Community Events and Tourism Grants - Round 4, 2026/27

Overview Campaspe Shire Council is inviting applications from not-for-profit incorporated association community groups and organisations for funding under the Community Events and Tourism Grants - Round 4, 2026/27 program. Applications are submitted online via Council's SmartyGrants application service. Objectives This grant program aims to: Support not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations to provide a range of opportunities for residents Facilitate support for initiatives that strengthen the community through opportunities for participation, development, inclusion and sustainability Foster support across a range of pursuits and interest areas including health and welfare, community support, arts and culture, sports and recreation, youth, ageing, environment, volunteerism, sustainability, development, access and equity Encourage visitation from Campaspe residents and people from outside the municipality Provide an equitable opportunity for groups to seek funding assistance from Council Funding Assistance, which may comprise in-kind support, a cash contribution, or a combination of both, may be made available to community organisations and groups to stage events and activities, or to undertake tourism projects and initiatives for the benefit of the local community. Providing in-kind support creates a direct cost to the community and Council, either by delivering services beyond those normally available or by diverting resources from normal operations to support the event. The value of Council's sponsorship can therefore be ascribed a Total Cash Equivalent (TCE). Council expects defined and measurable outcomes to be obtained in exchange for such support. Grant funds are not to be passed on to third parties as payments, fees, gifts, or prizes. Funding Priorities Priority will be given to applications that respond to identified community needs and align with Council's vision, corporate objectives, priorities and strategies. The Events and Tourism Grants program will prioritise support where the applicant: Is based in and/or can evidence that their services are focused and delivered within the municipal boundaries Has limited means to access other sources of funding Has sought funding/in-kind support from other sources, where deemed able to do so Is not already in receipt of substantial funding/in-kind support from Council Is providing a proposed activity that is innovative or unique for Campaspe Shire Council The proposed activity should also: Incorporate collaboration or partnerships with other groups Maximise community benefit Address Council priorities Respond to emerging community needs Demonstrate sustainability Align with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 How much can I apply for? The funding stream has two categories: Local community event or tourism project: a maximum cash contribution of $1,000 and a negotiated in-kind contribution to a maximum of $5,000. Applications are considered local where targeted at residents within the town and neighbouring towns, relevant to the local community, attracting a local audience, demonstrating a social benefit (for events), marketed locally, and available to all members of the local community. Regional community event: a maximum cash contribution of $5,000 plus negotiated in-kind support. Applications are considered regional where they can demonstrate they will attract patrons from both within and outside the municipality, are marketed both locally and externally, and have a positive economic impact on multiple industries within the town. Applications seeking funding for items of $500 and over must include a supporting quote. What will be considered for funding This program aims to encourage and assist the development and implementation of events and tourism activities that benefit the residents and visitors of Campaspe Shire Council and align with Council's priorities and strategic directions. Eligible applications include events that: Are innovative, creative and inclusive celebrations of community Demonstrate partnerships with other local groups and individuals, particularly developing new links Reduce the isolation of individuals and groups within a community Strengthen and develop community skills, such as leadership, performing skills and event management Are held within Campaspe Shire Council Are open to the public or broadly accessible Types of events which groups can apply for include (but are not limited to): Community festivals or celebrations Cultural or heritage events Arts, music or creative events Sporting or recreational community events Educational workshops, forums or awareness events Inclusive events that promote participation, access and wellbeing for Council's identified priority communities, including multicultural communities, people with disability, mental health support groups, and First Nations communities Successful funding in this round does not imply ongoing funding. Groups should always work towards a sustainable funding model for ongoing events. Eligibility Not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations are eligible to apply if they: Are located within the Council area and primarily serve Campaspe Shire residents Can demonstrate their capacity (if located outside of Campaspe Shire Council) to provide services and/or benefits to Council residents If a school, can demonstrate a partnership with one or more local community group(s) for the delivery of the funded activity, with applications from schools requiring approval from the school's governing council/board prior to making application Can establish (if asked) the bona fides of their group by providing a copy of their constitution/statement of purpose, a copy of the minutes from their most recent AGM, a membership application form and annual cost of membership (if any), total membership numbers and the percentage of members who are residents of Campaspe Shire, and the name and contact details of group members authorised to speak on behalf of the group Or have an auspice for their application by an appropriate incorporated not-for-profit body which meets the above criteria Groups with an outstanding overdue final report and financial acquittal from any other Council grant program, or with any outstanding debts owed to Council, are ineligible to apply for funding from this program. Groups and organisations can only receive one Community Event and Tourism Grant per financial year. Organisations that have licensed gaming/gambling facilities or derive funds from gambling are ineligible to apply. Applicants must be able to demonstrate: Direct benefits to the residents of Campaspe Shire Financial viability of the project/program/activity Adequate public liability insurance, appropriate health and safety policies and child safety policies in accordance with the funding agreement A contribution in the form of funds, services and/or in-kind support when able That they are based in the shire or deliver significant services to the shire's community Applications must be submitted by the due date, with only one application per funding round permitted. How to Apply Applications are submitted online via Campaspe Shire Council's SmartyGrants application service. If applying for the first time, click 'Start a Submission', then 'Register here'. Community events and tourism grants Campaspe Shire Council Privacy statement Campaspe Shire Council Help Guide for Applicants Applicant FAQ's Enquiries For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, contact Council's Community Grants Officer. Phone: 5481 2200 (during business hours) Email: communitygrants@campaspe.vic.gov.au (please quote your submission number)