Deadline: 13-Jul-2026
Applications are open for the Festivals and Events Stream of the Annual Grants Program, supporting community groups and not-for-profit organisations to deliver festivals, events, and cultural activities that strengthen community connections, celebrate local identity, and enhance the liveability of the Yarra Ranges. The program supports initiatives that foster cultural participation, creativity, inclusion, and community wellbeing while showcasing the region’s diverse heritage, arts, and traditions.
Through this funding stream, Yarra Ranges Council aims to support vibrant community-led events that activate public spaces, celebrate local culture, and create opportunities for meaningful community engagement.
Overview
The Festivals and Events Stream supports projects that contribute to the cultural, social, and creative life of the Yarra Ranges community.
Funded activities are expected to:
- Celebrate community identity and local culture
- Strengthen social connections and community belonging
- Encourage participation in arts, culture, and heritage activities
- Promote creativity and cultural diversity
- Activate community and public spaces
- Support local artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners
- Contribute to Council’s strategic priorities
Projects must directly benefit residents of the Yarra Ranges and be delivered during 2027.
Program Objectives
The program seeks to:
- Deepen understanding of local people, history, and culture
- Increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture
- Strengthen community wellbeing and social inclusion
- Encourage active community participation in event planning and delivery
- Support local creative talent and cultural practitioners
- Raise the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
- Promote cultural diversity and creative expression
- Strengthen local creative industries
- Increase visibility of contemporary and historical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
- Create opportunities for shared cultural experiences
- Activate public spaces through creative and cultural engagement
Priority Areas
Projects are encouraged to align with one or more of the following priorities:
Community and Cultural Connection
- Celebrating local identity
- Promoting community pride
- Sharing local stories and heritage
- Strengthening community networks
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture
- Increasing cultural awareness and understanding
- Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
- Promoting cultural continuity and heritage
- Showcasing contemporary Indigenous creativity
Arts and Creative Development
- Supporting local artists and creative practitioners
- Encouraging artistic collaboration
- Promoting creative participation
- Building local creative industries
Community Participation
- Engaging residents in planning and delivery
- Encouraging volunteer participation
- Building community ownership of events
- Creating opportunities for community leadership
Public Space Activation
- Activating parks and recreation spaces
- Using community venues creatively
- Enhancing public gathering spaces
- Encouraging cultural engagement in shared environments
Inclusion and Accessibility
The program places strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Applicants should demonstrate how their project considers and includes:
- People with disability
- Unpaid carers
- Children and young people
- Older adults
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Migrant and refugee communities
- LGBTQIA+ community members
- Women and girls
- People experiencing social isolation
- Diverse cultural and linguistic communities
Projects that actively address barriers to participation and create inclusive experiences are strongly encouraged.
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to a range of community-based and not-for-profit organisations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Incorporated community groups
- Organisations with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Unincorporated not-for-profit groups auspiced by an incorporated organisation
- Heritage researchers auspiced by an incorporated organisation (Arts and Heritage category)
- Artists auspiced by an incorporated organisation (Arts and Heritage category)
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capacity to successfully deliver the proposed project.
Eligible Projects
Funding may support:
- Community festivals
- Cultural celebrations
- Heritage events
- Arts and creative programs
- Community cultural activities
- Public performances
- Creative workshops and exhibitions
- Community engagement initiatives
- Cultural education activities
- Events celebrating local diversity and identity
Projects should clearly demonstrate community benefit and alignment with program objectives.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed on several key criteria.
Project Quality
Assessors will consider:
- Overall project design
- Clarity of objectives
- Expected outcomes
- Community impact
Alignment with Council Priorities
Projects should demonstrate:
- Alignment with strategic priorities
- Contribution to community wellbeing
- Cultural and creative value
Partnerships and Collaboration
Applications are strengthened by:
- Community partnerships
- Organisational collaboration
- Cross-sector involvement
- Engagement with local stakeholders
Diversity and Inclusion
Projects should:
- Demonstrate inclusive practices
- Address accessibility considerations
- Encourage participation from diverse groups
Organisational Capacity
Applicants should show:
- Experience delivering similar projects
- Effective project management capability
- Appropriate governance and planning processes
Budget and Financial Viability
Applications should include:
- Realistic budgets
- Clear expenditure plans
- Evidence of financial feasibility
- Appropriate value for money
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement
Where projects involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, communities, stories, or heritage, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate:
- Appropriate consultation processes
- Meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Respectful cultural representation
- Opportunities for Indigenous leadership and participation
Projects should follow culturally appropriate engagement practices throughout planning and delivery.
