Apply for Sponsorship

The 2024 Sponsorship Program opens 7 March 2024 and closes 4 April 2024.

On 27 Feb 2024, Council made a resolution to adopt and implement a new Funding Policy. This new policy setting means City of Darwin’s Operational Subsidies program is being integrated into the Sponsorship program under the City of Darwin Funding Policy, the community organisations or the previous recipients are now directed to apply for funding through the sponsorship program to fund their operation costs.  These proposals will be assessed using the same criteria as used in the sponsorship round application process.

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 provides over $400,000 annually to the community via sponsorship program. The Sponsorship Program opens for applications in March for projects and events in the following financial year. 

Generally, sponsorship is for ongoing annual funding for a set period of time and the public will be announced for a new round opens for application.

All applications should be made via the online SmartyGrants platform for acquittal reporting purposes.

SmartyGrants City of Darwin Sponsorship 2024/25

Sponsorship Principles

Sponsorship proposals should align with City of Darwin 2030 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan for the city outlines five strategic directions in which all proposals should align including:

• A capital city with best practice and sustainable infrastructure
• A safe, liveable, and healthy city
• A cool, clean, and green city
• A smart and prosperous city
• A vibrant and creative city.

We do not generally sponsor conferences, seminars, functions, individuals, record attempts or fundraisers unless they are directly related to our corporate objectives or local government.

What does City of Darwin support through the Sponsorship Program?

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?

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?

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?

Environmental Outcomes

• Is the event environmentally sustainable and ‘single use plastic free’?

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?
   

Out of round sponsorship

Sponsorship for an event or project may be considered outside the open round application process if there are extenuating circumstances that prevented submission through that process. These proposals will be assessed using the same criteria as used in the opening round application process.

The proposal may be considered for funding:

• Using available sponsorship contingency funding
• By consideration and decision of Council

Out-of-round sponsorship proposals of less than $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)

For all sponsorships over a total value of $10,000 value (including cash and in-kind contributions) a report will be prepared for review by Council.

If you think sponsorship is for you – please read through the below guidelines and policy before applying.

City of Darwin Funding Guidelines

City of Darwin Funding Policy

City of Darwin 2030 Strategic Plan

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.