Funding up to $50,000 to support for-profit organisations to assist in the staging of events and festivals that create a vibrant and dynamic city experience.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Commercial Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program (CEFS)?
The Commercial Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program is administered by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), a subsidiary of the City of Adelaide (CoA).
The purpose of the program is to provide financial support to eligible for-profit organisations to assist in the staging of events and festivals that create a vibrant and dynamic city experience and support the outcomes of the CoA Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and AEDA Business Plan FY 2023/24.
The Commercial Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program will offer two categories of funding designed to assist in the staging of events and festivals that drive visitation, economic activity and vibrancy for the city:
- Small to Medium Category – Category is designed to support small to medium, new, existing, once-off city-based events/festivals or series of recurring events. e.g. markets, street parties etc.
- Medium to Large Category – Category is designed to support medium to large, new, existing, once off city-based events/festivals or series of recurring events. e.g. music festivals etc.
CEFS level of support
Grants
- Small to Medium Category – Up to $20,000
- Medium to Large Category – Up to $50,000
Co-contribution
- Other funding sources required i.e. self-funded or from other revenue streams
CEFS important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
CEFS objective
The program aims to provide financial support to eligible for-profit organisations to assist in the staging of events and festivals that create a vibrant and dynamic city experience and support the outcomes of the CoA Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and AEDA Business Plan FY 2023/24.
Activities and expenditure eligible for CEFS support
Applications will be ineligible if any of the following apply:
- The application does not meet the identified priorities of the city as detailed in the CoA Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and AEDA Business Plan 2023/24;
- The primary event/festival occurs outside the CoA boundary;
- The funding request is to cover CoA Park Land site fees;
- The event/festival is already receiving funding from CoA or its subsidiaries;
- A request for funding has already been considered for the event/festival by CoA or its subsidaries and has been unsuccessful;
- The event/festival is held online or virtually;
- The event/festival is private or invitation only;
- The funding request is for 100% of the cost to deliver the event/festival;
- The funding request is for an individual venue operating as part of an overarching/umbrella event/ festival;
- The funding request is for an individual artist and/ or performance as part of an overarching/umbrella event/festival;
- The funding request contravenes an existing CoA Policy or Operating Guideline;
- The funding request is for volunteer-run events/ festivals;
- The application is for an event/festival that denigrates or excludes any groups in the community;
- Event/festival safety and/or environmental hazards are identified;
- The funding request is for capital expenditure e.g. purchase or lease of real estate, renovation, repair or maintenance of buildings or purchase of major equipment or material goods such as office furniture, computers, playground etc;
- The funding request is for reimbursement of funds already spent;
- The funding request is for training or education in Government or private institutions, or research activities;
- The funding request is for a conference, trade show, congress, symposium etc;
- The funding request is for prize money, award ceremonies, commemorative events, theatre productions, parades or marches;
- The funding request is for travel and/or accommodation expenses;
- The funding request is for general fundraising activities and events;
- The funding request is from not-for-profit organisations including incorporated associations and companies limited by guarantee;
- The funding request is from State or Australian government departments (including statutory authorities of state government) or other councils
See the guidelines for full details of activities and expenditure eligible for CEFS support.
Other CEFS important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for CEFS support
Requests will be considered from:
- For-profit organisations including sole traders, partnerships and other commercial organisations and businesses
operating on an expected profit basis.
Small to Medium Category – Interested organisations are required to contact the Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator prior to applying to determine eligibility.
Medium to Large Category – Interested organisations are required to contact the Event Sponsorship and Attraction Advisor prior to applying to determine eligibility.
The following are ineligible:
- The organisation operates with an ineffective management structure and is unable to manage budgets and financial commitments;
- The applicant has outstanding debts with the CoA or its subsidiaries and/or incomplete reporting on previous funding awarded;
- The applicant undertakes canvassing or lobbying of Elected Members and/or employees of the CoA and its subsidiaries in relation to the sponsorship request.
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for CEFS support.
CEFS assessment criteria
Assessment criteria for the Small to Medium category:
- Event Plan – The application outlines a clear plan for event delivery and represents value for money and a good return on investment for AEDA/CoA. (25%)
- Environmental Considerations – Evidence that the event/festival employs environmentally sustainable practices relative to the scale and nature of the event/festival. (5%)
- Marketing and Promotion – Evidence that the event/festival will be promoted through a range of owned and paid channels to attract audiences. (20%)
- Benefit to City Businesses – Evidence that the event/festival will deliver positive outcomes for city businesses including increased spend and economic activity. (30%)
- Activation Period – The event/festival activates the city in the off-peak period (April – September) (10%)
- Financial Viability – The application demonstrates appropriate use of AEDA/CoA funds and provides evidence of a satisfactory budget. (10%)
Assessment criteria for the Medium to Large category:
- Strong Economies – The degree to which the event/festival provides a measurable economic benefit to the City of Adelaide and supports local businesses. (30%)
- Environmental Leadership – The degree to which the event/festival employs environmentally sustainable practices. (5%)
- Thriving Communities – The degree to which the event/festival creates safe spaces and places that are accessible and inclusive to all. (5%)
- Dynamic City Culture – The level of commitment to support and showcase local artists and artisans as part of the event/festival. The ability of the event/festival to attract and increase visitors/attendees and generate visitor bed nights. (20%)
- Brand and Marketing – Evidence the event/festival will be promoted through a range of channels supported by a satisfactory marketing plan. (20%)
- Activation Period – The event/festival activates the city in the off-peak period (April – September). (10%)
- Financial Viability – The degree to which the event/festival and organisation is financially viable and sustainable with or without AEDA/CoA sponsorship funding. The application demonstrates appropriate use of AEDA/CoA funds and provides evidence of a satisfactory budget. (10%)
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the CEFS?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
If your event/festival proposes to use an outdoor public space(s) (e.g. Park Lands, square, road/street) you are required to make a tentative booking with the CoA Events Team prior to submitting your funding application.
Information to prepare for the CEFS application
All questions in the application form must be answered and any requested attachments provided in order to be assessed. You must not refer to an attached document as your only response to a question. You may, however, reference an attachment in support of your answer.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the CEFS
Once you have discussed your proposal with the Event Sponsorship and Attraction Advisor or Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator you may be invited to complete an application online via SmartyGrants.
Small to Medium Funding Category – For more information and to discuss the eligibility of your request, please contact James Landseer Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator j.landseer@aedasa.com.au Ph: 08 8203 7802 (during office hours).
Medium to Large Funding Category – For more information and to discuss the eligibility of your request, please contact Paula Stankiewicz Event Sponsorship and Attraction Advisor p.stankiewicz@aedasa.com.au Ph: 08 8203 7318 (during office hours).
Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
CEFS resources
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