Grants & Funding

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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

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide Letters of Support for the Destination NSW Regional Events Fund.

For general enquiries or assistance with your application,  Contact Us.

Regional Events Fund 2025-26

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

  1. 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).
  2. Incubator Event Stream :
    • Up to $20,000 (ex. GST) for new events in their first or second year.
    • Applications closed
  3. 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 closed

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

Grants Workshop Notes

Event Organiser Toolkit

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
Jessica Bryden (Southern Tablelands)jessica.bryden@dsnsw.com.au | 0403223996

Additional Grant Opportunities

Regional Arts NSW Quick Response Grants

The Regional Arts NSW’s Quick Response Grants are open monthly through to November, providing funding for unplanned, time-sensitive opportunities. Individuals can apply for up to $3,000 and organisations up to $5,000 for projects beginning within 2–12 weeks of the round’s close.

These grants support urgent needs like skills development or last-minute project delivery and are assessed competitively at month’s end.

Find out more here.

Touring and Travel Fund

Sound NSW’s Touring and Travel Fund offers quick response support for travel and accommodation costs related to contemporary music tours, industry events, and professional development opportunities. NSW-based artists, acts and music industry professionals can apply for up to $2,500 per person for domestic activity, or up to $5,000 for international activity.

 Applications are assessed monthly. Additional support is available for regional and remote applicants.

 Funding program closes 28 November 2025

 Find out more here.

Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund

The Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund supports large-scale NSW music festivals that program new and original contemporary music and are facing short-term financial challenges. Festivals must have a minimum daily capacity of 15,000, a proven track record, and be scheduled within three months of application.

Grants of up to $500,000 are available to help cover eligible government-related and operational costs.

Applications are open on a needs basis until the fund is exhausted or the closing date.

Funding program closes 30 April 2026

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.

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.