Events & Festivals Grant Program

Council recognises the significant benefits that events and festivals bring to the region.

Events continue to add to the vitality of the Shire, activate towns and precincts, provide a sense of community and offer cultural, social and economic benefits.

The purpose and objectives of events and festivals grant funding are to:

Encourage cultural tourism, economic activity and increase visitation in the Corangamite Shire.
Assist the development and growth of new and existing events.
Strengthen local area and community identity.
Provide opportunities for inclusive local participation and capacity building.

Eligible applicants:

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, or not-for-profit groups auspiced by an incorporated organisation are eligible to apply for grant funding and in-kind support through Funding Streams.
Incorporated commercial organisations, an individual with an ABN, and commercial not-for-profit organisations are only eligible to apply for in-kind support, up to a maximum of $3,000.

Funding Streams

Local events and festivals celebrate, strengthen and improve participant’s understating of the Corangamite Shire communities and build local capacity for participation. Local events and festivals:

Are smaller scale events, attracting audiences of up to 2,000 people.
Celebrate the unique cultures they represent, the towns and streets in which they belong, or special occasions.
Build a shared sense of community and local identity.
Raise cultural awareness.
Are funded on an annual basis.

Funding of up to $3,000 is available. This may include a combination of both grant funding and in-kind.

Signature events and festivals showcase Corangamite Shire, its geography, local experiences or creative talents and attract audiences from across Victoria. Signature events and festivals:

Are larger scale events and festivals, attract audiences in excess of 2,000 people.
Attract state-wide media and public attention and have positive flow-on effects for our businesses and communities.
Showcase Corangamite’s assets and what is special about the Shire.
Encourage cultural tourism and strong economic activity.
Are funded on a triennial basis.

Funding of up to $7,000 is available. This may include a combination of both grant funding and in-kind.

If you are not sure which stream is right for your event/festival, check out this handy guide here.(PDF, 97KB)

To apply for funding, organisers are required to provide a completed application form, address the assessment criteria and provide supporting mandatory documentation (e.g. budget, event management plan and risk management plan).

Please refer to the Events and Festivals Guidelines and contact Council on 5593 7100 to discuss your application before submitting.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026-2027 funding round opened on Friday 27 March and close on Monday 4 May, 2026.

Apply via the form below.

Guidelines(PDF, 310KB)

Click here to view form.

Acquittal Form(PDF, 54KB)