Funding Conditions
Successful applicants must comply with all program requirements.
Key conditions include:
- Projects must directly benefit Yarra Ranges residents.
- Projects must be delivered during 2027.
- All required permits and approvals must be obtained before funding can be provided.
- Previous Yarra Ranges Council grant reporting requirements must be completed.
- Applicants must not have outstanding debts with Council.
- Council funding must be acknowledged in promotional materials.
- Applicants must participate in the grant acquittal process.
- All supporting documentation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Insurance and Compliance Requirements
Applicants must:
- Maintain a minimum of $20 million Public Liability Insurance
- Comply with all relevant laws and regulations
- Meet Child Safe Standards requirements where applicable
- Ensure project activities are delivered safely and responsibly
Failure to meet compliance requirements may affect eligibility or funding approval.
Application Limits
Applicants should be aware of the program’s funding restrictions.
Key limits include:
- One application may be submitted per funding stream.
- Organisations cannot receive more than two grants in total.
- Applications must comply with all program guidelines and requirements.
Applicants should carefully select the most appropriate funding stream before applying.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
- Meets applicant eligibility requirements
- Has an ABN or eligible auspice arrangement
- Has completed previous grant reporting obligations
Step 2: Develop Your Project
Clearly identify:
- Project objectives
- Target audience
- Community benefits
- Cultural outcomes
- Planned activities
Step 3: Build Partnerships
Consider involving:
- Community groups
- Artists and creatives
- Cultural organisations
- Local stakeholders
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where relevant
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation
Gather:
- Project budget
- Insurance documentation
- Permits and approvals (where applicable)
- Auspice agreements (if required)
- Supporting project information
Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Complete all application requirements.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Submit before the closing date.
Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate community benefit and impact.
- Show strong alignment with Council priorities.
- Incorporate meaningful community participation.
- Address accessibility and inclusion from the planning stage.
- Build partnerships and collaborative approaches.
- Develop realistic and achievable budgets.
- Obtain required permits early.
- Demonstrate organisational capacity and experience.
- Engage appropriately with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where relevant.
Why This Program Matters
Festivals and events play an important role in bringing communities together, celebrating local identity, and strengthening social connections. They provide opportunities for cultural expression, artistic participation, community pride, and shared learning experiences.
The Festivals and Events Stream supports initiatives that enrich community life, showcase local talent, celebrate diversity, and create welcoming spaces where people can connect through culture, creativity, and shared experiences. By investing in community-led events, the program contributes to a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich Yarra Ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the Festivals and Events Stream?
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, community groups with an ABN, eligible auspiced groups, and certain artists or heritage researchers under the Arts and Heritage category.
- Where must funded projects take place?
- Projects must directly benefit residents of the Yarra Ranges and be delivered within the region.
- When must projects be delivered?
- Funded projects must take place during 2027.
- Can unincorporated groups apply?
- Yes. Unincorporated not-for-profit groups may apply through an eligible incorporated auspice organisation.
- Are permits required?
- Yes. All relevant permits and approvals must be obtained before funding can be provided.
- What insurance is required?
- Applicants must maintain at least $20 million Public Liability Insurance.
- How many applications can an organisation submit?
- Organisations may submit one application per funding stream and cannot receive more than two grants in total.
Conclusion
The Festivals and Events Stream of the Annual Grants Program 2027 supports community organisations in delivering cultural, creative, and community-focused events that enhance life in the Yarra Ranges. By investing in festivals, arts initiatives, cultural celebrations, and community engagement activities, the program helps strengthen social connections, support local creative talent, celebrate diversity, and create vibrant public spaces that benefit residents across the region.
For more information, visit Yarra Ranges Council.