Key information
- Applications open: 9am Thursday 30 July 2026
- Applications close: 11.59pm Sunday 6 September 2026
- Funding available: $10,000 to $65,000 per year
- Funding period: up to three years (July 2027 to June 2030)
- Who can apply: community-led and not-for-profit organisations
- Events must be: predominantly free, accessible and deliver community benefit
The Connected Nillumbik - Festival and Event Program supports community-led and not-for-profit festivals and events that strengthen community connection, inclusion and resilience across Nillumbik.
Funding of $10,000 to $65,000 per year is available to support one annual event for up to three years (July 2027 to June 2030).
Funded events should bring people together, build local identity and deliver lasting community benefit for Nillumbik residents.
Eligibility
Events must:
- be community-led and not-for-profit
- attract attendance from Nillumbik residents and visitors
- be held within the Nillumbik municipal boundary (or meet the exceptional location requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines)
- deliver significant community and/or economic benefit
- be predominantly free and accessible
- remain substantially consistent throughout the funding period unless changes are approved by Council
$10,000 to $30,000 funding request
Attendance
Open to the general public, predominantly free and accessible, and capable of accommodating at least 1,000 attendees.
Evaluation
- Basic evaluation eg surveys and event statistics
- Achieved minimum event attendance
Sustainability
Identify ways in which you will minimise the environmental impact of your event including:
- Provide appropriate amount of bins
- Identify and remove single use plastics
- Promote public transport
- Minimise printed promotional collateral and focus on digital marketing
- Provide access to free water
Business engagement
- Engage with 5 businesses within the Shire (where possible)
- Engage with local traders association
- Communicate to local businesses
Council recognition
- Marquee/activation space allocation in a prominent position
- Speaking opportunities
- Recognition of Sponsorship from Council
- Inclusion of Council messages in the program
- Acknowledgement and signage opportunities
Acquittal
Within eight weeks of the event concluding.
$30,001 to $65,000 funding request
Attendance
Open to the general public, predominantly free and accessible, with capacity to accommodate more than 3,500 attendees.
Evaluation
- Evidence of the impact/success of the event including survey data, social media engagement, photos and media
- Achieve minimum attendance and outline how it was determined
Sustainability
Identify ways in which you will minimise the environmental impact of your event including:
- Provide bins to separate garbage, commingled recycling, and organics if the event has retail food
- Identify and remove single use plastics
- Provide access to free water
- Promote public transport
- Minimise printed promotional collateral and focus on digital marketing
- Provide and promote bike parking
Business engagement
- Engage with 10 businesses within the Shire (where possible)
- Engage with local traders association and regional tourism bodies
- Communicate to local businesses
Council recognition
- Marquee/activation space allocation in a prominent position
- Speaking opportunities
- Recognition of Sponsorship from Council
- Inclusion of Council messages in the program
- Acknowledgement and signage opportunities
Acquittal
Within eight weeks of the event concluding.
Assessment process
Applications are checked for eligibility before being assessed by an Assessment Panel.
Applications are assessed against:
- alignment with program objectives
- community benefit
- local participation
- capacity and experience
- event delivery and management
- accessibility and inclusion, environmental impact, and recognition of Traditional Owners
- budget
An additional consideration of up to 10 per cent may be applied to support a balanced geographic distribution of funded events across Nillumbik.
Need help?
For eligibility enquiries or questions about the Program Guidelines, contact the Events Team.
Event organisers are also encouraged to: