2026/27 Community Events Program

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This is a preview of the 2026/27 Community Events Application form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

BEFORE YOU START

Before you begin your application, please read the Community Funding Guidelines and information below carefully.
 
This section will help you check whether your organisation and event are eligible, and whether you have the required documents ready. Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements, or are missing information, cannot be supported.

COMMUNITY EVENTS PROGRAM

The Community Events Program supports community led events across the Greater Geraldton local government area, fostering connection and participation.

The program supports inclusive events that create welcoming experiences, celebrate local identity, build community pride and encourage visitation to the region.

Applicants may also request in-kind support as part of their application (for example, waived venue hire fees). Further information is available in the Community In‑Kind Assistance Program section of the Community Funding Guidelines.

Professional grant-writing experience is not expected.  Short responses or bullet point answers are acceptable, provided each question is clearly addressed.

Applicants are encouraged to keep responses under 100 words per question, however longer responses will be accepted.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

When making funding recommendations, the assessment panel primarily consider the following:
  • Clear community benefit
  • Clear economic benefit
  • Evidence of community support
  • Capacity to deliver the project
  • Alignment to City priorities
  • Realistic and affordable budget

WHO CAN APPLY (APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY)

You cannot apply if you are:

  • A political party
  • A Federal, State or Local Government agency or body
  • An educational institution (including P&C Associations)
  • A for-profit organisation
  • A private or public company (unless registered as a charity)
  • An individual
  • A City of Greater Geraldton employee or elected Council member

 

To be eligible, your organisation must:

  • Be a not‑for‑profit organisation
  • Be an incorporated association
  • Hold a valid ABN

EVENT ELIGIBILITY

Your event must meet all of the following requirements: 

  • Benefits the City of Greater Geraldton community
  • Be free, or include a free community component
  • Is delivered within the City of Greater Geraldton local government area
  • Aligns with the City’s Strategic Community Plan
  • Aligns with the City's Access and Inclusion Plan
  • Aligns with the City's Youth Strategy
  • Aligns with the City's Innovative Reconciliation Action Plan
  • Has not received funding from another City program in the same financial year
  • Has met all conditions of any previous City funding
  • Has not started, and will not start, until funding outcomes are announced
  • Is the only application your organisation submits in this funding round 
Important: Events that have already started, or where costs have already been incurred, are not eligible.  The City does not provide retrospective funding.

WHAT CITY FUNDING CANNOT BE USED FOR

City funding cannot be used to cover the following costs:
  • Day-to-day operational costs (including staff wages, insurance, rent, or utilities)
  • Catering (including water or meals)
  • Cash prizes
  • Uniforms
  • Bonds

If City funding is requested for any of the items above, the funding amount may be reduced to exclude those costs.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure City funding is only requested for eligible expenses.

 

FUNDING AMOUNTS

The amount of funding available will vary depending on the size, duration and community reach of the event.

As a guide:

  • Small events will be eligible for up to $5,000, or 50% of the total project cost (whichever is the lesser)
  • Large events will be eligible for up to $10,000, or 50% of the total project cost (whichever is the lesser)

The total project cost includes any in‑kind support.

For example:

  • Cash costs: $5,000
  • In‑kind support: $5,000

Total project cost = $10,000

Maximum City funding you may request = $5,000 (if expenses are eligible).

Requests for in‑kind support can be included in your Community Events application. Further details are available in the Community In‑Kind Assistance Program section of the Community Funding Guidelines.

Upon acquittal of the funding / project, if the City's contribution exceeds 50% of the total project cost, the surplus funds will be required to be returned to the City.

Amounts awarded to the successful applicants are final.  

PLANNING AN EVENT

A significant amount of planning is required to deliver a successful event, and as an organiser it is important to be aware of your obligations.  The City aims to support externally delivered community events where possible.

For further information and guidance, please refer to the City's website under Planning an Event.

DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED

Before starting your application, you should have the following ready:

  • An Event Outline, including a clear description and timelines.
  • A description of the expected benefits or outcomes
  • A detailed budget, including income and expenses
  • Letters of Support (Letters of Support from City employees or elected Council members are not permitted)
  • Quotes, where applicable
  • Financial Statements for the most recent completed year (Calendar year of financial year is accepted). Income and Expenditure Statement and Profit and Loss Statement are recommended.
  • Current insurance certificates
  • Two separate contact email addresses (one email address cannot be used for the two listed contacts)

NEED HELP?

If you are unsure about:

  • Your eligibility
  • Which funding program is best for your project, or
  • What documents are required

please contact the City’s Grants Team before applying at grants@cgg.wa.gov.au.

READY TO APPLY

If you have read the information above and confirmed that you meet all eligibility requirements, you can proceed with your application through the City’s online grants portal.

 

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Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements cannot be assessed.