NT Territory Events Program 2026-27

Major Events: investment determined on merit, with no fixed or indicative amount, based on strategic alignment, demonstrated performance and scale of opportunity
Tourism Enablers: $0 to $500,000
Community and Lifestyle: $0 to $150,000
Activation Fund: $0 to $25,000
Tourism and Events NT will not fund more than 50 per cent of total event expenditure
All streams require co-investment from the applicant, with the expected proportion increasing across streams
Multi-year agreements of up to three years available under Major Events and Tourism Enablers
Applications close 9 October 2026, with the Activation Fund open year-round

The Territory Events Program supports events that attract visitors to the Northern Territory year-round, foster community pride and enhance the Territory lifestyle. From 2026-27, the program has moved from two funding rounds a year to one, giving organisers greater lead time, funding certainty and reduced administrative burden.

The program delivers on three Northern Territory Government priorities. Rebuilding the Territory Economy focuses on events that generate visitor expenditure across accommodation, hospitality, retail, transport and local business while supporting jobs and attracting investment. Restoring the Territory Lifestyle supports events that bring Territorians together, including regional and remote communities, families and young people. Delivering the Visitor Economy Strategy uses events to attract visitors and strengthen the Territory's tourism offering.

Funding is competitive and applications regularly exceed available funding, meaning not all eligible applications can be supported. Funding is prioritised towards events demonstrating the strongest contribution to program objectives and Territory outcomes.

Key Requirements

Co-investment requirements

Tourism and Events NT does not underwrite events and will generally not fund more than 50 per cent of total event expenditure
All streams require a level of applicant co-investment
The expected co-investment proportion increases across funding streams to reflect the commercial scale of larger events
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate diversified revenue and income streams that reduce reliance on government funding

Stream-specific requirements

Major Events applicants must demonstrate contribution to three or more strategic visitor economy outcomes, capacity to deliver successfully, strong marketing and media activity, and willingness to collaborate with the Destination Marketing team
Tourism Enablers applicants must provide clear economic impact data, demonstrate strong working relationships with industry groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Hospitality NT and Tourism Top End or Central Australia, and contribute to one or more strategic visitor economy outcomes
Community and Lifestyle applicants must demonstrate the event is accessible to the broader community including free or low-cost participation opportunities, with shoulder or wet season activity encouraged
Activation Fund applicants must demonstrate how the activation uses events to bring people together, support local business and add vibrancy, and must activate public spaces rather than specific venues

Strategic visitor economy outcomes

Increase visitation and visitor expenditure
Extend length of stay and encourage regional dispersal
Build shoulder-season and off-peak demand
Strengthen the Territory’s destination brand and national profile
Convert event visitors into future leisure, business events and conference visitors

Partner obligations

Engage in joint planning activity with Tourism and Events NT, including check-ins proportionate to the scale of investment
Deliver the event substantially as described in the funding agreement, notifying Tourism and Events NT promptly of any material change
Acquit funding accurately and on time, including financial reporting and evidence of expenditure
Acknowledge NT Government and Tourism and Events NT support in line with the agreed Partnership Benefits Schedule
Act as a responsible custodian of public funds and the Territory’s reputation

What is eligible for funding?

Generally eligible activity includes:

Public, ticketed or open-access events held in or substantially benefiting the NT
Event delivery costs including venue, production, safety, traffic management and marketing
Precinct or fan-zone activation tied to a major domestic or international event under the Activation Fund
Capability-building activity including planning, governance, risk and sustainability uplift
Multi-year event development where a credible growth pathway is demonstrated
Enhanced marketing and destination promotion activity extending an event’s reach into interstate or international visitor markets

What companies are eligible for funding?

Generally eligible applicants are incorporated not-for-profit associations and community organisations, local government councils and shires, registered businesses and event companies delivering eligible public events, sporting, cultural and arts organisations with appropriate governance, and industry bodies and consortia auspiced by an eligible entity.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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