Local Councils Major Festival Grants Program (Australia)

The Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Grants Program provides up to $250,000 to local councils for major multicultural festivals and events across NSW, promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, and community participation. Exceptional cases may receive up to $500,000. Eligible applicants must demonstrate alignment with Multicultural NSW’s strategic priorities, audience reach, co-contributions, and proper planning for a successful festival.

Overview

The Stronger Together Grants Program supports multicultural festivals, events, and projects that celebrate NSW’s cultural diversity while fostering inclusion and community harmony. Local councils are encouraged to deliver high-impact festivals that engage broad audiences, enhance cultural identity, and strengthen social cohesion.

Grant Details

• Funding Amount: Up to $250,000 per major festival per council; exceptional requests may reach $500,000.

• Grant Duration: One-year funding for events occurring between 1 February 2026 and 28 February 2027.

• Co-Contribution Requirement: Minimum 25% of festival costs (including in-kind contributions).

• Advertising Requirement: At least 10% of the advertising budget must target multicultural media outlets.

Objectives

• Celebrate cultural diversity as an integral part of NSW’s identity.

• Promote community inclusion through meaningful participation in large-scale events.

• Strengthen social cohesion by fostering connections across regional and metropolitan communities.

• Showcase cultural identity while supporting the NSW Government’s multicultural initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be a local council within NSW.

2. Deliver a major festival with audience attendance exceeding 10,000 in regional areas or 30,000 in metropolitan areas.

3. Align the festival with Multicultural NSW’s Strategic Plan.

4. Demonstrate measurable outcomes for festival success.

5. Have successfully acquitted previous Multicultural NSW grants.

6. Partner with local multicultural organizations where appropriate.

7. Provide a viable budget and demonstrate cost-effectiveness.

8. Hold all necessary insurances, licenses, and permits.

9. Submit the application via the SmartyGrants portal before the closing date.

10. Commit to NSW Government promotion requirements as per the grant agreement.

Application Process

1. Prepare Your Proposal: Detail festival objectives, expected audience, cultural engagement strategies, and measurement of outcomes.

2. Budget Planning: Include co-contributions (cash or in-kind) and itemize all costs. Ensure at least 10% of the advertising budget targets multicultural media.

3. Partnerships: Identify potential multicultural partners for collaboration and community engagement.

4. Submit Online: Complete and submit the application via the Multicultural NSW SmartyGrants portal before the closing deadline.

5. Review and Approval: Applications are assessed based on alignment with strategic priorities, audience reach, community impact, budget viability, and cultural inclusivity.

Why It Matters

• Encourages community cohesion by bringing diverse groups together through shared cultural experiences.

• Enhances public recognition of NSW’s multicultural identity.

• Supports local councils in delivering professional, high-impact cultural events.

• Strengthens multicultural participation and fosters sustainable community engagement.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly demonstrate audience reach and methods to measure festival impact.

• Include co-contributions and ensure at least 25% of the budget is accounted for.

• Show partnerships with multicultural organizations to strengthen cultural inclusivity.

• Ensure the festival is cost-effective and well-planned, with all legal and insurance requirements met.

• Allocate at least 10% of advertising budget to multicultural media to increase accessibility.

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Local councils across NSW.

2. What is the maximum funding available? $250,000 per festival; up to $500,000 in exceptional cases.

3. Is co-contribution required? Yes, at least 25% of the festival budget.

4. What are the audience requirements? Minimum 10,000 attendees in regional areas, 30,000 in metropolitan areas.

5. When can the festival take place? Between 1 February 2026 and 28 February 2027.

6. Are in-kind contributions accepted? Yes, in-kind contributions count towards the 25% co-contribution requirement.

7. How must the festival promote multicultural communities? At least 10% of the advertising budget must target multicultural media outlets.

Conclusion

The Stronger Together Local Councils Major Festival Grant empowers local councils to deliver inclusive, high-impact multicultural festivals across NSW. By funding events that celebrate diversity, foster social cohesion, and strengthen community participation, the program reinforces the state’s commitment to multiculturalism while ensuring meaningful engagement and sustainable impact.