The Program
Warrnambool City Council supports, partners, facilitates and delivers some 150 events annually. Council acknowledges that events not only build community, they are important drivers of tourism and are a great way to promote a destination.
Events bring together young and old and disparate subcultures, enlarge social networks, and support social cohesion, whilst growing the visitor economy and driving economic outcomes.
The Events and Promotion branch seeks to support events which contribute to the local economy and build the profile of Warrnambool as a vibrant regional city through the annual Festivals and Events Grants and Partnership Program.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the program support events and festivals that align with the Warrnambool Events Strategy and Warrnambool Council Plan. Preference will be given to applicants that:
- Generate a diverse, vibrant and inclusive annual calendar of events
- Attract overnight visitors outside of peak visitation times, particularly in winter
- Attract new revenue into the local economy, providing a boost to local businesses
- Create memorable experiences that are unique to Warrnambool’s city lifestyle and unique natural environment
- Encourage and assist events to become financially sustainable and protect valuable annual events
- Inspire and empower environmental enhancements, and social benefits to improve liveability
- Occur in off-peak and shoulder seasons
- New events that have not been funded previously
Grant Round Dates
Applications are accepted from Tuesday 3 June to Sunday 29 June 2025.
| Funding Round Open | 9:00am Tuesday 3 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Funding Round Closes | 11:59pm Sunday 29 June 2025 |
| Report submitted for endorsement to Council | Monday 4 August 2025 |
| Applicants notified of funding outcome | Tuesday 5 August 2025 |
| Projects completed between | Tuesday 5 August 2025 – Tuesday 30 June 2026 |
| Project acquitted and post event report due | Thursday 31 July 2026 |
Guidelines
Festivals and Events Fund Grant Program Guidelines 2025/26
The Festivals and Events Fund is a competitive process and funds are awarded based on merit according to the weighted criteria.
Canvassing of Councillors is prohibited. This means that you can’t contact a Councillor and ask them to put in a good word, or help you get your grant approved.
Council provides funding for the term specified in the Funding Terms and Conditions.
Council reserves the right to withdraw support or ask for funds to be returned if recipients do not comply with Council policy or written agreement entered into.
The total funding pool for 2025/26 is $200,000.
Submitting an application
Applications for the 2025/26 funding round open on Tuesday 3 June 2025.
Grant applications are only accepted using the SmartyGrants online system.
From 9:00am on Tuesday 3 June 2025 a link will be available for the online SmartyGrants.
Funding Classifications
| Classification | Funding Range |
|---|---|
| Tourism Events | Up to $10,000 |
| Small to medium community events | Up to $5,000 |
| Large community events | Up to $10,000 |
| Business Events and Conferences | Up to $5,000 |
| Partnership | On application |
| Community Christmas Carol Funding | 100-1000 attendees - $500 1000 – 2000 attendees - $1,000 2000+ attendees - $1,500 |
Help is available
Council Officers are available if you have any questions please call the Events and Promotions team on (03) 5559 4800 or email [email protected]
Grant Information Session
Local clubs, community groups and artists are invited to attend an information session about grants and funding opportunities offered through Warrnambool City Council. Please click here for further information.