The short-term empty properties program provides immediate and short-term occupancy of temporarily vacant or under-used properties within our portfolio. The properties are offered for a minimum of one month occupancy. The program supports:

• creative practitioners and cultural organisations
• community organisations and social enterprises
• businesses and startups that support the local economy
• organisations with a focus on sustainability and the environment.

This opportunity is only available to creative practitioners and cultural organisations.

If you need support or have questions, please contact the grants team on 02 9265 9333 or communitygrants@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Further support is available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For technical help with the SmartyGrants online form, please read the help guide for applicants and applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's).

Check you're eligible. 

You must show how your proposal benefits our residents, workers and visitors.

Applicants must demonstrate that payment of standard rates would cause financial hardship.

These individuals and organisations can apply:

• Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
• Incorporated Association
• Unincorporated community groups (note that an individual will need to enter into the licence or lease on the group's behalf)
• Corporation
• Co-operative
• Partnership
• Sole Trader
• Trustee of a Trust

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Idea for the space – how you will use the space?
• Use of space - why is this space suitable?
• Support - how will this opportunity support you (including how often you will use the space)?
• How does the project deliver against the funding priorities set out below? 
  • activities that reflect our cultural, social, economic and environmental strategies and action plans
  • increasing connection with local communities, including artists and creative organisations, small business and visitors
  • stimulating local economies by encouraging a diverse business mix with innovative or capacity building enterprises
  • increasing opportunities and exposure for emerging and established enterprises including artists
  • increasing opportunities for local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations.

We encourage applications from organisations that support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and culture, including community-controlled organisations and networks.

It's essential you read the short term empty properties website , the Information for applicants guide and lease, the grants and sponsorship guidelines and any additional terms for eligibility requirements, funding priorities, assessment criteria and other important information. An Easy Read version of the guidelines is available.