Impact100 Sydney operates an annual participatory grantmaking process where members (donors) collectively choose a charitable initiative to support via a $100,000 grant.
In 2025, Impact100 Sydney is seeking grant applications from charities undertaking activities to promote social cohesion in the Greater Sydney region.
We accept applications from charitable organisations that:
Have Deductible Gift Recipient 1 (DGR1) status.
Have an annual revenue under $5 million (excluding pro-bono and in-kind)
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Conduct projects within Greater Sydney and that benefit Sydney-siders.
Applications are welcome from charities from all states and territories of Australia, for projects undertaken in the Greater Sydney area. We especially encourage organisations that are developing partnerships with other community organisations to apply.
If your organisation has submitted grant applications to Impact100 Sydney in previous years, you are welcome to apply again. The only exception is previous Impact100 Sydney grant recipients who have yet to fully expend the funding.
Current and previous applicants to other Impact100 chapters are also invited to apply, irrespective of their success in those grant rounds.
Watch Joe Kwon, Founder and CEO of ConFit, talk about the snowball effect of being awarded the 2021 grant, with charity partner Shine for Kids.
Impact100 Sydney is a giving circle, which provides members with opportunities to get involved in choosing the focus of our philanthropy and selecting the organisations who receive our grants. Every year, many members participate in the grant assessment process, which is led by our Committee.
The Committee provides the grant assessment process and supporting systems and ensures that the grant applications are assessed objectively and rigorously, under the auspices of the Sydney Community Foundation. Our members believe in an equitable and inclusive Sydney. In 2025, Impact100 Sydney is seeking grant applications from charities undertaking activities to promote social cohesion. Social cohesion is often defined as positive social relationships and the bond or 'glue' that binds people. A socially cohesive society works towards the well-being of all its members, fights exclusion and marginalisation, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers its members the opportunity for upward mobility.
Social cohesion has significant positive impacts on individuals and communities, including improved well-being, trust, and resilience. It also contributes to better health outcomes, lower crime rates, and increased happiness. Conversely, a lack of social cohesion can lead to social divisions, alienation, and unrest, negatively impacting economic growth and stability.
We encourage applications from organisations working with individuals across Greater Sydney to promote cooperation, trust, tolerance, and belonging. We recognise that social cohesion is complex and can be advanced in many ways; therefore, applications outside the provided definition are welcome, provided they clearly demonstrate a deep understanding of how their project meaningfully enhances social cohesion. Successful applications will demonstrate how a $100,000 grant will have a transformative impact on their organisation’s ability to help people experiencing disadvantage due to social exclusion or polarisation.
Overview of the grant application process:
Eligible organisations submit an online Expression of Interest short application.
Our members assess the grant applications using a common set of selection criteria developed by our Committee. Up to ten organisations are shortlisted and invited to submit a more detailed application.
Our members conduct virtual site visits (video conferences with representatives from the applicant organisations).
Our members select up to six finalists to pitch at our live Grant Event. Members vote to select the major grant recipient(s). Residual funds raised are awarded as smaller grants to unsuccessful finalists.
Our 2024 Grant Round has concluded with enthralling pitches presented by our 4 finalists The Social Outfit, Bandu, Jesuit Refugee Service, and Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency. Congratulations to our major grant recipient in 2024 Bandu who received $100,000 to support their work supporting First Nations students transition from school to tertiary education and employment.
Apply now, our 2025 grant round is closing on 5 July.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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