Festive and Commemorative Events Grants
Funding for community-led Christmas, New Year, Australia Day, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day community events.
Festive and Commemorative Events grants support costs associated with delivering the following community-led event types only:
- Festive Season Events - Christmas, New Year (31 December/1 January) and Australia Day
- Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
Applications for funding for all other types of events can be submitted in the major or minor grant rounds under the category most relevant to the focus of the event.
Information on eligibility, category priorities and assessment criteria
Community Grants guidelines (PDF, 301KB) updated January 2024
What funding is available?
- Up to $15,000 for regional events
- Up to $3000 for local events.
Well-established community organisations with a proven track record of delivering festive or commemorative community-led events can apply for up to three years funding.
When funding is available?
Single Year Funding
- Applications for single-year funding open on 2 June 2025 and close 30 April 2026.
- Assessments occur at the end of July, October, January and April.
- There will be no applications accepted in May 2026. This time will be used to review the program and get ready for the next year.
Multi-Year Funding
- Applications for multi-year funding open on 2 June 2025 and close on 28 July 2025. Since this is second year of a three-year cycle, you can only apply for two years of funding.
- This is the only time you can apply for multi-year funding. If you miss it, you can still apply for single-year funding during the rest of the year (except May 2026).
- The next three-year multi round will open in June 2027.
Single-year and multi-year applications can be submitted for the following events:
- Festive Season – Christmas/New Year (2025, 2026). Single year applicants have until 31 October to submit their application*.
- Australia Day – (2026, 2027). Single year applicants have until 31 October to submit their application*.
- Anzac Day – (2026, 2027). Single year applicants have until 31 January to submit their application*.
- Remembrance Day – (2025, 2026). Single year applicants have until 31 July to submit their application*
* All multi year applications must be submitted by 28 July 2025.
Please see below for round close key dates to assist with planning:
| Round Closing Dates | Notes |
| 31 July 2024 | Multi-year requests for up to 3 years of funding can be submitted in this round only |
| 31 October 2024 | Final date for 2024 Christmas/New Year events |
| 31 January 2025 | Final date for 2025 Anzac events |
| 30 April 2025 | |
| 28 July 2025 | Multi-year requests for up to 2 years of funding can be submitted in this round only |
| 31 October 2025 | Final date for 2025 Christmas/New Year events |
| 31 January 2026 | Final date for 2026 Anzac events |
| 30 April 2026 | |
| 31 July 2026 | No multi-year requests this year as it is the third year of the three year cycle |
| 31 October 2026 | Final date for 2026 Christmas/New Year events |
| 31 January 2027 | Final date for 2027 Anzac events |
| 30 April 2027 |
When will I know if I have been successful?
- Single-year funding applications will be notified approximately 3 weeks after each round closes., ie 3 weeks after end of July, October, January and April.
- Multi-year funding will be notified approximately 6 weeks after the round closes.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted online.
- If you are new to this program, or if you have been getting single-year funding and now want to apply for multi-year funding, please phone Colin from Council's Creative Arts & Events team on 0416 429 329. If your project is approved to move forward, you will get an email with a link to the application form. (Please do not call if you already received the link in an email).
- Events must be scheduled to take place after notification of funding outcomes.
What else should I consider when applying for funding?
- Grant writing tips and project planning tools (including auspicing)
- Acknowledging council, acquitting your grant
- Previous successful applicants
- Help and resources.
Variations to already funded projects
If you require a project variation or an extension of your project dates, contact the Grants Team via grants@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au with the details.