02 July 2018

• Sydney Airport and Sydney Community Foundation’s 2018 ‘Bid for Good’ campaign calls for applications for grants valued at $100,000 and $10,000
• Local charities in suburbs near the airport undertaking work to support the lives of people in need invited to apply
• Funds will be raised through this year’s Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction from 4-12 September 2018

Charities are being encouraged to apply as beneficiaries of Sydney Airport’s 2018 Lost Property Auction, with grants worth up to $100,000 up for grabs.

Sydney Community Foundation and Sydney Airport are calling for applications for this year’s grants, with last year’s campaign attracting more than 90 applications.

Each year, as part of Sydney Airport and Sydney Community Foundation’s “Bid for Good” event, unclaimed items left in terminals are auctioned off to raise money for local grassroots charities in the suburbs surrounding the airport.

A $100,000 grant will be awarded, in addition to a range of smaller grants worth up to $10,000.

Sydney Community Foundation brings its expert knowledge of local grassroots need and services to advise on the grants.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said the unique campaign allowed the whole community to get behind a great cause.

“It never ceases to amaze what people leave behind at the airport – from guitars, to cooking appliances and all sorts of weird and wonderful items,” Mr Culbert said.

“Unfortunately, those items can’t always be reunited with their owners and that’s where Bid for Good comes in.

“Bid for Good gives our airport community and passengers a great way to help grassroots charities making real differences in the lives of people in need.”

This is the second year Sydney Airport has partnered with Sydney Community Foundation for the event. Under the partnership, Sydney Community Foundation will use their extensive grantmaking experience to distribute funds raised from the auction to local charities.

Sydney Community Foundation Chief Executive Officer Jane Jose said Bid for Good helped meet important needs within the local community.

“We’re excited to be working with Sydney Airport as a philanthropy partner,” Ms Jose said.

“Last year we received 91 applications from local grassroots organisations.

“Proceeds from the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction allowed us to meet some of that need and grant $150,000 to six incredible projects making a difference in our community. We are thrilled to continue this partnership as it’s an important contribution to strengthening our local Sydney communities.”

Last year’s major grant recipient was 107 Projects, which received $100,000 to create a series of community-based programs for the newly opened Joynton Avenue Creative Community Centre in Zetland.

Five further grants of $10,000 each were received by the following organisations:

ress for Success to complete a new boutique fit-out for its Marrickville studio

• Orana to renovate its social enterprise cafe in Jannali
• Royal Hospital for Women Foundation to continue running its Malabar Midwives, Empowering Indigenous Women and Mothers program
• 2Connect Youth & Community for its Thrive Youth Employment Hub in Rockdale
• Asylum Seekers Centre for its Work Readiness Program in Newtown

Organisations with DGR1 status undertaking work to support the lives of people in need across Sydney are invited to apply for the Bid for Good 2018 Lost Property Auction grants.

Eligible programs will be able to demonstrate successful and innovative initiatives that support people living in suburbs surrounding Sydney Airport, with four key areas prioritised: community, arts and culture; education and employment; women and girls; and community cohesion.

Applications close Friday 20 July 2018. For information on selection criteria and to apply, visit the Bid for Good page on the Sydney Community Foundation website.