From recycling coffee cups to a power saving collective and a digital artwork highlighting the impacts of climate change, the City of Sydney’s latest community grants will send a strong environmental message.
More than $250,000 in cash and value-in-kind has been awarded to 30 community and not-for-profit organisations to help improve the social, economic and environmental life of the city.
In addition, $50,000 has been granted under the cultural and creative grants and sponsorship program to the University of New South Wales to help exhibit the Australian premiere of the digital installation, EXIT.
City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone said the grants and sponsorship are an important way for the City to support small neighborhood groups whose events and services help build stronger, greener communities.
“We are helping to kick-start small, creative community projects which help residents and businesses make our city a more engaging and enjoyable place to live,” Ms Barone said.
“It’s a simple but effective way of helping residents and community groups turn their ideas into action, strengthen community ties and embrace clean energy in our city and its villages.”
Projects to benefit from the latest round of grants approved by Council include:
- Mood Active – free group exercise classes in Prince Alfred Park for local residents who are suffering from mental illness;
- A Taste of the Basque Country – a community festival celebrating traditional Basque culture, food, music and cinema in the heart of Darlinghurst;
- Waste Less Learn More – delivered by internationally recognised Reverse Garbage, four low-income school communities will be given access to reuse sorting stations and the resources to reduce their waste output;
- 1 Million Women – a movement of strong, inspirational women acting on climate change by educating others on low carbon alternatives;
- SolarCloud – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to help residents save money by installing solar panels on their behalf no-matter where they live; and
- Closed Loop Coffee Recycling – a study on the large-scale collection and recycling of coffee cups in the City’s local area that otherwise are sent to landfill.
Applications are assessed against strict guidelines and criteria to ensure their projects are financially secure and meet the City’s objectives.
In 2014–15, the City awarded more than $16.1 million in cash and value-in-kind to community, cultural, economic and environmental initiatives created by members of the community.
The current round of City of Sydney’s matching grants program opened on 1 August 2016 and closes on 5 September 2016.
Previously exhibited at the 2016 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, EXIT is an immersive data installation highlighting the impact of climate change and global migration on the planet.
The University of New South Wales will feature the exhibit at their Paddington Galleries as part of the 2017 Sydney Festival.
For more information or to apply, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Elaine Kelly on 0477 362 550 or ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au