Applications open for Venue Support Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Apr-2027

The City of Perth Venue Support Grant Program provides in-kind venue support for organisations hosting public events and activities in City-managed spaces. It offers up to $2,500 for community venues and up to $7,500 for parks, public places, and thoroughfares, supporting inclusion, cultural participation, and local economic activity.

What is the Venue Support Grant Program?

The Venue Support Grant Program is an initiative by the City of Perth that helps organisations deliver public-facing events in council-managed venues and open spaces.

Instead of direct cash funding, the program provides in-kind support, reducing venue hire costs for eligible events.

The program encourages accessible, inclusive, and community-focused activities across Perth’s public spaces.

Programme Overview

• Programme Name: City of Perth Venue Support Grant Program
• Provider: City of Perth
• Funding Type: In-kind venue support (non-cash subsidy)
• Location: Perth, Australia
• Purpose: Support public events in city-managed venues
• Focus: Community engagement, inclusion, culture, and local economic activity

Key Objectives of the Programme

The program aims to:

• Increase public visitation to city spaces
• Support free or low-cost community activities
• Encourage cultural participation and education
• Promote social inclusion and wellbeing
• Strengthen community engagement
• Support local businesses through event-driven activity
• Activate public spaces in the City of Perth

Eligible Venues and Spaces

The program applies to City-managed locations, including:

• Community venues
• Shopping malls and public-use civic spaces
• Parks and gardens
• Public places
• Streets, thoroughfares, and open civic areas

All events must be open to the public and accessible.

Funding Support Categories

The program provides two types of in-kind support.

1. Community Venues

• In-kind support up to $2,500 (excluding GST)
• Covers community halls and similar indoor venues
• Supports small-scale public events and activities

2. Parks, Public Places, and Thoroughfares

• In-kind support up to $7,500 (excluding GST)
• Covers outdoor public spaces and large civic areas
• Supports festivals, cultural events, and large community gatherings

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Legally constituted organisations
• Individuals with an Australian Business Number (ABN)

Applicants must also:

• Hold required insurance coverage
• Obtain necessary licences (if applicable)
• Have booked or applied to book a City of Perth venue
• Provide a cost estimate for venue use
• Demonstrate financial viability without City funding
• Submit applications before the event begins

Eligible Activities

The program supports public-facing initiatives such as:

• Community events and festivals
• Cultural performances and exhibitions
• Educational and awareness activities
• Public engagement programs
• Inclusive social events
• Local business activation events
• Arts and cultural participation activities

Events must be designed for public access and community benefit.

Programme Priorities

Applications are assessed based on alignment with priorities such as:

• Community inclusion and accessibility
• Cultural engagement and participation
• Social wellbeing outcomes
• Economic activation of local areas
• Engagement with diverse community groups
• Free or low-cost public access
• Support for local businesses and industries

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be legally registered with ABN
• Provide proof of insurance and compliance
• Secure or request booking of City venue
• Submit event cost estimates
• Apply before the project starts
• Demonstrate financial feasibility

How the Program Works

Step 1: Venue selection
Applicants choose a City-managed venue and check availability.

Step 2: Booking application
Applicants submit or confirm venue booking with cost estimate.

Step 3: Grant application
Applicants apply for in-kind venue support before event commencement.

Step 4: Assessment
City of Perth evaluates eligibility, feasibility, and community benefit.

Step 5: Approval and support
Approved applicants receive venue cost reduction through in-kind support.

Why This Program Matters

The Venue Support Grant Program helps strengthen community life by:

• Reducing event costs for organisers
• Encouraging cultural and social participation
• Increasing access to public spaces
• Supporting inclusive community engagement
• Boosting local economic activity
• Making events more affordable and accessible

It plays a key role in activating public spaces across Perth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants often fail due to:

• Applying after event commencement
• Not holding an ABN or proper registration
• Missing insurance or licensing requirements
• Lack of confirmed venue booking
• Weak demonstration of community benefit
• Incomplete cost estimates
• Events not open to the public

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve success chances:

• Clearly show community impact
• Ensure event is free or low-cost
• Demonstrate inclusivity and accessibility
• Confirm venue booking early
• Provide detailed and realistic budgets
• Highlight cultural or social benefits
• Show economic or local business engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Venue Support Grant Program?

Legally registered organisations or individuals with an Australian Business Number (ABN).

What type of funding is provided?

The program provides in-kind support, reducing venue hire costs rather than giving cash funding.

How much support is available?

Up to $2,500 for community venues and up to $7,500 for parks and public spaces.

What types of events are eligible?

Public events including cultural activities, community programs, festivals, and educational events.

Can private or closed events apply?

No. Only public-facing events are eligible.

When should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted before the event begins.

What is required to apply?

Applicants need ABN registration, insurance coverage, venue booking, and a cost estimate.

Conclusion

The City of Perth Venue Support Grant Program provides valuable in-kind venue assistance to organisations delivering public events that strengthen community engagement, cultural participation, and social inclusion. By reducing venue costs in public spaces, the program enables more accessible, inclusive, and vibrant community activities across Perth.

For more information, visit City of Perth.