Grants & Funding

Stronger Together Local Councils Major Festival Grants

Stronger Together Local Councils Major Festival Grants

Stronger Together Local Councils Major Festival Grants

Program objective

The Stronger Together Local Councils Major Festival grant funding is available for major festivals run by local councils across NSW.  

This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Eligible applicants for a Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Local Council Mayor Festival Grants must be Local Government Councils.

Types of projects funded under this grant

The Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Local Councils Major Festival grant funding is available for major festivals that showcase our state's diversity, run by local councils across NSW.

When the project can start and end

Funding is available for Major Festivals delivered between 1 February 2027 to 29 February 2028.

The project should be started by 1 February 2027 and the project must be completed by 29 February 2028.

Who can’t apply

Any organisation that is not a Local Government Council.

What co-contributions are required

To be eligible for a Stronger Together Local Council Major FEstival Grant, applicants must clearly show co-contributions towards the festival.

Applicants must value-match the funding amount sought from Multicultural NSW. This includes a minimum of 25% cash contribution and details of other income sources such as sponsorships or other grant funding amounting to a minimum 75% of the grant.

Key information

Grant amount: From $100,000 to $250,000

Application opened: 7 September 2026

Application closes: 2 October 2026, 4:00 pm

Start the application

  • Applicants need to register with SmartyGrants to apply. If the Local Council has used SmartyGrants to apply for a grant with Multicultural NSW before, they will already be registered.
  • Applications that are not submitted online through the Multicultural NSW SmartyGrants portal before the closing date (Friday 2 October 2026, 4pm) will not be progressed for assessment.
  • Attachments can be uploaded through the online application form.

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: Minister

  • Grants are awarded on merit following a competitive assessment process.
  • All applications for grants are initially reviewed by Multicultural NSW Grants Officers to ensure mandatory compliance with eligibility criteria and required documentation.
  • Compliant applications are then considered by an Assessment Panel convened by Multicultural NSW.
  • The Assessment Panel will make recommendations for grant funding to the Minister for Multiculturalism, who will approve successful applications.
  • Both successful and unsuccessful grant applications will be notified in writing.

Anticipated assessment outcome date is November 2026

Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is December 2026

Support and contact

Grantsinfo@multicultural.nsw.gov.au

Apply now