Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Program
Council's Major Events, Festival and Film Sponsorship program aims to fund meaningful, creative and high-quality events for our community and visitors to participate in and enjoy. Funding is available for events that demonstrate strong tourism and economic benefits, with eligibility based on the event categories and major tourism event definition below.
Funding for the following types of events:
| Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Program | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Incubator Events | New tourism events in their first or second year of development that demonstrate sound organisational planning and a broad appeal that is likely to attract tourism and overnight visitation. |
The funding range is: $3,000 to $10,000 |
|
Developing Events | Developing major tourism events* that have been running for more than two years, that demonstrate sound organisational planning, attract significate attendance and/or overnight visitation and enhances the profile of Wagga Wagga as a major regional events destination. |
The funding range is: $3,000 to $20,000 |
| Flagship Events | Established major tourism events* that have already received three years funding through the Developing Events category and can present a comprehensive strategy for future growth and development of its tourism potential. This sponsorship is |
The funding range is: $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Out of Round Sponsorship Requests | For new or unplanned projects that arise outside the assessment timeframes (see program timeline below) pending sufficient remaining allocated funds. Maximum of one per event over the events lifecycle. | The funding range is: $3,000 to $15,000 |
*A major tourism event is defined as an event, festival or film that is expected to attract in excess of 2,500 attendees, generates economic impacts greater than $350,000 and/or provide significant state/national and local exposure for the city.
Program timeline
The Major Events, Festival and Film Sponsorship is for events held from 1st July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Applications now closed
Applications for the 2026/27 Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Fund have now closed, with all available funding fully allocated. Applications for events seeking funding in 2027/28 will open in February 2027.
| Round | Application due date | Council meeting date |
|---|---|---|
| One | Sunday 10 May 2026 | Monday 22 June 2026 |
| Two | Sunday 12 July 2026 | Monday 24 August 2026 |
| Three | Sunday 4 October 2026 | Monday 16 November 2026 |
| Four | Sunday 10 January 2027 | Monday 8 February 2027* |
How to apply
1. Read the information
Read the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Guidelines (PDF, 2.7 MB)
2. Consult with Events Officer
If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Council's Event Sponsorship Program, please contact the Events Officer on 1300 292 442 or email events@wagga.nsw.gov.au.
3. Complete and submit the application
Applications for the Major Events, Festivals and Films sponsorship program can be completed via Smarty Grants.
All funding applications received will be reviewed by an assessment panel. Recommendations will then be made to the next available Council meeting for endorsement.
Successful and unsuccessful applications will be notified after Council’s decision.