Community Event Grant Applications Open
Councils Event Grants and Sponsorship Program provides support to events that foster economic, community and/or cultural development, prioritise positive environmental outcomes and demonstrates a commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities.
The program is available to not-for-profit and commercial event organisers that hold an event in the Surf Coast Shire, and offers four event funding streams:
Community Event Grants up to $3,000
Round 1 Open: 1-30 April 2024 (for events held 1 July 2024 – 24 December 2024) – NOW OPEN
Round 2 Open: 1-29 November 2024 (for events held 1 February 2025 – 30 June 2025)
Tourism Event Grants up to $10,000
Next round open 1-28 February 2025
Boutique Creative/Special Focus Event Grants up to $7,500
Next round open 1-28 February 2025
Sponsored Events
Contact an events officer to discuss, email eventgrants@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or call 03 5261 0600 to arrange an appointment.
How to apply
All applicants must read the Event Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines and speak to a Council officer prior to submitting an application.
Details on each funding stream, including eligibility criteria and application process can be found in the Guidelines.
Please email eventgrants@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or call 03 5261 0600 to arrange an appointment with an Events Officer to discuss your application.
Council’s Events Policy should be read in conjunction with the guidelines.
APPLICATION FORM – Community Event Grant Round 1
Changes to the Event Grants and Sponsorship Program
On 12 December 2023 Council adopted recommended changes to the Event Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines. The following changes come into effect for the 2024/2025 Event Grant Program and include:
- Removal of the three-year funding duration for applicants.
- A Pass/Fail outcome for all applications under a Disability Access and Inclusion criteria.
- The Community Event Grant stream will be released under two separate rounds in April and October, allowing for a shorter lead-in time from application to event delivery. Funding of $7,000 will be allocated to each round.
- Increased funding for Christmas Carols, with an allocated funding amount per township.
More information
Regional Events Fund
The $20 million Regional Events Fund supports events held in regional Victoria, showcasing our regional tourism strengths and building Victoria’s reputation as an events destination.
Regional Community Events Fund
The Regional Community Events Fund supports small events in rural and regional communities across Victoria.