Business and commercial events sponsorship

This Sponsorship Program aims to encourage and assist the development and implementation of events that:

• demonstrate the ability to have a strong economic benefit and encourage visitation to the region;
• promote and encourage community participation across all sectors of the community;
• reduce the isolation of individuals and groups within a community;
• are inclusive and accessible to all members of the community, including youth and older persons.

Assistance, which may comprise in kind support, a cash contribution, or a combination of both, may be made available to business/commercially staged events and activities. 

Council expects formal sponsor status and associated recognition (eg passes/media) in exchange for sponsorship.

The provision of in kind support involves a direct cost for the community and Council, either by the provision of additional support/service over that usually available to the community, or an opportunity cost - the diversion of support/resources away from normal business towards the sponsorship. 

Therefore, the value of Council’s sponsorship can readily be ascribed a Total Cash Equivalent (TCE) for the purposes of the sponsorship. Council requires that this TCE be recognised when organisers determine Council’s sponsor status. 

Sponsorship funds are not to be passed on to third parties as payments, fees, gifts, or prizes etc. 

Priority will be given to applications that contribute to economic development, address identified community needs and align with Council’s Vision, corporate objectives, priorities and strategies. 

The Commercial Sponsorship Program will prioritise support when the applicant: 

• is based in and/or they can evidence that their services are focused and delivered within the municipal boundaries;
• demonstrates their own contributions (cash and in-kind);
• is not already in receipt of substantial funding/in-kind support from Council;
• is providing a proposed activity that is innovative or unique for the shire.

These events include tourism, business and sporting with an economic benefit focus, and they can be annual, one off or untested events that have potential to develop. Events also target niche markets and may include large sporting events.

To ensure equity, organisations are only able to submit one application per financial year.

Events will typically have: 

• Minimum operational budget of $10,000;
• Economic benefit to the community ($10,000 - $250,000);
• Marketing is participant focused and/or locally and regionally focused;
• Complements the existing event calendar;
• Potential to grow.

This program has two categories for assistance, depending on the status of the applicant:

Local

• The applicant is a ratepayer of the shire.
• May be eligible for cash and / or in kind support.

External

• The applicant is not a ratepayer of the shire.
• May be eligible for in kind support only.

Events / activities that charge the public an admission fee will not be considered for a cash contribution as part of Council's sponsorship.

The provision of in kind support involves a direct cost for the community and Council, either by provision of additional support / service over that usually available to the community, or an opportunity cost - the diversion of support / services away from normal business towards the sponsorship.

Therefore, the value of Council’s sponsorship can readily be ascribed a Total Cash Equivalent (TCE) for the purposes of the sponsorship. Council requires that this TCE be recognised when organisers determine Council’s sponsor status. 

Council expects formal sponsor status and associated recognition (eg passes/media) in exchange for sponsorship. 

Sponsorship funds are not to be passed on to third parties as payments, fees, gifts, or prizes etc. 

The following will not be considered for funding:

• Applications from an individual, business or group with any outstanding grant acquittals or debts owed to Council;
• Applications for retrospective funding;
• Applications for events that are held outside of Campaspe Shire;
• Recurrent or ongoing salaries and on-costs;
• Insurance, such as (but not limited to) public liability;
• Applications for prizes, wages;
• Hire of commercial venues;
• Applications applying to another Council funding stream for the same activity.

Organisations that have licensed gaming/gambling facilities or derive substantial funds from gambling are ineligible to apply.

Profits from events where funding from Council has been received must not be used by recipients to make subsequent grants, sponsorships or donations to other individuals or organisations, without the prior approval of Council. 

Organisers of events which are held on publicly owned land, facilities or venues, or have significant impact on shire operations must submit an Events Application Form no later than 90 days prior to the event. See our Event planning webpage for more information.

Applicants are required to develop an event plan, including risk assessment, as part of a well-managed event. Please refer to our events planning webpage for assistance.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure they are eligible for consideration, such as quotations provided, incorporation current and, if an auspiced application, that the auspice body has completed the authorisation.

Applications will be assessed by a panel, appointed by the Chief Executive Officer, and will use the following assessment matrix.

The grant panel will develop recommendations for funding. These recommendations will be presented to Council for consideration. 

Funding decisions will then be communicated to applicants.

Once you have read the conditions of this funding program, applications must be made online. Applications are open throughout the year, subject to availability of funds.

Online application here.

Hints to completing your application:

• Save your progress
• Reduce the size of documents uploaded
• Some fields are 'required' and must be completed