Festival and Events Grant Program 2025 - 2026

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This is a preview of the 2025-2026 Festival & Events Application Form form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

About the program

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Cardinia Shire Council is committed to enhancing the annual calendar of events and programs which celebrate our local identity, diverse communities and the broader arts and culture appeal. Through the Festivals and Events Grant Program we are growing our dynamic arts and culture environment by supporting the ongoing development and sustainability of festivals and events (events) to ensure longevity, economic impact and social and community connections.

The 2025-2026 Festival and Event Grant Guidelines have changed from previous years. Please ensure that you read the guidelines before commencing this application.
Festival and Event Grant Guidelines
There is no guarantee that previously funded festivals and events will be successful.

Key Dates

  • Grant round open: 14 April 2025
  • Grant round close:  11 May 2025
  • Assessment of applications: May - June
  • Applicants outcome: 13 June 2025

Funding Categories 
There are 3 tiers of funding available. 

  • Tier 1 - Commercial festivals and events attracting significant impact and visitation
    $10,000 - $80,000
    Minimum 5,000 attendees
  • Tier 2 - Community run events attracting moderate impact and visitation
    $2,000 - $15,000
    Minimum 3,000 attendees
  • Tier 3 - Significant days of celebration attracting moderate impact and Civic pride
    $1,000 - $5,000
    Minimum 200 attendees

Funding Stages
Successful Applicants will receive funding in 3 stages. 

  • 30% upon signing agreement (letter of offer is the previous terminology. Are you moving towards funding agreement?)
  • 40% six weeks prior to the event date, provided an event application has been submitted. (what if it isn't on council land? I would reccomend adding in that the risk documentation has been recived).
  • 30% upon completion of event and all reporting requirements (should we say acquital submitted?) 

Event Permits
All events on Council managed land will be required to complete the event permit process. This is a separate application process and you will not be required to complete until you have received the outcome of your grant application.

Application Support

We want to support you in your application and ensure you meet the criteria in eligibility. Before applying, please ensure you speak with our Cultural Development and Grants Officer, Bronwyn Ward. Please email arts@cardinia.vic.gov.au or call 03 5943 4936. 

Have you spoken to our Grants and Programs Officer? * Required
Response required.

This section is not applicable because of your response to question: "Have you spoken to our Grants and Programs Officer?" on page 1

Before you proceed, you need to speak with the Cultural Development and Grants Officer. Please email arts@cardinia.vic.gov.au or call 03 5943 4936. 

Please ensure you have read the 2025-2026 Festival and Event Grant Guidelines. 
Festival and Event Grant Guidelines

Please select to confirm you have read and agree with the guidelines * Required
Response required.

Privacy information:

Personal information collected by Council is used for municipal purposes as specified in the Local Government Act 2020. The personal information will be held securely and used solely by Council for these purposes and/or directly related purposes. Council may disclose this information to other organisations if required or permitted by legislation. The applicant understands that the personal information provided is for the above purpose and that he or she may apply to Council for access to and/or amendment of the information. Requests for access and/or correction should be made to Council's Privacy Officer.