Apply for sponsorship Sponsor City of Darwin
Apply for sponsorship
Sponsorship is a commercial arrangement in which City of Darwin provides funding to a project or event in return for specified benefits. Priorities for this program are business projects or events that create value for the social, economic, cultural and environmental life of the Darwin.
City of Darwin allocates over $600,000 per annum through its sponsorship program. Applications open in March for projects and events happening in the following financial year. Sponsorship is typically provided as annual funding for a set period, with new application rounds announced publicly.
It is currently closed to new applications. The next opening round will be advised on the website.
If you are seeking an out-of-round sponsorship opportunity, please see the details below and contact darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au.
- What is Sponsorship Assessment Criteria?
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The applications will be assessed and scored based on the following elements:
Tourism, Economic and Place Activation
Does the project/event support the priorities outlined in the City of Darwin Economic Development Strategy 2030? The Economic Development Strategy 2030 focuses on building Darwin as a Smart and Prosperous City through its strategic role in Darwin. Is the project/event local, national or international? Does the project/event attract interstate or international visitors? Does the project t/event bring significant economic benefit to Darwin? Do the activities take place within Darwin Municipality? Is there a balance of projects/events/activations across Darwin’s four City of Darwin wards? Is the project/event iconic for Darwin? Is the project/event unique? Or are there other similar events offered in Darwin?
Governance, Budget and Organisational Competency
Is the amount requested appropriate:
- as a proportion of the overall cost of the project/event?
- as a proportion of the City of Darwin’s budget for Sponsorship Program?
- in relation to the sponsor benefits offered to City of Darwin?
Are there any risks associated with the event or project? Does the application include enough information for affective evaluation? If the City of Darwin has previously sponsored the project/event was the acquittal satisfactory?
Environmental Outcomes
Is the event environmentally sustainable and ‘single use plastic free’?
Cultural & Social Outcomes
To what extent does the project/event celebrate the diversity of Darwin as a capital city? To what extent does the project/event provide opportunities for the local or greater community to connect? Is the event free or low cost? (Preference is given to events that are free/ low cost or have elements that are free/ low cost.) How many people are expected to attend or be involved in the project/event, or have done so in the past? Is the project/event accessible to people of all abilities?
Smart and Globally connected city
Does the project/event support the priorities to build Darwin as a smart city? Does the project/event attract international tourists? Does the project/event contribute to develop Darwin as globally connected city? Does the project/event contribute to the development of City of Darwin’s sister and friendship cities network and programs?
- How to apply for sponsorship?
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All applications must be submitted through the online SmartyGrants platform for reporting purposes. Learn more
- Is Out of round sponsorship available?
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Sponsorship for an event or project may be considered outside the regular application period if there are special circumstances that prevented submission during the open round. These proposals will be assessed using the same criteria as the regular application process.
Funding may be considered through:
- Using available sponsorship contingency funding
- By consideration and decision of Council
Out-of-round sponsorship proposals under $10,000 value (including cash and in-kind contributions) may be approved by the CEO in liaison with the Lord Mayor (subject to funding availability)
Proposals value over $10,000 (including cash and in-kind contributions will require a report for Council review.
Please note that the out-of-round is only available based on budget availability.
- Is sponsorship right for me?
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If you're considering sponsorship, please review the following documents before applying:
- Any other questions?
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If you would like more information or assistance with applying for sponsorship, please contact City of Darwin via
Tel | 08 8930 0300
Email | darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au
For more funding opportunities, please visit Funding Opportunities with City of Darwin.
Sponsor City of Darwin
City of Darwin is offering opportunities for organisations to partner with us by sponsoring facilities, events and projects. Sponsorship is a way to support social, cultural, environmental, and economic outcomes in Darwin.
We welcome organisations interested in connecting with the Darwin community to explore sponsorship options and become valued partners.
- Opportunities to sponsor Sporting and Entertainment Facility Naming Rights
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You have an opportunity to associate your name with City of Darwin facilities and to support the City of Darwin 2030 – City for People, City of Colour strategic vision.
We offer one platinum sponsorship per facility to ensure maximum exposure and a strong connection with the community. Packages can be customised to meet your needs and may include innovative ideas that align with Darwin’s strategic directions.
For more information, please visit here.
- Opportunities to sponsor Darwin Fusion 2025
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The 2025 Darwin Fusion is a two-day event taking place from May 22 to 23, 2025. It features the 2025 International Relations Conference, the 2025 Darwin International Trade Show, and the Garramilla Food Fair. Open to local, interstate, and international participants, the program offers a dynamic platform for networking, trade, and cultural exchange.
For more information about Darwin Fusion Event, please visit here.
For more information about sponsorship prospectus, please visit here.
- What types of sponsorship and grants does City of Darwin accept?
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City of Darwin accepts various types of sponsorship, including:
- Funding
- Goods, services, or vouchers (in-kind support)
- Discounts on products or services
- Am I eligible to become a City of Darwin sponsor?
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To determine your eligibility, please review the Funding Policy.