Sponsorship policy

Policy document number: 988571 Version: 4 Last updated: 29 September 2025. 

1. Overview

1.1 At a glance

This policy outlines our sponsorship policy, our approach for assessment.

1.2 Scope

This policy applies to all staff, the board and organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, including community grants. This policy does not apply to fundraising and donations (please refer to the Fundraising and Donations guideline).

1.3 Objective

This policy ensures:

• clear alignment with Sydney Water's Enterprise Plan and key strategic outcomes and objectives based on customer priorities
• strategic investment across our area of operations
• decision-making processes based around clear criteria for assessing opportunities that deliver the impact and strongest return on investment
• robust risk management
• clear accountabilities and delegations for approving sponsorships
• value for money for Sydney Water's customers.

2. Policy in detail

2.1 Sponsorship categories

2.2 Sponsorship criteria

2.2.1 Criteria applicable to all sponsorships

• alignment to Sydney Water's corporate strategic objectives and provide measurable reputational, advocacy, social impact and educational benefit.
• provide an opportunity to educate customers, community and/or stakeholders about water related issues and initiatives that align with priorities in Sydney Water's Enterprise Plan and financial assistance based within Sydney Water's areas of operation – Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra, unless there is significant organisational benefit for exemptions
• identify any conflicts of interest brands or corporations who could be perceived as a competitor with Sydney Water, including bottled water companies, filtered water providers, direct water providers, sports and energy drinks, or hydration products, or any other related service provider
• have strong safety and risk management and environmental track record
• have alignment with Sydney Water's diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
• where appropriate provide Sydney Water staff engagement opportunities including active participation

2.2.2 Category specific criteria

There are additional criteria specific to each category of sponsorship listed below.

2.3 Promotional items

Sydney Water often receives requests for sponsorship or donation of promotional items. Generally, we do not offer promotional items to other organisations to give away, unless a clear link to the strategic success measures can be demonstrated. We use promotional items at events where Sydney Water has a presence to start a conversation, aid in education or behaviour change or promote a message.

2.4 Application, assessment and approvals

2.4.1 Application

Sydney Water only accepts applications submitted in writing by email. Within twenty business days of submission, Sydney Water will advise applicants by email whether the application fits within the Sponsorship Policy and can undertake further discussions to evaluate the application. Further information may be requested at this time.

2.4.2 Assessment

When Sydney Water invite an applicant to submit a final proposal for support, it may take a period of time for internal assessment, and where appropriate, completion of internal approval processes. During this time, there will be consultation with relevant internal stakeholders. Applicants will be advised verbally and in writing once the assessment is complete.

2.4.3 Notification

All applicants will be notified by email on the outcome of their sponsorship request.

2.4.4 Approvals and renewals

Funding approvals and signing of sponsorship agreements must follow the Delegation Manual's direction.

Table below pulls information from the Delegations Manual.

The next level manager will assess the sponsorship if:

• the delegated approver feels additional consultation is required
• there is a conflict of interest

3. Definitions