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
Resources
Destination NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030
Winning the Grant – Webinar (60 minutes)
Winning the Grant – Slide Deck
Need Support?
For general enquiries or assistance with your application please contact:
Jenny Robb (Snowies & South Coast) – jenny.robb@dsnsw.com.au | 0408 341 687
Jessica Bryden (Southern Tablelands) – jessica.bryden@dsnsw.com.au | 0403223996
Grant Opportunities
Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program
The Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program supports partnerships that strengthen arts, culture and creative industries across regional NSW. Grants of up to $150,000 are available to deliver programs focused on skills development, organisational capacity, audience growth and creative activation of spaces.
Closes 31 March 2026 (2pm)
Find out more here.
Aboriginal Affairs NSW Cultural Grants Program
Aboriginal Affairs NSW has opened the 2025–2026 Cultural Grants Program, inviting Aboriginal community organisations and groups to apply for funding that supports events and activities celebrating culture, identity and connection to Country.
Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available to support the continuation of living cultures across NSW, helping communities share knowledge, strengthen identity and lead locally driven cultural initiatives.
The program is open on a rolling basis until the $1.5 million funding pool is allocated or until 31 March 2026.
Find out more here.
Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant Program – Round 2
The SEP Kickstart Grant Program supports NSW councils to establish and implement Special Entertainment Precincts, embedding best-practice night-time precinct management and safety principles. Grants from $20,000 to $250,000 are available to support strategic planning, community engagement and technical work, with optional additional funding to explore Purple Flag accreditation.
Closes 13 April 2026 (2pm)
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 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.