Grants and Funding
Grant or funding opportunities may be available to support the development of your business, project or event.
Make sure you read the program guidelines, and entity and project eligibility carefully to ensure that your project meets the program criteria. Some grants are highly competitive with short application time frames.
The grant and funding opportunities displayed on this page are NOT administered by Destination Southern NSW. Please refer to the information provided on who to contact for guidance and support for each opportunity.
Destination Southern NSW may be able to provide a Letter of Support for your project if it aligns with the Southern NSW Destination Management Plan.
Destination Southern NSW cannot determine if your organisation or project is eligible for funding. You must confirm your organisation and project eligibility under the relevant fund or program before requesting a letter of support.
Please complete this form to request a Letter of Support for your project.
For general enquiries and support for your application, Contact Us.
Current Grant Opportunities
Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program NSW
This program provides funding for initiatives that promote regional economic development and support employment creation and retention.
Funding is available for initiatives that promote regional economic development and contribute to job creation and retention aligned with the following focus areas:
- Aboriginal economic development and enterprise
- community connection and capacity building
- improving regional service delivery
- sustainable regional industries.
Applications close 20 February 2025
Find out more here.
NSW Open Streets Program
The NSW Open Streets Program 2025-28, a $14.65 million initiative designed to transform streets into vibrant, walkable public spaces through free community events and activations.
Part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package, the program provides up to $350,000 in funding per successful applicant to support recurring street-based events over three years. The goal is to enhance local communities, support cultural industries, and drive economic growth by activating public spaces.
Applications close 5pm, 14 March 2025
Find out more here.
Regional Arts Touring Round 2
The 24/25 Regional Arts Touring Round 2 is now open, offering grants from $5,000 to $120,000 to support arts and cultural touring across regional NSW.
Administered by Create NSW, this funding aims to enhance community access to vibrant arts experiences, foster creative collaborations, and boost local economies.
Applications close 17 March 2025
Find out more here.
Cultural Grants Program
Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW have been invited to apply for funding under the Cultural Grants Program 2024-25, for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000 to support events and activities that celebrate and promote Aboriginal cultures.
Applications close 21 March 2025
Find out more here.
EV Destination Grant
The NSW Government has extended the closing date for its EV Destination Charging Grants program.
This program offers co-funding to support the ownership and operation of public EV fast chargers at visitor destinations across regional NSW, enhancing accessibility for electric vehicle travelers.
Applications close 28 March 2025
Find out more here.
Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund
The Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund has been established to offer support to large-scale music festivals that deliver significant outcomes for contemporary music.
Sound NSW has established the fund, with funding available for eligible festivals with a 15,000 capacity or greater while the sector recalibrates to current financial challenges, such as rising costs, inflation, freight and the currency exchange.
Applications close 30 June 2026
(Accepting applications at any time on a needs-basis)
Find out more here.
Export Market Development Grants
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises and their representative bodies to market and promote their goods and services globally and undertake export training.
Lights On, Doors Open Stipend Program
Financial support for volunteer-led museums in NSW.
The ‘Lights On, Doors Open’ stipend program has been established to relieve the pressures faced by volunteer-led museums and Aboriginal cultural spaces in NSW.
Funding of $2,000 is available to provide crucial financial support to cover essential expenses like rent, electricity bills and more. The program is not for organisations developing new ideas; rather, it is aimed at supporting organisations to cover small operational items difficult to cover through other grant programs.
The application process is designed to be hassle-free, ensuring a smooth experience for all applicants.
Funding will be allocated based on the order of eligible applications received until funds are exhausted.
Find out more here.
NSW Grants and Funding Finder
Search the NSW Grants and Funding Finder, a platform providing information on grants, savings, rebates and budget relief from 46 separate government websites.