Festive Fund Grants

Applications now open

Festive Fund grants aim to support and encourage Nillumbik communities to celebrate the festive season.

Applicants can apply to receive up to $2,000 (GST inclusive) in Festive Grant funding to deliver a project, event or activity over the festive season that can be showcased within the Nillumbik Festive Calendar. 

What can be funded

Projects, events or activities to support the activation of a public place such as:

• simple, low-cost activities designed to encourage broad community involvement in a public setting
• inclusive events such as carolling, cooking demonstrations, festive DIY workshops or similar activities in open, accessible locations
• musicians, performers or entertainers delivering experiences in a publicly accessible location
• creative displays, temporary installations or interactive projects designed for children in public areas
• light displays, public art, craft installations or decorations that increase the attractiveness and vibrancy of public outdoor spaces
• local walks, picnic trails, scavenger hunts or similar activities to encourage engagement and movement through public spaces 
• purchase and installation of temporary outdoor elements (e.g. Christmas trees, decorations, signage, banners, sensory displays etc.)

We encourage you to get creative, give hope and spread kindness to others in your community.

What won’t be funded

Applications will NOT be considered for:

• projects, events or activities that:
  • do not support the activation of a public space
  • are single membership-based or private events that are not open to the public
  • are fully ticketed with no free or heavily subsidised component
  • could be funded through Council’s annual community grant programs, peak bodies or other government funding
  • are being held outside the Nillumbik municipal boundary, or that won’t substantially benefit the Nillumbik community
  • are curriculum based or entirely student, club or congregation focused
  • are solely for fundraising purposes without broad community benefit
  • have received full funding from another source
  • have a political purpose
• ongoing operational expenses or core business costs (e.g. salaries, administrative costs, maintenance costs, supplies, uniforms, organisational materials, utility bills, etc)
• competitions with no community component
• prize money, awards and donations
• alcohol or gambling related activities
• retrospective funding for projects that are due to commence prior to the notification of the application outcome
• applicants that are in debt to or have any outstanding commitments and/or acquittals with Nillumbik Shire Council.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, applicants MUST:

• be a not-for-profit incorporated organisation or community group that lives, works, studies, volunteers or plays in Nillumbik
  • unincorporated organisations and groups, local businesses or artists can apply if partnered with (auspiced by) an eligible not-for-profit incorporated organisation
• hold a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance at the time of the activity (if activity held in a Council venue or on Council land, you may be eligible for coverage under Council’s community public liability insurance)
• activities or events on Council land may require an event permit (for more information see Planning an event in Nillumbik)
• have acquitted and be compliant with all Nillumbik grants previously awarded by Council
• spend the funds before 31 January 2027.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by a panel of relevant Council officers on individual merit and how well they align to the fund themes in addressing the following criteria:

• creates opportunities for people to connect to place (30%)
• enhances community spirit, increases social inclusion and community connection (25%)
• is accessible and inclusive (20%)
• priority is given to local suppliers and the use of sustainable materials (15%)
• demonstrates the project, event or activity is well planned and financially viable (10%).

Applicants will be notified of the assessment outcome by late September 2026.

Funding conditions

Successful applicants must agree to:

• keep Council informed of any changes to the proposed funded activity
• liaise with Council regarding their promotional material and use of the appropriate Nillumbik Shire Council logo
• obtain all relevant project and event related permits, approvals, and licenses from the relevant authorities prior to commencement
• return the full or remaining amount of grant monies to Council if the funded activity is cancelled or is less than budgeted
• submit an acquittal and evaluation to Council within two months of the funded activity’s completion, or no later than 31 March 2027.

Acquittal and evaluation

This information enables Council to evaluate the achievements of funded activities, monitor the effectiveness of the grant program and ensure that we are meeting the needs of grant recipients and the community.

Recipients who have an outstanding acquittal for a grant, without an approved grant variation in place, may be ineligible for funding in future grant rounds until the outstanding acquittal is received.