2024 - 2025 Regional Events Marketing Support Program

Applicants eligible to apply for assistance as part of the Support Program include:

1. non-profit organisations;
2. incorporated community based organisations;
3. co-operative regional groups or similar; and
4. incorporated associations

An applicant/event can only make one (1) application to the Support Program per financial year.

1. Applications open Monday, 22 April 2024
2. The funding is for events being held between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025
3. Applications for funding for funding support close Friday, 17 May 2024 at 12:00pm

There are three (3) tiers of funding available, up to a maximum of $5,000 per event.

Information required through the application process varies depending on the level of funding being requested:

1. $100 - $750
2. $751 - $2,000
3. $2,001 - $5,000 (maximum)

Tamworth Regional Council may provide in-kind marketing assistance as part of any successful application. 

Events are required to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the Support Program:

1. the event must occur within the boundaries of the Tamworth Regional Council area;
2. the applicant must have an ABN;
3. the applicant/s acknowledges that this funding is for marketing and promotional purposes only.  Tamworth Regional Council take absolutely no responsibility for any event operation expenses.  These remain wholly the responsibility of the organiser;
4. Level 3 funding ($2,001 - $5000) requires the applicant to submit a detailed event budget; 
5. the event must occur between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025;
6. retrospective funding for events is not available;
7. the applicant is required to complete a post event report.  Failure to do so will omit the event from future eligibility of funding; and
8. events where the organising body reside outside the Tamworth Regional Council local government area are eligible for Level 1 and 2 funding and/or in-kind support. 
9. Events which are hosted and coordinated within the Tamworth region will receive preference.

The program provides financial and/or in-kind support for events held within the Tamworth region, to support marketing and promotional activities only.

Tamworth Regional Council will only consider events that meet the following criteria:

1. events will be assessed on their ability to deliver on the three (3) focus areas;
2. the event will contribute to an increase expenditure in the region;
3. events must have clearly defined objectives and measurable outcomes in an event plan or business plan;
4. the Event Plan or Business Plan must:
   • identify a target audience;
   • include a marketing plan detailing all marketing, advertising, public relations and promotional activities to be undertaken to attract visitors to the event;
   • provide evidence of business or community support; and
   • outline the experience of the organiser to deliver this event.
     

All approved Event Marketing Support Program funds are to be used for marketing and promotional activities only, not for operational overheads.

Event Support assistance CAN be provided for items such as:

 event marketing including digital marketing

 assist with media buying

 media releases and media liaison

 media monitoring 

 event launch

 promotion through the Visitor Information Centre network

Event Support assistance will NOT be provided for items such as:

 events that start or are completed before assistance is approved

 educational costs

 infrastructure or asset purchases

 performer/artists fees

 general administration costs and/or employment costs

 prize money or giveaway items

 wages for event coordination

When preparing the budget please note the following:

1. successful applicants may NOT receive all the funding requested;
2. a detailed budget must be included, noting all costs associated with the event including in-kind amounts;
3. all other sources of funding and sponsorship are listed whether these are confirmed, unconfirmed or anticipated;
4. any other funds or in-kind support received from other areas within Tamworth Regional Council;
5. as part of the budget, it is critical to forecast whether the event will operate at a profit or a loss.

The assessment process is as follows:

1. the application is evaluated against eligibility and assessment criteria, supporting documentation and the event's ability to generate an economic benefit for the region;
2. Tamworth Regional Council will provide written advice on an application within 30 days of the closing date of the program;
3. the decision on funding is final; and
4. unsuccessful applicants may apply for funding again in the next financial year.
   

The value of funding and support provided will be at the discretion of Tamworth Regional Council. The decision to support an application under this program will be confirmed in writing and negates any discussions or commitments previously communicated about the application for support.

All successful applicants are required to submit a tax invoice at a date agreed upon with the Visitor Experiences team.

The following details must be included on your tax invoice:

1. ABN, name and address of applicant
2. amount of the grant + GST, if applicable
3. date of issue of invoice
4. invoice made in favour of Tamworth Regional Council
5. purchase order number (provided once funding has been approved)
6. description of goods or services being 'Tamworth Regional Council Event Marketing Support Funding for [insert name of event]'
7. organisation bank details

Tamworth Regional Council will pay any approved funds by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).  Payment will only be processed once all documentation associated with your event is received and approved.

For more information contact Tamworth Regional Council on (02) 6767 5555 or email: trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au