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Major events grant

The Major Events Grant supports initiatives that contribute to Eurobodalla’s strong economy through learning, employment and business opportunities. It aligns with the theme "Our Economy" from the Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan 2042, which seeks to promote vibrant events and tourism to become a top destination.

This grant will help local organisations and event organisers plan and deliver successful major events that attract visitors and strengthen Eurobodalla’s identity.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available to support costs associated with running a major event.

The Major Events Grant is open for applications in September 2025 for events being held in 2026 and 2027. The Major Events Grant will open again for applications in September 2026 for events being held in 2027 and 2028.

This page explains the grant guidelines, and you can download a copy of the guidelines if you prefer:

The Major Events Grant is guided by the Eurobodalla Destination Action Plan 2023-2028 and the Eurobodalla Events Strategy 2025-29. Applicants who take the time to read and understand these documents will be much better placed to submit a strong application.

Key dates

The key dates for this grant round are:

  • applications open: Monday 1 September 2025, 9am
  • applications close: Tuesday 30 September 2025, 11.59pm
  • grant expenditure: between 1 January and 31 December of the calendar year following the application for year one, and then the subsequent year.

Guidelines

Funded projects must address one or more of these objectives:

  • Support event organisers in planning and delivering destination events that drive economic growth in Eurobodalla.
  • Attract intrastate and interstate visitors, increasing overnight stays and local spending.
  • Encourage off-peak tourism by supporting events held outside the peak visitor season or take place midweek.
  • Strengthen Eurobodalla’s brand identity, generating local pride and showcasing the region’s unique attractions.

Applicants can be from one of these categories:

  • Not-for-profit community groups: local organisations hosting events that contribute to economic and tourism development.
  • Commercial event operators: businesses delivering significant cultural or destination events that attract external visitation.
  • Sporting organisations: local sporting groups hosting regional, state or national level sporting competitions that activate local infrastructure and boost tourism.
  • Events on Council-owned or managed land: large scale events held in parks, reserves, sportsgrounds, and other community spaces that contribute to local vibrancy.

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, toilets, accessible ramps).
  • Marketing and promotional materials (eg digital ads, print materials, signage).
  • Event insurance and permits.
  • Entertainment and programming (eg performers, musicians, speakers, emcees).
  • Volunteer support (eg catering, uniforms, training, coordination).
  • Accessibility supports (eg Auslan interpreters, mobility aids, accessible transport).
  • Waste management and cleaning services for the event.
  • Safety and security services for the event (eg traffic control, first aid, crowd management).
  • Materials for workshops or interactive activities held during the event.
  • Transport and logistics (eg shuttle buses, freight for event materials).
  • Temporary staffing directly related to event delivery (eg event coordinators, production crew).

Examples of what the funding cannot be used for:

  • Ongoing operational or administrative costs not directly related to the event (eg office rent, general 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.
  • Events not open to the general public (eg private functions or invite-only events)
  • Prizes, trophies, scholarships, or honorariums.
  • Events held at venues with gaming machines, unless no alternative is available and risks are mitigated.

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)
  • 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: $20,000 per application (with a maximum of $10,000 per financial year)
  • Co-contributions: strongly encouraged
  • Total funding available for 2025–26: $45,000 (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 regional event organisers, tourism operators, local business chambers. Industry networks and peak bodies relevant to events, tourism, and sport. Event and grant directories (eg SmartyGrants, Destination NSW).
  2. Assessment panel: the mayor (or his delegate), a representative from the Department of Regional NSW and/or Destination NSW, an independent external expert, and a member of Council’s Events team as a non-assessing 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.

Contact us

For more information, contact Council's grants team: