Event Grants and Sponsorship Program

Council’s Event Grants and Sponsorship Program provides support to events that foster economic, community and/or cultural development, prioritise positive environmental outcomes and demonstrates a commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities.

The program is available to not-for-profit and commercial event organisers hosting events within the Surf Coast Shire.

Funding Streams

Community Event Grants – NOW OPEN
Open: 1-29 November 2024
For events between 1 February 2025 – 30 June 2025
Grants of $500 – $3,000 available
Once you have spoken to an Events Officer, you can proceed to the Application form

Tourism Event Grants (not currently open)
Next Round Open: 1-28 February 2025
Grants up to $10,000

Boutique Creative/Special Focus Event Grants (not currently open)
Next Round Open: 1-28 February 2025
Grant up to $7,500

Sponsored Events
Contact an Events Officer for details.

How to apply

All applicants must read the Event Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines and speak to a Council officer prior to submitting an application.

Details on each funding stream, including eligibility criteria and application process can be found in the Guidelines.

Please email eventgrants@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or call 03 5261 0600 to arrange an appointment with an Events Officer to discuss your application.

Council’s Events Policy should be read in conjunction with the guidelines.

Changes to the Event Grants and Sponsorship Program

On 12 December 2023 Council adopted recommended changes to the Event Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines. The following changes come into effect for the 2024/2025 Event Grant Program and include:

  • Removal of the three-year funding duration for applicants.
  • A Pass/Fail outcome for all applications under a Disability Access and Inclusion criteria.
  • The Community Event Grant stream will be released under two separate rounds in April and October, allowing for a shorter lead-in time from application to event delivery. Funding of $7,000 will be allocated to each round. 
  • Increased funding for Christmas Carols, with an allocated funding amount per township.  

More information

Regional Events Fund

The $20 million Regional Events Fund supports events held in regional Victoria, showcasing our regional tourism strengths and building Victoria’s reputation as an events destination.

Regional Community Events Fund

The Regional Community Events Fund supports small events in rural and regional communities across Victoria.