Grants and Funding
We regularly share relevant funding opportunities to help support tourism businesses and projects across Southern NSW.
Grant and funding opportunities can support the growth of your business, project or event. Before applying, it is important to review the program guidelines carefully to confirm your eligibility and ensure your project aligns with the funding criteria. Many grants are highly competitive and have short application timeframes, so early preparation is key.
Important Information:
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- Destination Southern does not administer the grants and funding opportunities listed on this page.
- Eligibility requirements are set by the funding body. You must confirm that your organisation and project meet the criteria before applying.
- For detailed guidance, please refer to the contact information provided for each funding opportunity.
Letters of Support
If your project aligns with the Southern NSW Destination Management Plan, Destination Southern may be able to provide a letter of support to strengthen your application.
To request a letter of support, please complete this form.
Need Support?
If you would like guidance or support with your application, please contact your Industry Development Manager:
- Jenny Robb – Snowies & South Coast – jenny.robb@dsnsw.com.au | 0408 341 687
- Jessica Bryden – Southern Tablelands – jessica.bryden@dsnsw.com.au | 0403 223 996
Resources
Grant Opportunities
Active Regional Communities Package
Funding is now available to support projects that strengthen regional communities, increase participation and deliver long-term local benefits across regional NSW.
The Active Regional Communities Package provides $50 million in funding through three targeted streams, each designed to support different types of projects, from major events through to grassroots community initiatives.
Stream 1: Regional Events and Partnerships – Closed
Supports projects that deliver ongoing benefits from significant events and improve liveability in regional areas.
- Grants from $750,000 to $2 million
Applications closed 30 March 2026
Stream 2: Community Participation
Supports projects that increase participation in community activities and remove barriers to access.
- Grants from $100,000 to $1 million
- Open to local government, not-for-profits and community organisations
- Supports infrastructure, programs, transport and initiatives that improve access and inclusion
Applications close 1 May 2026
Stream 3: Local Priorities
Supports grassroots community organisations to expand or establish activities that improve wellbeing and participation.
- Grants from $10,000 to $100,000
- Open to community organisations
- Supports equipment, minor infrastructure, programs and new initiatives
Applications close 22 May 2026
This is a great opportunity to deliver projects that strengthen your community, improve participation and create lasting local impact.
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
Regional NSW Community Bands Program
The Regional NSW Community Bands Program offers quick response grants of up to $2,500 to support community concert bands, brass bands and string ensembles across regional NSW. Funding can assist with skill development, equipment, travel and performance activities, helping strengthen local participation and access to music.
Closes 19 May 2026 (2pm)
Find out more here.
Regional Event Fund
Funding is available to support regional events that drive visitation and strengthen the visitor economy across regional NSW.
The Regional Event Fund (REF) provides grants to help new, emerging and established events attract visitors, grow overnight stays and contribute to the regional visitor economy. With a four-week application window, event organisers are encouraged to begin preparing their application now and allow time to gather supporting information, data and endorsements.
Eligible events must be held between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.
Event Development stream
Supports established events that have previously completed triennial funding through the Flagship stream and are seeking to implement strategic growth initiatives.
Grants of up to $50,000 (ex GST)
Applications close 31 December 2026, or until funds are exhausted
Find out more here | Apply here
Need Support?
Destination Southern is unable to provide letters of support for the Regional Event Fund; however, we can provide support.
For more information on how to prepare a strong application and support, please see the recent REF announcement. Please note that the webinar mentioned in the announcement can be viewed on demand here.
To discuss support options, please contact your Destination Southern Industry Development Manager:
Jenny Robb – South Coast and Snowies – jenny.robb@dsnsw.com.au
Jessica Bryden – Southern Tablelands – jessica.bryden@dsnsw.com.au
For more information about the Regional Event Fund, visit the Destination NSW website or contact the Grants Administration team at grants.admin@dnsw.com.au
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.
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.