Call for Projects: Local Events Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Community Funding Program – Local Events Grant provides funding to support community-led events that strengthen social connection, inclusion, and community wellbeing across the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales, Australia. With a total funding pool of AUD 20,000, eligible applicants can apply for grants of up to AUD 5,000 to develop new events or expand existing community events that are accessible, inclusive, and locally driven.

About the Community Funding Program – Local Events Grant

The Community Funding Program – Local Events Grant is designed to encourage vibrant, inclusive, and community-focused events that bring people together across the Penrith Local Government Area. The program supports initiatives that celebrate local diversity, strengthen neighbourhood connections, and create opportunities for residents to participate in meaningful community activities.

The grant promotes events that foster community pride, encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, and contribute to a welcoming and connected community. All funded activities must demonstrate the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and equity, ensuring that events are open and beneficial to a broad cross-section of the Penrith community.

The program also encourages applications from First Nations groups and organisations, as well as projects that celebrate and promote First Nations culture, heritage, and community participation.

Focus Areas

The grant supports events that:

• Strengthen social cohesion and community wellbeing.
• Promote community participation and neighbourhood connections.
• Celebrate cultural diversity and community identity.
• Create vibrant and active public spaces.
• Encourage inclusive and accessible community experiences.
• Support locally led community initiatives.
• Increase opportunities for residents to connect.
• Promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Celebrate First Nations culture and community.
• Build stronger and more resilient communities.

Funding Information

The Community Funding Program – Local Events Grant provides a total funding pool of AUD 20,000.

The program offers two funding tiers:

• Tier One – Micro Grants: Up to AUD 1,000 to support locally led community events or specific components of an event within the Penrith LGA.
• Tier Two – Incubator Grants: Up to AUD 5,000 to support the development of new community events or the expansion of existing events.

Applicants applying under Tier Two may request funding for up to 50% of the total event budget and must provide matching financial contributions supported by appropriate evidence.

Funding may be used for eligible event delivery costs, and all approved events must be completed within the eligible funding period.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of community event expenses, including:

• Community festivals
• Cultural celebrations
• Neighbourhood events
• Family-friendly community gatherings
• Community activation activities
• Infrastructure hire
• Venue hire
• Marketing and promotional activities
• Event equipment hire
• Event logistics and operational expenses
• New community event development
• Expansion of existing community events

Eligible events must:

• Take place within the Penrith Local Government Area.
• Be one-off or annual events rather than regularly recurring activities.
• Offer free or low-cost admission.
• Deliver clear community benefits.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
• Unincorporated community groups with an incorporated auspice organisation holding an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• For-profit organisations that can demonstrate the event is not conducted for commercial purposes.

Applicants must also:

• Live, work, or have a significant connection to the Penrith community.
• Deliver the funded event within the Penrith Local Government Area.
• Meet all funding requirements outlined by the program.

Who is Not Eligible?

Funding is not available for:

• Events held outside the Penrith LGA.
• Weekly or regularly recurring activities.
• Weekly markets.
• Sporting competitions or club gatherings.
• Regular classes or workshops.
• Fundraising-only events.
• Member-only events.
• Commercially focused events.
• Organisational operating expenses such as salaries or permanent equipment.
• Events duplicating existing Penrith City Council events.
• Projects that cannot be completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong local events create opportunities for residents to connect, celebrate diversity, and build stronger communities. They encourage social inclusion, improve neighbourhood wellbeing, and increase participation across different cultural and age groups.

The Local Events Grant supports community organisations in delivering accessible experiences that foster local pride while strengthening community resilience and encouraging long-term community engagement throughout the Penrith region.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are assessed based on several important criteria, including:

• Alignment with the grant objectives.
• Community benefit and social impact.
• Accessibility and inclusiveness.
• Event planning and feasibility.
• Value for money.
• Community participation.
• Financial sustainability.
• Evidence of matching contributions (for Tier Two applications).
• Applicant capacity to successfully deliver the event.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps before submitting an application:

1. Confirm that your organisation and proposed event meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Select the appropriate funding tier based on your event size and funding needs.
3. Develop a detailed event plan outlining objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and community benefits.
4. Prepare a realistic event budget, including matching funding where required for Tier Two applications.
5. Gather all required supporting documentation, including evidence of auspice arrangements or financial contributions where applicable.
6. Complete the application form and ensure all requested information is included.
7. Submit the application before the published deadline and retain copies of all supporting documents.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain how the event benefits the wider Penrith community.
• Demonstrate strong community participation and partnerships.
• Show how the event promotes inclusion and accessibility.
• Provide a realistic and detailed budget.
• Include evidence of community demand.
• Highlight cultural diversity and First Nations participation where appropriate.
• Present achievable timelines and measurable outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Proposing events outside the Penrith Local Government Area.
• Applying for funding for recurring weekly activities.
• Requesting funding for commercial or fundraising-only events.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Failing to provide matching funding evidence for Tier Two applications.
• Omitting required supporting documentation.
• Presenting unclear event objectives or expected outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the Community Funding Program – Local Events Grant?

The grant supports community-led events that strengthen social cohesion, celebrate diversity, improve community wellbeing, and encourage participation across the Penrith Local Government Area.

2. How much funding is available?

The program has a total funding pool of AUD 20,000. Applicants may receive up to AUD 1,000 under Tier One or up to AUD 5,000 under Tier Two.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organisations, eligible unincorporated groups with an incorporated auspice organisation, and eligible for-profit organisations delivering non-commercial community events.

4. What types of events are eligible?

Eligible events include one-off or annual community festivals, cultural celebrations, neighbourhood events, and other locally led activities that provide free or affordable access for the community.

5. Can funding be used for recurring weekly activities?

No. Regularly scheduled activities such as weekly markets, classes, club meetings, workshops, and sporting competitions are not eligible.

6. Is matching funding required?

Matching funding is required only for Tier Two – Incubator Grants, where applicants must contribute an amount equal to the grant request and provide supporting evidence.

7. What expenses can the grant cover?

Funding may be used for eligible costs such as venue hire, infrastructure hire, marketing, promotion, and other event delivery expenses directly related to the approved community event.

Conclusion

The Community Funding Program – Local Events Grant provides valuable financial support for organisations delivering inclusive, community-focused events across the Penrith Local Government Area. By funding locally led festivals, celebrations, and community gatherings, the program helps strengthen neighbourhood connections, celebrate cultural diversity, promote accessibility, and create vibrant communities where residents can come together and thrive.

For more information, visit Penrith City Council.