Council opens funding opportunities for events, community groups

Kiama Council is investing $185,000 in grant funding in the local economy and community through the opening of Round 1 of its 2026/27 Grants, Donations and Sponsorships Program.

The annual program features four funding streams - Destination Event Funding, Community Event Sponsorship, Community Grants and Donations (Small Grants).

They provide support for community-led initiatives and destination events that contribute to a vibrant, connected and sustainable Kiama community.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said the funding programs play an important role in supporting local organisations, events and initiatives that strengthen community life and economic prosperity.

"Kiama Council is proud to support initiatives that strengthen both our local economy and our community," he said.

"These funding programs will help bring new ideas to life, support local organisations, and continue to make Kiama a vibrant, connected and welcoming place to live, work and visit."

Destination Event Funding Program: A total of $100,000 annually is available through this program, supporting a diverse calendar of destination events that enhance the region's cultural, social and economic landscape while driving visitation and strengthening the local visitor economy.

Delivered annually across two funding rounds, the program reflects Council's commitment to attracting and supporting events that generate economic activity, showcase the region and deliver memorable experiences for residents and visitors.

"Destination events are a big part of what makes Kiama such a great place to visit," said Council's Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee chair, Councillor Matt Brown. "They support local businesses, create great experiences for our community and visitors, and play an important role in promoting Kiama as a destination.

"We want to see events right across the year, particularly during shoulder and off-peak periods, giving people more reasons to visit and helping local businesses benefit from a more consistent flow of visitors."

Council's Destination Event Funding Program has supported a range of successful events, including the Sydney FC Football Festival, Changing Tides Music Festival, Kiama Sevens Rugby Tournament, Kiama Beach Tag, KISS Arts Festival and Crooked River Winter Wine Festival.

Applicants interested in Destination Event Funding can direct enquiries to [email protected].

Community Event Sponsorship: Grants of up to $10,000 are available to not-for-profit organisations for large-scale community events that foster participation, deliver significant local benefits and contribute to positive social, cultural and environmental outcomes.

These include events such as music festivals, community and cultural festivals, and major art exhibitions.

Community Grants: Grants of up to $7000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations, artists, sporting clubs and school groups delivering projects that enhance social connection, cultural vibrancy, health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Examples include environmental projects, community functions, health and wellbeing initiatives, art and cultural programs.

Community Donations (small grants): Open year-round, donations (small grants) provide up to $1000 to not-for-profit community groups for grassroots activities that deliver positive community outcomes, such as sporting competitions, small community events, healthy lifestyle programs and initiatives.

Information session: Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to attend Council's online information session on Thursday 16 July 2026 at 12 noon (online). To register your attendance, visit: Kiama Council Grant Information Session - Rd1 2026/7

Not-for-profit community organisations and groups interested in applying to any of the Grants, Donations and Sponsorship funding streams are also encouraged to discuss project ideas and budgets with Council's Community Development Team before applying. To arrange a meeting, email: [email protected].