Grants and Funding
Grant and funding opportunities may be available to support the growth of your business, project, or event.
Before applying, carefully review the program guidelines to confirm your eligibility and ensure your project meets the funding criteria. Some grants are highly competitive and have short application timeframes, so early preparation is essential.
Important Information:
- Destination Southern NSW does not administer the grants and funding opportunities listed on this page.
- For guidance and support, please refer to the contact details provided for each funding opportunity.
- Destination Southern NSW cannot determine your eligibility for funding. You must confirm that your organisation and project meet the relevant program’s eligibility requirements before seeking support.
Letters of Support
If your project aligns with the Southern NSW Destination Management Plan, Destination Southern NSW may be able to provide a Letter of Support to strengthen your application.
To request a Letter of Support, please complete this form
For general enquiries or assistance with your application, Contact Us.
Regional Events Fund 2025-26 – Applications Now Open
The Regional Events Fund supports events that drive overnight visitation and boost local economies in regional NSW. Since its inception, the program has provided over $14 million to more than 530 events.
Events must take place between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 and be located within one of the seven Destination Networks.
Funding Streams
- Incubator Event Stream :
- Up to $20,000 (ex. GST) for new events in their first or second year.
- Applications close: 6 April 2025
- Flagship Event Stream:
- Grants for events running for more than two years to enhance marketing and attract visitation.
- Annual grant: $20,000 (ex. GST)
- Triennial grant: $30,000 (ex. GST) per year for three years for eligible events.
- Applications close: 6 April 2025
- Event Development Stream:
- Up to $50,000 (ex. GST) for established events with a growth strategy that increases overnight visitation.
- Applications close: 31 December 2025 (or until funds are exhausted).
How to Apply
Review the eligibility criteria and guidelines for your selected stream before applying. Apply via the Destination NSW website.
Resources
Additional information can be found under the Regional Event Fund Resource page.
Destination NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030
Winning the Grant – Webinar (60 minutes)
Winning the Grant – Slide Deck
Need Support?
For eligibility queries, contact the Grants Administration team at grants.admin@dnsw.com.au.
For assistance from Destination Southern NSW, contact:
Jenny Robb (Snowies & South Coast) – jenny.robb@dsnsw.com.au | 0408 341 687
Kylie Bushby (Southern Tablelands) – kylie.bushby@dsnsw.com.au | 0421 242 359
Additional Grant Opportunities
Disaster Ready Fund
Round three of the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is now open, with up to $200 million in funding for 2025-26, prioritising infrastructure projects and long-term community resilience. Eligible projects must focus on disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and strengthening community adaptability.
Applications must be submitted through Lead Agencies. For guidelines and details, visit the DRF website or contact your state or territory Lead Agency.
Applications close 2 April 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.