Event Funding and Support

The Major Events Bidding Fund has been set up by the South Australian Government and committed to Events South Australia to secure, support or develop new major events for the state.

Major events are those which generate significant benefits for the state and align with wider government and tourism strategic priorities. They are typically world-class with visitation from international and national audiences and provide a strong media profile for the state, often including national and international broadcast. 

The Major Events Bidding Fund has proudly supported a diverse range of major events such as

• ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open
• Australian Swimming Championships
• 2015 AFL Draft
• Mundine v Green II
• Adelaide Fringe in Mt Gambier
• Lifesaving World Championships Adelaide 2018
• Australian Scouts Jamboree

Please read our major event sponsorship guidelines below for detailed information about the funding process.

For more information contact the Business Development Manager on +61 8 8463 4700 or esa@sa.gov.au

Live music is part of South Australia’s identity: a creative, thriving sector that makes an important contribution to our economy.

The State Government’s Live Music Events Fund was created to support live music events and festivals with the potential to grow into major tourist attractions. Events South Australia – in partnership with Arts South Australia through the Music Development Office – is administering the fund.

The Live Music Events Fund will distribute $1.35 million over three years. It aims to:

• Elevate Adelaide’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Music through activating our live music events calendar, with more festivals and events during winter and spring.
• Mitigate the financial barriers experienced by promoters in the first two years of staging a new live music event.
• Attract unique music events to South Australia that generate economic activity, provide local jobs and support local musicians.
• Support events that have the capacity to build their audiences, transform into major tourist drawcards and are financially sustainable.

Please refer to the Live Music Events Fund guidelines for more information and to apply for funding.

Our Regional Events and Festivals Program provides financial support towards marketing and PR for events that promote South Australia and its regions as tourism destinations.

Applications for funding through the 2019-20 round are now open and will support events held after 1 September 2019.

Those wishing to apply for funding are encouraged to review the Regional Events and Festivals Program funding guidelines prior to submitting an application.

To apply, go to the Events South Australia funding portal.

For more information contact the Sponsored Events Executive on +61 8 8463 4650 or esa@sa.gov.au

The Community Events Development Fund provides up to $5,000 +GST in financial support towards events that promote South Australia and its regions as tourism destinations.

This fund has similar criteria to the Regional Events and Festivals Program but supports new, smaller or community-based events seeking to increase their tourism relevance, or undertake a specific project to achieve this.

Applications for funding through the 2019-20 round are now open and will support events held after 1 September 2019.

Those wishing to apply for funding are encouraged to review the Community Events Development Fund guidelines prior to submitting an application.

To apply, go to the Events South Australia funding portal.

For more information contact the Sponsored Events Executive on +61 8 8463 4650 or esa@sa.gov.au

The Regional Business Events Bid Fund is the expansion of the current Convention Bid Fund which will now allow for the funding of bids to attract business events to regional locations in South Australia. This broadening of the fund will bring economic stimulus and increased vibrancy to our regions.

A Business Event is defined as a conference, symposium or incentive travel group.

Any funding provided would be subject to certain criteria and returns on investment for the region such as economic activity and delegate numbers.

Please read our Regional South Australia Business Events Bid Fund criteria for detailed information about the funding process.

The South Australian Tourism Commission will administer the funding on behalf of the State Government.

If you are interested in securing an event, please contact the Government Affairs Advisor on +61 8 8463 4551 or Kathryn.galpin@sa.gov.au.

Events South Australia does not provide funding support to:

• Trade and industry events – such as symposiums, exhibitions, education events, conferences.
• New Year’s Eve celebrations or Christmas pageants
• Charity or fundraising activities
• Club rallies or reunions
• Performances, concerts, markets, tours, open gardens, open days
• Rotational events. NB: Events which occur on a rotational basis with other regions or states will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Before applying for funding through Events South Australia's sponsorship opportunities, it is important for event managers to consider the application criteria and whether the funding stream is appropriate for their needs.

There are a number of alternative funding opportunities available through a range of local, state and federal government bodies. For more information surrounding alternative funding options, visit the GRANTassist website.

We also have a range of free resources and tools available to support your event. Access industry contacts, event templates and more here. Check our Industry Events page regularly for details of upcoming event workshops.