Community Donations Policy

Sydney Opera House is proud to support Not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) where possible in accordance with our leadership role within the performing arts community. The Opera House receives numerous requests each year from NFPs for support and/or permission to undertake charitable collections onsite.

While requests may be for a worthy cause, the Opera House must exercise due diligence in the management of its resources and assets and therefore is unable to provide support to all requests received. All requests for support will be assessed on a case by case basis in accordance with assessment criteria. 

Please note the Opera House does not make cash donations, only in-kind donations.

In-kind Donations – Criteria for Support

The Opera House will consider requests for support from NFPs that: 

A. are an Opera House workplace giving partner; or

B. are an Opera House Resident Company; or 

C. focus on or are involved in the development of the arts; or

D. whose objectives align with and assist the Opera House to fulfil its functions under the Sydney Opera House Trust Act 1961 or the Opera House Mission and Enterprise Strategy. 

Decisions for support will be made with regard to the impact the support will have on Opera House resources and in line with Opera House, government and public expectations of responsible resource and financial management. 

Charitable Collections – Criteria for Support

In accordance with the Sydney Opera House Trust By-law 2010, Part 2, reg 9(1)(f), the Opera House does not, in general, grant access to the site for the taking up of Charitable collections, however worthy the cause. The Opera House is committed to ensuring that visitors and patrons are free to experience the Opera House without obstruction. 

In exceptional circumstances, permission may be granted for the collection of donations where: 

A. the collection is restricted to a particular event at the Opera House and its purpose is integral to that event (e.g. part of a fundraising concert); and/or 

B. the collection is to raise funds for a performing arts related NFP organisation or to support performing artists. 

Making a Request

Requests for support are to be made in writing via letter or email and directed to:

Charity Request Officer

Sydney Opera House

GPO Box 4274

Sydney NSW 2001
Email:   charityrequest@sydneyoperahouse.com  

Further Information

For detailed information, full conditions and approval processes, applicants should refer to the Community Donations Policy.