The Regional Event Fund identifies and supports events in regional NSW that have the potential to act as a ‘cornerstone’ or flagship tourism event for their area by attracting overnight visitation and delivering long-term benefits to the region. The 2022 Regional Event Fund is now open for applications and includes the following three funding streams:
1. Incubator Event Stream
The Incubator Event stream offers seed funding to events in regional NSW to support their first and second years of activity. The stream supports innovative events that demonstrate sound organisational planning, have a unique alignment with the character and culture of their local region and which can demonstrate a broad appeal likely to promote tourism and attract overnight visitation.
The Incubator Event stream offers one-off annual grants of up to $20,000 (excl. GST) to events in Regional NSW to support costs including but not limited to temporary event infrastructure; venue hire; marketing and promotions; PR and digital consultancies; brand design and development; and attendee research.
To be eligible to apply, an event must have its first or second event between 1 January and 31 December 2022 and meet the fund criteria outlined in the terms and conditions. Applications for the Incubator Event stream are now open. Use this link to access the application portal and complete an online application form.
Applications for the 2022 Incubator Event stream will close at midnight on Sunday, 5 December 2021. Applications submitted after this date and time are not eligible for assessment and will not be accepted.
2. Flagship Event Stream
The Flagship Event stream supports the marketing of emerging events in regional NSW to increase their profile and encourage visitation. The stream offers grants specifically to support marketing activities aimed at increasing visibility and attracting visitation to the event from outside an event’s local area.
The Flagship Event stream offers two grants:
- Annual grants of $20,000 (excl. GST); or
- Triennial grants of $30,000 (excl. GST) per year, guaranteed for three year.
To be eligible to apply, an event must have been running for more than two years, be held between 1 January and 31 December 2022, and meet the fund criteria outlined in the terms and conditions. Applications for the Flagship Event stream are now open. Use this link to access the application portal and complete an online application form.
Applications for the 2022 Flagship Event stream will close at midnight on Sunday, 5 December 2021. Applications submitted after this date and time are not eligible for assessment and will not be accepted.
3. Event Development Stream
The Event Development stream supports events that have already received the maximum funding permitted through the Flagship Event stream and can present a strategy for future growth that includes continued development of the event’s potential to drive overnight visitation.
The Event Development stream offers grants of up to $50,000 (excl. GST) to support key strategic growth initiatives that will have a direct impact on increasing overnight visitation to the event. A clear strategic rationale will be required for all initiatives together with a justification for the amount requested.
To be eligible to receive funding from the Event Development stream, an event must have received triennial funding through the Flagship Event stream and must meet the fund criteria outlined in the terms and conditions.
The Event Development stream will remain open until the available funds are exhausted but applications must be received by Destination NSW in sufficient time prior to the next event to allow for assessment and delivery of the initiative for which funding has been requested.
For more information about the fund and the application process, please refer to the terms and conditions.
Important Note: Events may only receive a grant from one stream in a calendar year. Please ensure you apply to the fund that is most relevant to your event. Organisers seeking to clarify their options should contact Destination NSW at ref.admin@dnsw.com.au.