Submit Applications for Community Events Major Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Sep-26

The Community Events Major Grant provides up to $25,000 per year for up to three years to support large-scale, community-led events and festivals in the Gympie region. The program supports events that attract more than 1,000 participants, activate public spaces, and deliver significant social and cultural benefits to the local community.

About the Community Events Major Grant

The Gympie Regional Council Community Events Major Grant is designed to help eligible community organisations deliver large-scale events and festivals that strengthen community participation and contribute to the social and cultural wellbeing of the Gympie region. The grant prioritises community-led events that: Attract significant local and regional participation. Bring more than 1,000 participants together. Strengthen community connections and identity. Provide meaningful social or cultural benefits. Activate public spaces and community facilities. Support local participation in community events and celebrations. The program forms part of Gympie Regional Council’s broader community grants support for initiatives that benefit residents and contribute to Council priorities. Grant Amount Successful applicants can receive funding of up to $25,000 per year.

Key funding details include:

Maximum grant: $25,000 per year.

Funding period: Up to three years.

Council contribution: Up to 80% of eligible project costs.

Applicant contribution: At least 20% of total project costs.

Contributions from applicants may include cash or eligible in-kind contributions. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget clearly demonstrates how the remaining project costs will be covered. What Projects Are Supported? The Community Events Major Grant supports large-scale community events and festivals that have a strong public benefit. Examples of potentially eligible activities include: Community festivals. Cultural celebrations. Major community gatherings. Significant local commemorations. Events that celebrate community identity. Events that activate public spaces and facilities. Large-scale activities that attract participants from across the Gympie region. To qualify for this major grant category, an event should be capable of attracting more than 1,000 participants and demonstrate benefits beyond the immediate organising group. Eligible Event Expenses Grant funding can be used for reasonable costs that are directly connected with delivering the approved event. Other eligible event delivery costs approved by Council. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenditure is necessary for the successful delivery of the event and is clearly explained in the project budget. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations. Unincorporated community groups operating through an eligible auspice organisation. The applicant or auspice organisation must be able to meet the program’s administrative, financial and reporting requirements.

The proposed event must:

Be community-led. Be open to the public. Take place within the Gympie region. Attract more than 1,000 participants. Demonstrate a clear community benefit. Contribute to the social or cultural wellbeing of the region. Individuals and businesses are generally not eligible to apply under this grant category. Community Participation and Public Benefit A strong application should demonstrate why the event matters to the wider Gympie community.

Applicants should explain:

Who will attend the event. How many participants are expected. How the event will encourage regional participation. How it will strengthen community connections. How it will contribute to social or cultural wellbeing. How public spaces or community facilities will be activated. How the event will provide benefits beyond the applicant organisation. Applications that demonstrate broad community involvement and a clear public benefit are likely to provide a stronger case for funding. Required Supporting Documents Applicants must provide supporting information to demonstrate that the proposed event is well planned and financially realistic.

Compulsory supporting documents include:

An event plan. A draft event program. Quotes for expenses exceeding $1,000. Relevant financial and organisational information required by Council. Details of applicant cash or in-kind contributions. The event plan should provide enough information for Council to understand the scale, purpose, audience, activities, management arrangements and expected outcomes of the event. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal and supporting documentation before submitting the application to Gympie Regional Council.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Check that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements and that the event will be delivered within the Gympie region. Remember that Council can contribute up to 80%, meaning applicants must provide at least 20% of total project costs.

Step 4: Collect quotes and supporting documents

Obtain the required quotes, particularly for expenses above $1,000, and prepare the draft event program and other compulsory documents.

Step 5: Submit the application

Complete the Council’s Community Events Major Grant application and submit it with all required supporting documentation. Incomplete applications or applications that do not provide compulsory information may not be assessed. Important Tips for Applicants Applicants can improve their proposals by clearly connecting the event to community needs and Council priorities.

Consider the following tips:

Demonstrate scale: Clearly explain how the event will attract more than 1,000 participants.

Show community benefit: Explain the social, cultural and economic value of the event.

Provide realistic figures: Make sure attendance estimates and budgets are credible.

Explain partnerships: Identify community organisations, volunteers and other partners involved.

Include a strong event program: Show what participants