Wentworth Shire Council recognises the importance of local events, both major and minor, and the positive impact they have on the local economy.
The Events Funding Program offers grant funding to local organisations, groups and individuals who are planning a new event to introduce into the region or are wanting to access funding to contribute towards a future event, which has been previously run in the past.
These guidelines are designed to achieve the outcomes identified in the Wentworth Region Tourism & Events Strategy 2024-2029 and the Wentworth Shire Council Events Funding Policy (CC011).
The program offers funding for both major and minor events. Please ensure these guidelines are read and understood before starting an application.
For more information or to discuss the application, please contact us on 03 5027 5027 or email events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au.
What is the purpose of the Event Funding Program?
The purpose of the program is to support events that:
- Attract new visitors to the region and encourage repeat visitation
- Enhance the vibrancy and diversity of the local communities
- Establish a new visitor experience
- Actively promote the region
- Contribute to the livability and wellbeing of the region
- Strive for continuous improvement on the events calendar
Who can apply for the funding?
The following requirements must be met to be eligible for funding:
- The event must be based within the Wentworth Shire region.
- The event can be an existing event or a new or once-off event.
- The event must support increased visitor numbers to the region and encourage community activity and participation.
- Provide a certificate of currency for public liability of up to $20 million for the duration of the event.
- Provide the documentation required to meeting the evaluation criteria.
- Be a public event that is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
- Organisations can only apply for a maximum of two events per each financial year.
The following are not eligible to apply for the funding:
- Events which are a duplicate of another existing local event.
- Organisations with outstanding debts to Council, or who have not provided acquittal documentation from previous events.
- Events which rely on Council funding to break even or events that are projected to run at a loss without Council funding.
- Political events or events with a political purpose.
- Religious events.
- Events that exclude or may offend parts of the community.
- Organisations who have not previously complied with Council conditions or have the required permits.
- Private events that are not accessible to the wider community.
- Fundraising activities where the funds raised are not intended to stay within the local community.
- Education events including events organised by schools or universities.
- Capital works projects, maintenance or the purchase of capital equipment.
- Insurance and fees associated with risk and governance such as public liability insurance, event insurance or fees payable to a governing body.
- Expos, fetes and circuses.
- Events which are attended by a niche or small cohort of the intended community.
- Events which happen on a regular basis including sporting events, arts & cultural events, special interest events or other gatherings.
How will the funding be allocated?
Council will decide on an appropriate allocation of funding towards major and minor events at the approval of the yearly budget.
If the amount of money requested within the eligible applications exceeds the money allocated in the budget, each event will receive funding based on the events being allocated an appropriate amount deemed suitable by the application review panel. This amount may be equal to or less than the requested funding amount.
Event funding can be accessed at any time throughout the year however applications will begin to be assessed for the following financial year, from the 1st of July each year.
What funding is available?
There are two different categories: major events and minor events.
| Fund | Description | Funding Amount | Application Opening Dates | Assessment Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Events | Event must drive overnight visitation, provide positive economic impact, showcase the region, encourage community pride and follow sustainability guidelines. | To a maximum of $30,000 and to a minimum of $5,000.
Including in-kind Council support. | Open all year round. | • Potential economic and tourism impact to the region • Community impact and benefits • Overall event offerings • Sustainability • Event preparation including capability |
| Minor Events | Event must attract around 500-1000+ people from either within or outside the region, create a sense of community by bringing people together and encourage participate from local community members. | To a maximum of $5,000 and to a minimum of $2,000. Including in-kind Council support. | Open all year round.
All minor event applications should refer to the Financial Assistance Program (Donations Contributions Grants) application process. | • Community participation and engagement • Positive event experience • Overall event offerings • Sustainability • Event preparation including capability |
How do I apply?
Submit an application form
- The first step is to fill out an application form. This form is for both major or minor events.
- To apply, you will need to answer a series of questions relating to your event, as well as include a budget. The budget can be outlined within your own documentation.
- Once complete, application forms are to be submitted to events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au for review.
- All applications must be submitted with public liability of up to $20 million.
- Other documentation that can be submitted includes a marketing plan, event management pan, business plan and any other supporting documentation that might assist in securing the funding.
Wait to hear back
- Once your application has been received, you will hear back via email as to how the application is progressing.
- If the application is requesting over $5,000 and all the necessary information has been obtained, then the application will be assessed by an internal review panel, then progressed for Council approval. Applications will be approved within two months of the submission date.
- If the application is under $5,000 and all the necessary information has been obtained, it will be assessed by an internal review panel for approval. Recommendations will be forwarded to Council for approval in line with the timeframes outlined in the Financial Assistance Program Guidelines.
- The funding application will be assessed against the criteria outlined in these guidelines and will determine the amount of funding your event will receive.
Conditions
- If you haven’t applied for this funding before, it is recommended that you speak with the Manager Tourism & Promotion before applying.
- Any in-kind support from Council must be requested in detail in the application form. In-kind support could be services such as bin delivery, venue hire fees etc.
- Write your application in as much detail as possible to avoid extra delays in retrieving further information.
- To receive the funding, successful applicants must enter into a Funding Agreement with Council and adhere to all conditions outlined in the agreement. The Funding Agreement will specify what the funding can and can’t be used for and will outline what the expected outcomes of the funding are.
- Successful applicants will be required to undertake a post-event evaluation along with the acquittal report. The due date of this will be specified in the Funding Agreement.
- Successful applicants are also required to acknowledge Council’s support. The Funding Agreement will outline how Council can be appropriately acknowledged through the inclusion of an approved logo on appropriate materials such as event collateral, signage, media releases etc.
Acquittal Process
Successful applicants must commit to submitting an acquittal report after the event is complete, by the due date specified on the Funding Agreement.
The acquittal report will include a series of questions relating to the overall evaluation of the event and detailed budget including evidence of expenditure through receipts or other methods of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I keep in mind when applying for this funding?
- Seek additional funding through other avenues, Council will not fund the entire event.
- Consider the location of the event and ensure you have the correct permits and booking.
- Make your event as accessible as possible to open it up to all attendees.
Can I assume my event will be funded if it has been funded by Council before?
Council will ensure the assessment process is fair and equitable. Recurring annual funding is not guaranteed. Your application will be assessed in line with the evaluation criteria.
How many times can I apply?
Each applicant may only apply for funding once within a year.
How long does it take to receive my funding once my event is approved?
Payments will be made within 30 days from which the invoice is received and is subject to no outstanding documentation, including acquittals from previous events. This is shown in the Funding Agreement.