Community events grant

Funded projects must address one or more of these objectives:

• Support local organisations and event organisers in planning and delivering successful community events.
• Develop a positive community spirit through involvement, participation, relationship-building, and collaboration.
• Enhance community identity and celebrate the cultural and social life of Eurobodalla.
• Encourage events that align with the Eurobodalla Events Strategy 2025-29 and benefit the majority of residents:
  • Eurobodalla Events Strategy 2025-29 (1.6 MB)

Applicants can be from one of these categories:

• Not-for-profit community organisations: local sports clubs, arts and culture groups, and charities hosting events that create social, cultural, and recreational engagement.
• Local event organisers: individuals or groups planning inclusive community events that encourage participation and strengthen local connections.
• Grassroots community initiatives: small-scale gatherings, celebrations, and activities that activate public spaces and bring people together.
• Events on Council-owned or managed land: activities held in parks, reserves, sportsgrounds, and other community spaces that contribute to local vibrancy.

Events are encouraged to be open to the public and be free or low-cost to attend (eg a small fee to cover additional expenses). This helps to promote accessibility and encourages broad community participation.

Applicants with outstanding debts to Council or who have existing Council grant funding that has not yet been expended or acquitted will not be eligible to apply.

Examples of what the funding can be used for:

• Event-specific equipment purchases or hire (eg staging, sound systems, marquees).
• Temporary venue infrastructure purchases or hire (eg fencing, accessible ramps).
• Marketing and promotional materials (eg flyers, advertising, signage).
• Event insurance and permits.
• Entertainment costs (eg performers, musicians, emcees).
• Volunteer support (eg catering, uniforms, training).
• Accessibility supports (eg Auslan interpreters, mobility aids, transport).
• Waste management and cleaning services for the event.
• Safety and security services for the event (eg traffic control, first aid).
• Materials for workshops or interactive activities held during the event.

Examples of what the funding cannot be used for:

• Ongoing operational or administrative costs not directly related to the event (eg staff wages, utilities).
• Events that are primarily religious or political in nature.
• Alcohol, gambling, or tobacco-related expenses.
• Retrospective funding for events already held or expenses already incurred.

Grant recipients are expected to:

• use funds strictly for the approved purpose
• publicly acknowledge Council’s support
• submit a project acquittal
• provide a current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million), if the event involves public participation
• comply with Council’s event permit application process if your event is held on Council-owned or managed land.

The key funding details include:

• Maximum grant amount: $2,000 per application.
• Co-contributions: strongly encouraged.
• Total funding available for 2025-26: $20,000 (as outlined in Eurobodalla Council’s Operational Plan).

The application and assessment process includes these steps:

1. Promotion: via Council’s website, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach to community groups and local business chambers.
2. Assessment panel: the mayor (or his delegate), a member of the events team, a member of the tourism team, a non-assessing Council staff facilitator.
3. Approval: by resolution of Council.
4. Public notice: not required, as the grant is included in Council’s Operational Plan.
5. Notification: successful applicants will be notified as soon as an outcome has been reached, pending Council resolution.