Applications open for Event Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Event Grants Program provides funding to support public events that strengthen community connections, celebrate local culture, boost local economies, and activate towns across Indigo Shire, Australia. A total funding pool of AUD 55,000 is available for the 2026–2027 financial year, with individual grants ranging from AUD 1,000 to AUD 10,000 for eligible community and commercial organizations.

Event Grants Program

The Event Grants Program supports the planning, delivery, and growth of public events that contribute to vibrant, inclusive, and connected communities across Indigo Shire. The program encourages events that enhance local identity, attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and provide meaningful recreational, cultural, and social experiences.

Funding is available for events taking place during the 2026–2027 financial year that deliver measurable community, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects related to:

• Community events
• Cultural festivals
• Public celebrations
• Recreational activities
• Arts and cultural programs
• Local markets
• Workshops
• Live performances
• Township activation
• Community participation
• Volunteer engagement
• Local tourism
• Economic development
• Place-making
• Community resilience
• Creativity and innovation
• Inclusion and accessibility
• Environmental sustainability
• Community wellbeing

Funding Information

• Total funding pool: AUD 55,000
• Grant amount: AUD 1,000 to AUD 10,000 per project
• Project period: 2026–2027 financial year

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Event infrastructure
• Marketing and promotion
• Entertainment costs
• Accessibility improvements
• Road closures
• Waste management
• Venue hire
• Permit fees
• Portable toilet hire
• Cleaning services
• Approved town signage
• Event management employment costs (up to 10% of the total grant request)
• Performer fees
• Production expenses
• Sound and lighting

Grant Objectives

The program aims to:

• Deliver engaging public events.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Celebrate local culture and heritage.
• Increase township vibrancy.
• Encourage volunteer involvement.
• Support local businesses and tourism.
• Build community resilience.
• Foster creativity and innovation.
• Improve accessibility and inclusion.
• Promote environmentally sustainable event practices.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated organizations.
• Registered businesses.
• Organizations operating under an auspice arrangement.
• Community groups willing to become incorporated as a funding condition.

Applicants must also:

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or complete an ATO Statement by Supplier Form.
• Demonstrate financial, voluntary, or in-kind contributions.
• Maintain appropriate public liability insurance.
• Obtain all required permits and approvals.
• Complete all required event management documentation before project commencement.

Eligible Events

Supported events may include:

• Community festivals.
• Cultural celebrations.
• Food and produce markets.
• Music performances.
• Arts events.
• Workshops.
• Family-friendly activities.
• Heritage celebrations.
• Recreational events.
• Community gatherings.

Events may be free or ticketed, provided they demonstrate positive outcomes for the community.

Ineligible Activities

Funding will not support:

• Events held outside Indigo Shire.
• Projects outside the 2026–2027 financial year.
• Applicants with outstanding acquittals from previous Council grants.
• Commercial events that have already received three consecutive years of funding without significant innovation.
• Fundraising events.
• Charitable donations.
• Prize money.
• Equipment purchases.
• Projects primarily considered the responsibility of State or Federal Government without clear community benefit.

Why This Grant Matters

Community events create opportunities for people to connect, celebrate local identity, and strengthen regional economies.

The Event Grants Program helps communities:

• Increase visitor numbers.
• Support local businesses.
• Build stronger community networks.
• Showcase local culture.
• Encourage volunteer participation.
• Enhance social inclusion.
• Improve community wellbeing.
• Promote sustainable event management.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a comprehensive proposal demonstrating the value and impact of the event.

Application steps include:

1. Confirm eligibility requirements.
2. Design an event that aligns with the program objectives.
3. Prepare a detailed event plan and implementation timeline.
4. Develop a realistic project budget.
5. Identify community benefits and expected outcomes.
6. Gather supporting documentation, including insurance and permits where applicable.
7. Demonstrate cash, volunteer, or in-kind contributions.
8. Submit the completed application before the published closing date.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly demonstrate community benefit.
• Show strong local participation.
• Explain expected economic and social outcomes.
• Include realistic budgets and timelines.
• Highlight accessibility measures.
• Incorporate environmentally sustainable practices.
• Demonstrate partnerships and volunteer involvement.
• Show how the event contributes to Indigo Shire’s identity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for events outside Indigo Shire.
• Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to obtain required permits.
• Not demonstrating community benefit.
• Forgetting evidence of insurance or ABN requirements.
• Applying with outstanding grant acquittals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Event Grants Program?

Eligible applicants include incorporated organizations, registered businesses, auspiced organizations, and community groups willing to become incorporated.

How much funding is available?

Individual grants range from AUD 1,000 to AUD 10,000, with a total funding pool of AUD 55,000.

What types of events are eligible?

Community festivals, markets, workshops, performances, cultural celebrations, recreational activities, and other public events held within Indigo Shire.

Can commercial organizations apply?

Yes. Eligible commercial organizations may apply if they meet all program requirements.

What expenses can the grant cover?

Eligible expenses include infrastructure, marketing, entertainment, venue hire, accessibility improvements, permits, waste management, cleaning, performer costs, production expenses, and limited event management employment costs.

What activities are not funded?

The program does not fund fundraising events, charitable donations, prize money, equipment purchases, projects outside Indigo Shire, or activities primarily funded through State or Federal Government responsibilities.

What are the key assessment criteria?

Applications are assessed on community benefit, cultural and economic impact, participation, innovation, sustainability, accessibility, feasibility, and alignment with the program objectives.

Conclusion

The Event Grants Program offers valuable financial support for public events that strengthen communities, celebrate local culture, encourage tourism, and enhance the vibrancy of Indigo Shire. By investing in inclusive, creative, and sustainable events, the program helps create stronger community connections while supporting long-term economic and social development across the region.

For more information, visit Indigo Shire Council.