help to build and sustain the social, cultural and economic life of our city."
More than $964,000 in funding has been approved for 37 creative projects through the City of Sydney's festivals and events sponsorships program. Projects include a series of events promoting LGBTIQA+ inclusion in sports, a festival at Sydney Town Hall to celebrate Disability Pride Month, and a performing arts festival with employment opportunities for emerging and professional artists.
Through its social grants program, the City of Sydney runs a food support program that aids residents facing food insecurity with access to nutritious food. More than $466,000 in funding will be shared among 7 food support services to help Sydney's diverse communities source and prepare healthy food, and ensure there is access to affordable and healthy food, particularly throughout the festive season.
Under the innovation and ideas grants programs, Council has approved more than $655,000 in funding to 17 recipients. Some of their projects include a system to measure waste and circular fitouts for the retail and hospitality industry, exploring the accessibility of public open spaces across the local area for neurodivergent people, and a series of workshops offering legal support and empowering diverse artist communities to build successful cultural businesses.
As part of the green building grants program, more than $91,000 has been earmarked for 10 recipients to help improve the environmental performance of a range of projects including feasibility studies for electric vehicles at various residential buildings across the local area.
The City of Sydney's next round of grants will open i February 2025.
