$1 million in grants and sponsorships on offer from City of Newcastle

Projects that attract people to public places, enhance community well-being and strengthen the city’s reputation as a tourism, business and events destination are set to share in almost $1 million from City of Newcastle (CN).

Applications are now open across 12 grants and sponsorship funding categories to support social, cultural, environmental and economic initiatives.

Initiatives ranging from a learn to swim program for refugee women, and an indigenous and disability sports clinic, through to workshops teaching Auslan to the community using popular songs are just some of the programs delivered under CN's community support grant funding last year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said grants and sponsorship funding is vital to enhancing community well-being and contributing to building a welcoming, liveable and inclusive city.

"City of Newcastle's annual grants and sponsorships program has seen amazing initiatives come to life, from programs that help engage our culturally and linguistically diverse communities in local sport to major events like SailFest, which welcomed thousands of people to our harbour city," Cr Nelmes said.

"We provide funding to a wide variety of activities, projects and events annually, including recreation facilities, community initiatives, arts, culture and heritage, as well as environmental and social inclusion projects.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said social inclusion, recreation participation and economic development were at the heart of CN's grants and sponsorships program.

"Last year, City of Newcastle funded upgrade projects for local clubs who use our sporting and recreation facilities right across the city, whilst event sponsorship provided a great way to increase visitation to the city," Cr Clausen said

"We're looking forward to seeing a range of new applications come through this year for projects and initiatives that benefit the community and create a vibrant city for all."

Grants that target minor infrastructure improvements for recreational facilities and sustainability upgrades are also available under the infrastructure grants category.

Event sponsorship grants are available for events that promote active and vibrant spaces, attract local and out of region visitation and enhance Newcastle's profile as an events city, while economic development sponsorships will be provided for activities that enable skills and innovation, and are considered city-shaping initiatives.

Applications for grants and sponsorship funding are open from tomorrow until 30 June 2023. Further details can be viewed on City of Newcastle's website by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au