Newcastle grants open as cultural communities craft new opportunities

newy.com.au – Newcastle organisations are being invited to apply for City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorship programs, with applications now open for funding designed to support community projects, events and local infrastructure.

Applications opened on Monday, 4 May, for the 2026 programs, which offer grants of up to $25,000 across nine streams including social inclusion, sport and recreation facility upgrades, arts and culture, environmental projects and events.

Last year’s funding helped Shared World Collective deliver its Make, Gather and Market initiative, which supported 28 women from Arabic, Afghan and Indian backgrounds to turn creative skills into potential income through mentoring, artisan workshops and small business training.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media, Economy, Engagement and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said the program showed how targeted support could create practical and lasting community benefits.

“Our grants and sponsorships programs provide support across nine different streams to help organisations like Shared World Collective deliver initiatives that respond to local priorities, ease cost-of-living pressures for our community and contribute to a stronger Newcastle year-round,” Mr Kaiser said.

“Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 across categories supporting social inclusion, upgrades to sports and recreation facilities, arts and culture initiatives, environmental projects and a wide range of events.”

Participants in the Make, Gather and Market program received guidance to develop handmade products for sale at the Olive Tree Markets, while also building confidence and connections through creative practice.

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the program was designed to remove barriers and create pathways into economic participation.

“This grant gave us the resources to remove cost barriers and support participants all the way through from learning artisan skills to selling their work at local markets,” Ms Gulbrandsen said.

“The program included visits to circular economy initiatives such as Full Circle Collective and The Makers Place to learn about sustainable sourcing and selling, as well as candle making, natural ink painting, sewing and hand embroidery workshops.

“Participants told us the experience was calming and empowering, and many gained confidence, business knowledge and pride in their skills while strengthening connections within the community.”

The grants and sponsorships program funds initiatives expected to deliver social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits across Newcastle, with support available through Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants and Event Sponsorship.

Event Sponsorship has supported conferences and events of varying sizes, including last weekend’s King of Concrete national skate competition at Bar Beach, led by world champion and Olympic judge Renton Millar, through 2025 general event sponsorship.

Major events supported through the program include the Beach 5s weekend festival at Nobbys Beach, the 20th anniversary Hill to Harbour event in March and the OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival.

Recent Infrastructure Grant recipients include Stockton Bowling Club, which received funding for a disability access ramp, and Kotara South Netball Club, which was supported to upgrade court lighting.

Community Support Grants have also assisted projects across environment, arts, culture and history, social inclusion and sustainability, including support for the Salvation Army’s weekly community lunches for homeless and disadvantaged people, and the Share Shop in Hamilton to expand its range of electric appliances and tools.

Applications for City of Newcastle’s 2026 Grants and Sponsorships programs close on 31 May, with more information available through City of Newcastle.