Festival and Events Grants Program

Why council offers the Festival and Events Grants

The Festival and Events Funding Program invests in community-led festivals and events that activate Cardinia Shire's townships, public spaces, and community precincts.  

The Program reflects Council's commitment to the cultural, social, and economic value of events, and responds directly to community feedback calling for grassroots-led experiences, greater geographic equity, and accessible, inclusive activation across the Shire. 

Program objectives 

• Celebrate Cardinia's cultural diversity, local stories, and distinct township identities 

• Support grassroots, volunteer-run festivals and local creatives, artists, musicians, and producers 

• Deliver inclusive, family-friendly, and accessible experiences for all ages and backgrounds 

• Activate parks, town centres, and community precincts, driving local visitation and economic activity 

• Expand festival activity across rural, hills, and growth-area townships. 

This Program is delivered in accordance with the principles outlined in the Festival & Events Grants Policy. 

 Priority Considerations: 

• The event is inclusive, accessible, and affordable for all people, reflecting Cardinia's diverse community 

• Community led and volunteer run initiatives 

• Events with environmental education or innovative sustainability initiatives. 

• Engaging local artists, producers, suppliers, and businesses, strengthening the Shire’s local economy through increased visitor activity 

• Located in rural towns or communities with limited existing events provision.  

Funding Options for 2026–27 round

Having considered community feedback through the policy engagement process, there are changes to the 2026-2027 grant round to better meet the needs of the community. There are two funding streams available: 

What you can apply for 

Small Community Grant | $1,000–$5,000  

Designed for recognised civic and cultural celebrations. Eligible applicants may access up to three years of support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 30 June 2027, or until funds are fully committed. 

Festivals and Events Grant | $5,001–$30,000  

Open to once-off or recurring community festivals and events. Applications are accepted during an annual round and assessed by an Independent Assessment Panel. 

How to apply

1. Check your group/organisation is eligible for funding by reviewing the objectives and priorities of the grant guidelines 

2. Read through and watch all of the resources available on this page 

3. Draft your application and collate your support material and budget 

4. Check your application is complete 

5. Before you submit your application –book an application review meeting with the Cultural Development and Grants Officer, Bronwyn Ward 

6. Apply now by 11.59pm, 24 June 2026. 

Apply now!

Key dates

1. Round opens: 9am Wednesday, 20 May 2026 

2. Festival and Events: Applications close 12pm, Wednesday 24 June 2026 

3. Small Community Events: Assessed monthly on a rolling basis until funds are expended. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding under the Festival and Events Grants Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:  

Event location and public access 

• The event must take place within the Cardinia Shire Council Local Government Area. 

• The event must be open to the general community, and provide demonstrable social, cultural, economic, or community benefit. 

• Events must be inclusive, affordable, and accessible, and not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ability, cultural background, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. 

Applicant eligibility

Applicants must be one of the following: 

• An incorporated not-for-profit organisation 

• A community group or community asset committee 

• A local business, sole trader, or event organiser with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) 

• Applicants must demonstrate appropriate experience, governance, or partnerships to successfully deliver the proposed event. 

Financial contribution and viability 

• Applicants must demonstrate a co-contribution toward the event, separate from the requested grant. For grants under $5,000, an in-kind contribution is sufficient; for grants of $5,001 or more, both a financial and in-kind contribution is required.  

• Council funding is not intended to fully fund an event; applicants must show how their event will remain financially viable and sustainable. 

• Grant funding must be used to enhance the quality, reach, accessibility, or impact of the event, rather than to cover standard business operations. 

Safety, compliance and risk management 

•  Applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet all Council safety, compliance, and legislative requirements. Contact relevant Council officers prior to submitting. This may include: 

• Completing the Event Permit process (where required) 

• Meeting risk management and operational standards 

• Applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain prior to funding release:  

• $20 million public liability insurance 

• Insurance listing Cardinia Shire Council as an interested party 

• Applicants unable to meet safety, disability access, or compliance standards are not eligible for funding. 

Application process

Applications must:  

• Include proof you have spoken to the Grants and Cultural Development Officer 

• Be submitted within the advertised funding period 

• Be complete and include all required supporting documentation 

• Agree to enter into a funding agreement if successful 

Successful applicants must complete a post-event acquittal, including financial reporting and evidence of outcomes, in order to remain eligible for future funding. 

Ineligible applicants and events 

An application will be deemed ineligible if any of the following apply: 

• The event is private, invitation-only, or restricted to members of a business, club, or organisation 

• The event is primarily a school fete, school event, or educational activity 

• The funding request is for:  

  • Ongoing business or operational costs, including staff salaries, administration, insurance or project management 

  • Capital works, facility maintenance, or permanent infrastructure purchases 

  • Fundraising activities, catering, prize money, or competitions 
  • Retrospective funding for events that have already occurred, or events scheduled outside the approved funding period 

• The applicant:  

  • Is currently in financial debt with Council 

  • Has failed to comply with previous Council grant conditions or acquittal requirements 

  • Is already receiving Council funding for the same event or component in the same financial year 
  • Is unable to meet required safety, insurance, compliance, or reporting obligations 

• The applicant is a Council staff member, Councilor, or contractor, or has attempted to improperly influence the assessment process. 

Resources

Guidelines

Festival and Events Policy Draft 

Download the slides from the Grant Budgets and Acquittas workshop

Download the slides from the Grant Writing Guide

Internal Contact List 

Recordings 

Important contacts

Smarty Grants technical assistance 

If you experience technical issues with the SmartyGrants system, please contact Smarty Grants directly via email service@smartygrants.com.au or by calling 03 9320 6888 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm). 

General enquiries 

If you have questions about the grant program, you can: 

Book time with Bronwyn Ward 

Call: 1300 887 624 

Email: arts@cardinia.vic.gov.au 

If you can’t complete the application online or need help with technology, contact us by email or phone and we’ll assist you with the form.