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. 

What is Sponsorship Assessment Criteria?

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?

All applications must be submitted through the online SmartyGrants platform for reporting purposes. Learn more

Is Out of round sponsorship available? 

There are currently no opportunities to submit out of round applications for sponsorship. The next opening round will be advised on the website.

Is sponsorship right for me?

If you're considering sponsorship, please review the following documents before applying:

• City of Darwin Funding Guidelines 
• City of Darwin Funding Policy 
• City of Darwin 2030 Strategic Plan 

Any other questions?

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 Darwin Fusion 2026

Darwin Fusion 2026 aims strengthen connections between Darwin and our Sister and Friendship Cities and international partners, while promoting and showcasing Darwin’s sporting, businesses, cultural diversity and vibrant community spirit.

City of Darwin is extending an opportunity for organisations to support the delivery of Darwin Fusion 2026 through the sponsorship of the International Relations Forum and Trade Show on Friday 10 July 2026. A sponsorship partnership with City of Darwin offers valuable entitlements under each sponsorship tier and supports the promotion of your organisation to City of Darwin’s international partners, while increasing economic, community and development outcomes for our city.   

For more information visit Sponsorship Darwin Fusion 2026

Opportunities to sponsor Sporting and Entertainment Facility Naming Rights

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 Christmas Pageant 2026

City of Darwin is extending opportunities for organisations to partner with the City of Darwin through sponsoring the Christmas Pageant to assist with meeting the objectives set out in our Economic Development Strategy, Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy and Place and Liveability Plan.

For more information about sponsorship prospectus, please visit here.

What types of sponsorship and grants does City of Darwin accept? 

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?

To determine your eligibility, please review the Funding Policy.