Deadline: 07-Sep-2026
The City of Parramatta Community Events Grant provides up to $10,000 to support accessible public events that improve community wellbeing, cultural participation, social inclusion, and local economic benefits across the Parramatta local government area.
Overview of the Community Events Grant
The Community Events Grant supports organisations delivering public events that strengthen community connections and create positive experiences for residents and visitors across the City of Parramatta.
The programme recognises the important role of events and festivals in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and liveable city by supporting activities that encourage:
- Community participation.
- Cultural engagement.
- Social connection.
- Recreation and wellbeing.
- Local partnerships.
Supported events should provide meaningful benefits to the Parramatta community and contribute to activating public spaces.
Purpose of the Community Events Grant
The main purpose of the grant is to support events that improve community wellbeing while creating opportunities for participation and inclusion.
The programme aims to:
- Provide free or affordable community experiences.
- Encourage participation from diverse communities.
- Support social, cultural, and recreational activities.
- Attract visitors to Parramatta.
- Strengthen community organisations and partnerships.
- Build capacity for future community activities.
Priority Areas of Support
The grant prioritises events that demonstrate strong community value and alignment with local priorities.
Community Access and Inclusion
Supported events should:
- Be accessible to the wider public.
- Welcome Parramatta’s diverse communities.
- Encourage participation from different groups.
- Reduce barriers to community engagement.
Community Capacity Building
The programme supports events that:
- Create opportunities for community involvement.
- Develop local skills and experience.
- Strengthen organisations’ ability to deliver future activities.
Cultural and Social Benefits
Funding supports events that provide:
- Cultural experiences.
- Recreational activities.
- Social connection opportunities.
- Positive community outcomes.
Partnership Development
The grant encourages collaboration between:
- Community organisations.
- Local groups.
- Businesses.
- The City of Parramatta Council.
Strong partnerships help deliver events that create long-term benefits for the community.
Funding Details
The Community Events Grant provides:
- Total funding pool: $50,000
- Maximum grant amount: $10,000
Applicants may request:
- Up to 50% of the total event budget
Applicants must secure additional funding or contributions to cover the remaining event costs.
Grant payments will only be released after applicants submit the required event report.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
- Registered charities.
- Community groups applying through an incorporated auspice organisation.
- Professional associations.
- For-profit social enterprises delivering public events.
- Businesses delivering events where public benefit clearly exceeds private benefit.
Who Cannot Apply?
The programme does not accept applications from:
- Sole traders.
- Ineligible partnerships.
- Government departments.
- Political parties.
- Organisations distributing profits to shareholders, owners, or members.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Align with the City of Parramatta’s Community Vision and Strategic Pillars.
- Hold appropriate insurance coverage.
- Obtain required licences and approvals.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline.
Applicants should clearly explain:
- Event objectives.
- Community benefits.
- Target audience.
- Budget details.
- Delivery plan.
- Partnership arrangements.
Eligible Event Activities
Supported events may include:
- Community festivals.
- Cultural celebrations.
- Social activities.
- Recreational programmes.
- Public engagement events.
- Activities that encourage community participation.
Events should provide accessible experiences and complement the existing Parramatta events calendar.
Ineligible Activities
Grant funding cannot support:
- Events that duplicate existing Council programmes.
- Religious ceremonies or activities mainly promoting one faith.
- Political party activities.
- Government department activities.
- Events primarily designed for fundraising purposes.
- Activities mainly benefiting private individuals or organisations.
- Projects where public benefit is unclear.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Community benefit.
- Accessibility and inclusion.
- Alignment with Council priorities.
- Quality of event planning.
- Budget value and financial sustainability.
- Applicant capacity to deliver the event.
- Strength of partnerships.
For-profit organisations and social enterprises must demonstrate clear public benefit before their applications can be considered.
Tips for Applicants
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Clearly explaining how the event benefits the community.
- Demonstrating accessibility for diverse groups.
- Providing a realistic event budget.
- Highlighting partnerships and community involvement.
- Showing how the event contributes to Parramatta’s cultural and social goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Requesting funding for private benefits.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Failing to explain community impact.
- Requesting more than the permitted funding percentage.
- Proposing events without required approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City of Parramatta Community Events Grant?
The Community Events Grant provides financial support for public events that improve community wellbeing, participation, cultural engagement, and social connection across Parramatta.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000, with funding covering no more than 50% of the total event budget.
Who can apply for the Community Events Grant?
Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, charities, community groups with an auspice organisation, professional associations, eligible social enterprises, and businesses delivering public benefit events can apply.
What types of events are supported?
The grant supports free or low-cost public events including cultural, social, recreational, and community-focused activities.
Can businesses apply for this grant?
Yes. Businesses may apply if they demonstrate that the public benefit of the event clearly outweighs private benefit.
Can funding support fundraising events?
No. Events primarily designed to raise funds for a cause, project, individual, or organisation are not eligible.
What documents are required for an application?
Applicants may need to provide event details, budgets, insurance information, licences, and supporting information demonstrating community benefit.
Why are community events important for Parramatta?
Community events help create social connections, celebrate diversity, activate public spaces, support cultural participation, and contribute to a vibrant local community.
Conclusion
The City of Parramatta Community Events Grant provides valuable support for organisations creating inclusive and accessible public events that strengthen community connections. By investing in cultural activities, social programmes, and community partnerships, the grant helps build a welcoming and thriving Parramatta for residents and visitors.
For more information, visit City of Parramatta.
