Apply for Connected Nillumbik Festival and Event Program (Australia)

Deadline: 06-Sep-2026

The Connected Nillumbik Festival and Event Program provides grants of $10,000 to $65,000 per year to eligible community-led and not-for-profit organisations to deliver annual festivals and events within Nillumbik. Funding is available for up to three years, from July 2027 to June 2030, with a focus on community connection, inclusion, accessibility, local identity, resilience, and environmental sustainability. What Is the Connected Nillumbik Festival and Event Program? The Connected Nillumbik Festival and Event Program is an initiative of Nillumbik Shire Council supporting community-led festivals and events that bring people together and strengthen the social and cultural life of Nillumbik. Recognition of Traditional Owners is an important consideration in assessment. Applicants should demonstrate appropriate recognition of the Traditional Owners of the land and consider how the event can respectfully acknowledge First Nations culture and connection to Country. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Organisational Eligibility

Ensure the applicant is a community-led and not-for-profit organisation that can meet the program’s requirements.

Step 2: Identify the Annual Event

The proposal should focus on one annual festival or event. Describe the event’s purpose, history where applicable, target audience, location, and expected attendance.

Step 3: Explain the Community Benefit

Clearly explain how the event will:

Connect people. Encourage participation. Strengthen inclusion. Celebrate Nillumbik. Benefit residents and visitors. Contribute to local economic activity.

Step 4: Develop an Accessibility Plan

Explain how people with different abilities and circumstances will be able to attend and participate.

Consider:

Physical accessibility. Affordable or free participation. Accessible facilities. Transport options. Information accessibility. Inclusive programming.

Step 5: Address Environmental Sustainability

Provide practical details about how environmental impacts will be reduced.

Applicant type: Community-led and not-for-profit organisations

Geographic requirement: Event must be held within Nillumbik

Public access: Events should be predominantly free and accessible

Focus areas: Community connection, inclusion, resilience, local identity and economic benefit

Environmental priorities: Waste reduction, reduced single-use plastics, public transport and free water

Partnership requirement: Engagement with local businesses

Acquittal: Within eight weeks of the event’s conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Connected Nillumbik Festival and Event Program? It is a Nillumbik Shire Council funding program that supports community-led and not-for-profit organisations to deliver annual festivals and events that strengthen community connection, inclusion, resilience, and local identity. How much funding can an organisation receive? Organisations can receive between $10,000 and $65,000 per year for an eligible annual event. Can funding be provided for multiple years? Yes. Funding can support an annual event for up to three years, covering the period from July 2027 to June 2030. Who can apply? The program is open to community-led and not-for-profit organisations that meet the eligibility requirements and can deliver the proposed event within Nillumbik. Does the event have to be free? Events must be predominantly free and accessible. Applicants should ensure that cost does not create an unnecessary barrier to community participation. Can events be held outside Nillumbik? No. The proposed event must be held within the Nillumbik municipal boundary. What happens after a funded event is completed? Successful applicants must provide an acquittal within eight weeks of the event’s conclusion, demonstrating how the grant was used and reporting on the event and its outcomes. Conclusion The Connected Nillumbik Festival and Event Program offers substantial multi-year support for community-led festivals that contribute to a more connected, inclusive, resilient, accessible, and sustainable Nillumbik. With grants of up to $65,000 annually for three years, the program is particularly relevant to established annual events with strong community participation, local partnerships, demonstrated economic and social benefits, and clear plans for accessibility, environmental sustainability, and recognition of Traditional Owners.