NSW Regional Event Fund – Event Development stream

NSW Regional Event Fund – Event Development stream

  • Applications remain open until funds are exhausted.
  • The total funding allocated for the Event Development stream is $150,000. Applicants are eligible to apply for any sum up to $50,000 (excl. GST).

The main aim of the Regional Event Fund is to offer grants to events in regional NSW that prove to be, or have the potential to be, significant tourism attractions for their area, with grants tailored to event delivery, marketing, or targeted growth initiatives depending on the stream; secondary goals involve amplifying supported events via Destination NSW marketing efforts to enhance the visibility of NSW and its destinations, and providing guidance to event organisers to enhance their event management skills through the application and feedback process, all with the overarching objective of increasing visitation to regional events and driving economic benefits to destinations.

The Regional Event Fund consists of three distinct funding streams that facilitate the evolution of events from conception to becoming established tourism attractions in regional NSW. These streams are:
- Incubator Event stream: facilitates the establishment of new events
- Flagship Event stream: aids in promoting emerging events to raise awareness and attract visitors
- Event Development stream: assists in the strategic advancement of established events to enhance their role as tourism drivers.

The Event Development stream aids events that have already reached the maximum funding threshold under the Flagship Event stream, provided they present a comprehensive strategy for future expansion, emphasising the ongoing enhancement of their tourism appeal to drive overnight visitation.

Key Requirements

To qualify for the Event Development Fund grant, your event must meet the following criteria:
  • Occur between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025
  • Have previously received and fulfilled triennial funding through the Flagship Event stream
  • Take place within one of the seven Destination Network regions, which include:
    • Destination Central West
    • Destination Country & Outback NSW
    • Destination North Coast including Lord Howe Island
    • Destination Riverina Murray
    • Destination Southern NSW
    • Destination Sydney Surrounds North
    • Destination Sydney Surrounds South

Please be aware: The Local Government Areas of Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, and Wollondilly are no longer part of the aforementioned Destination Networks.

Applications should include a proposal document containing the following components:
  • Event description: Provide a comprehensive overview of the event, its history, and its significance to the local area.
  • City/town profile: Highlight the community’s capability to accommodate increased visitation, including details on permanent and temporary lodging, transportation, infrastructure, and venues.
  • Organisational structure: Outline the event’s management structure, delineating roles and responsibilities, personnel expertise, engagement of external parties, and volunteer participation.
  • Visitation trends: Summarise attendance patterns over the past three years, incorporating data, research methodologies, industry collaborations, outcomes, and insights gained.
  • Strategic vision: Present a strategic outlook for the event over the next three to five years, focusing on growth potential, key opportunities, strategic initiatives, SWOT analysis, limitations, and risk management strategies.
  • Growth initiative: Describe the primary growth initiative for which funding is sought, including a detailed description, partner involvement, delivery timeline, and measurable success metrics.
  • Event budget: Provide a comprehensive budget for the upcoming event, detailing the costs associated with the proposed initiative and supported by relevant quotations or information.
  • Marketing plan: Outline strategies for expanding event attendance and visitation, identifying target audiences, marketing channels, and measurable objectives.
  • Letters of support: Include endorsements from local Council, tourism partners, and other stakeholders endorsing the proposed initiative.

Additionally, each applicant must confirm their eligibility for the Event Development stream.

Destination NSW seeks established events that have previously received maximum Flagship Event funding and can present a growth strategy focusing on enhancing tourism potential to drive overnight visitation to the event and the region.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Economic impact
  • Alignment with strategic marketing objectives and community impact
  • Event planning and diligence.

What is eligible for funding?

The Event Development stream offers funding to support initiatives aimed at directly increasing overnight visitation to the event.

A clearly defined strategic rationale is essential for all proposed initiatives. Eligible activities may include:

  • Promotional campaigns with quantifiable overnight visitation results (e.g., promotions featuring a unique call to action)
  • Collaborative marketing efforts with the tourism industry (e.g., developing and promoting event packages incorporating accommodation or access to other attractions)
  • Expenses related to implementing comprehensive visitor research methodologies
  • Infrastructure investments to encourage extended stays (e.g., additional rental costs to extend the event by an extra day)
  • Costs associated with enhancing the visitor experience (e.g., grandstands, information services, facilities)
  • Expenditures related to expanding accommodation options or providing temporary lodging (e.g., shuttle services to nearby towns, establishment of home hosting programs, creation of temporary camping sites)
  • Consultancy fees for marketing, PR, digital, or event management specialists, provided there are clear and measurable outcomes demonstrating an enhancement of existing activities.

Event Development funding is meant to complement, not replace, previous or alternative event funding. Grants from the Event Development stream must be utilised for the initiatives outlined in the application. Applicants will need to propose milestones for the implementation of the initiative, and Destination NSW will allocate fund payments accordingly.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To qualify to apply for any of the three streams of the Regional Event Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold ownership of the event (i.e., possess the rights to the event and secure the necessary approvals)
  • Maintain financial solvency
  • Possess an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Operate as a sole trader, company, incorporated association, or trust entity
  • Provide a certificate of currency for public liability insurance of at least $20 million, or demonstrate the capability to obtain it before entering into a funding agreement.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Entitlement. Applications are assessed against eligibility criteria.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

How can I get help with my application? 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.