Council recognises the value of community grants as a key tool to meet the needs of its residents. Community grants extend the community’s capability to deliver programs and activities, facilitate community capacity building and create opportunities for partnerships.

Community Category

Applications in this category may be new or existing initiatives which improve community well-being and address identified need.

In addition to meeting the Selection Criteria projects in this category need to address at least one of four identified priority areas.

Frequency: Grants will be advertised annually in October, with the successful project funding made available in February/March.
Available funding: Projects will be funded to a maximum of $3500.

Cultural Category

Applications in this category may be initiatives that contribute to a vibrant cultural life in the City of Ryde, strengthening community identity and enhancing access to and participation in creative expression.

In addition to meeting the Selection Criteria projects in this category need to address at least one of four identified priority areas.

Frequency: Grants will be advertised annually in October, with the successful project funding made available in February/March.
Available funding: Projects will be funded to a maximum of $3500.

Sports Category

Applications in this category may be initiatives that enhance existing activities to support sustainable, community-oriented, specific local projects that increase the opportunity for participation in sports, recreation and physical activity.

In addition to meeting the Selection Criteria projects in this category need to address at least one of four identified priority areas.

Frequency: Grants will be advertised annually in October, with the successful project funding made available in February/March.
Available funding: Projects will be funded to a maximum of $3500.

Excellence Awards Category

This category is available for primary and high schools to acknowledge an exceptional student, who resides within City of Ryde, for his/her endeavour in their educational pursuits.

Frequency: One nomination from a school is sought annually to be presented at the school's end of year event.
Available funding: A $100 book voucher for high school students and a $50 book voucher for primary school students. A Certificate of Excellence is also presented. 

Community Aid Category

This category recognises the significance of the three community aid organisations operating within the City of Ryde service network, and their role in meeting diverse community needs. The three organisations to which this category applies are:

• Christian Community Aid (CCA)
• North Ryde Community Aid (NRCA)
• Hunters Hill Ryde Community Services (HHRCS)

The Community Aid Grants funding will be allocated based on the Eligibility and Selection Criteria and will be subject to negotiation of a Funding Agreement with deliverables to meet the following objectives:

• To maintain a high level of participation within the service network.
• To collaborate with Council to identify and address emerging issues.
• To work with Council to develop and support smaller community organisations.
• To participate in Council / community planning processes.
• To participate in the implementation of the Ryde 2030 Community Strategic Plan once it is finalised.

Frequency: Funding will be committed on a three yearly basis, and made available annually in February/March.
Allocation of funding: Based on historical arrangements and service coverage, the funding available in this category will be allocated as follows:

• Christian Community Aid - 40%
• North Ryde Community Aid - 30%
• Hunters Hill Ryde Community Services - 30%

These percentages will be reviewed every three years, taking into account any service changes and outcomes produced during funding period.

Community Events Category

This category covers the following six events which Council has supported historically with both in-kind and cash contributions:

• Combined Schools Spectacular (Ryde School Spectacular)
• Ryde City Concert Band (City of Ryde Concert Band)
• Ryde Art Exhibition (Ryde Art Society)
• Ryde Aquatic Festival (Rotary Club of Gladesville)
• Community Christmas Carols (Rotary Club of North Ryde)
• Ryde Eisteddfod (Ryde Eisteddfod Inc)

Council staff will negotiate the level of in-kind support and deliverables for each event to meet the following objectives:

• To contribute to cultural vitality in the City of Ryde.
• To promote cultural diversity.
• To contribute to the implementation of strategies identified in Ryde 2030 Community Strategic Plan once it is finalised.

Frequency: Funding will be committed on a three yearly basis, and made available annually in February/March.
Available funding: Funding is made available based on historical allocations:

• Combined Schools Spectacular - $3000
• Ryde City Concert Band - $3000
• Ryde Art Exhibition - $1500
• Ryde Aquatic Festival - $3500
• Community Christmas Carols - $3500
• Ryde Eisteddfod - $1000