Event Funding

The Regional Event Fund (REF) provides financial and indirect support to leisure tourism events that directly contribute to the objectives of the South Australia Tourism Plan 2030. 

No. An event can only be awarded funding under one category per funding round.

The online application portal will automatically allocate a funding category based on the event’s attendance levels and the number of years the event has been running.

Applicants should refer to the Regional Event Fund 2026/27 Guidelines for the full eligibility requirements for each category.

The maximum funding available per year is:

• Established Events: $20,000 to $50,000 (plus GST, if applicable)
• Development Events: $5,000 to $20,000 (plus GST, if applicable)

Funding may be offered for up to three years, subject to assessment outcomes and ongoing performance.

The Regional Event Fund opens once per year. Applications are only accepted while the Fund is open.

Yes. Metropolitan Adelaide is considered a tourism region of South Australia and is eligible under the Regional Event Fund.

Applications for the Regional Event Fund 2026/27:

• Open: 12pm, Friday 27 February 2026
  
  
• Close: 5pm, Thursday 26 March 2026

Eligible applicants must complete and submit an online application via the dedicated grants portal by 5pm, Thursday 26 March 2026 to be considered for assessment.

Events staged between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027 are eligible for funding.

No. This round of funding supports events staged between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027 only.

Applicants should consider whether their event outcomes align with the objectives and purpose of the Regional Event Fund, as outlined in the 2026/27 Guidelines.

The Fund aims to support leisure events that drive tourism visitation, including visitors from outside the region, both intrastate and interstate.

To be considered, events must meet the eligibility requirements and address the assessment criteria set out in the Guidelines.

Yes. Funding must be used in line with the Regional Event Fund Guidelines and is intended to support event innovation, development and growth that drives tourism visitation and positive media exposure.

Funding cannot be used for:

• Prize money
  
  
• Sanctioning fees
  
  
• Legal costs
  
  
• Insurance

In most cases, each event will require a separate application so it can be assessed on its own merits.

Before applying, applicants should contact the Acquisition and Development Team at [email protected] to confirm the best approach.

Yes. Applications are accepted from not-for-profit organisations.

Yes. Applicants must have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).

If successful, the South Australian Tourism Commission will enter into a sponsorship agreement with the organisation.

Applicants will be required to provide documentation to support their application, including:

• Event business plan
  
  
• Event marketing plan
  
  
• Event evaluation or economic impact data from a previous event (where available)
  
  
• Event budget and profit and loss statement
  
  
• Letters of support from the relevant Regional Tourism Manager and/or local council
  
  
• Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance ($20 million minimum)

Specific requirements are outlined in the Guidelines and within the application portal.

As the funding is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to provide as much relevant information as possible to support a strong application.

Yes. If the event is successful, the required insurance must be obtained prior to signing the sponsorship agreement, and a Certificate of Currency must be provided.

No. Due to the competitive nature of the Fund and the number of applications received, not all eligible events will be funded.

Applications are assessed comparatively, and funding is allocated to the strongest applications until available funds are fully committed.

No. To ensure fairness across all applicants, extensions are not granted and late applications or additional information cannot be accepted after the Fund closes.

Applications are assessed comparatively against the eligibility requirements and assessment criteria outlined in the Regional Event Fund Guidelines.

Applications are shortlisted by an assessment team and reviewed by a panel to determine successful events.

The panel may exercise its absolute discretion in assessing applications. Decisions are final and not subject to appeal. 

Assessment begins once the Fund closes. Applicants can expect to be advised of the outcome by mid 2026.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email from [email protected].

Yes. Applicants must notify the Acquisition and Development Team at [email protected] of any changes, including revised event dates or contact details.

The regions are supported by Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). Since 2025, in partnership with RTO Boards, councils and industry, we have been transitioning to a network of Tourism Zones to strengthen regional tourism. These are independent destination management organisations that represent multiple regions. Further information can be found here.

The total amount of funding available within the Algal Bloom Event Support Fund is $750,000 (plus GST if applicable) split across eligible metropolitan and regional grant areas.

A maximum of $20,000 (plus GST if applicable) will be provided to each successful applicant. 

Grants available:

• Grants of up to $20,000 (plus GST if applicable) per event for existing metropolitan events. This fund has a total of $250,000 to support metropolitan events. 
• Grants of up to $20,000 (plus GST if applicable) to support existing regional events. This fund has a total of $500,000 to support regional events. 

Please note that applications are open until 1 March 2026 or until funds are exhausted, whichever is earlier.  

Existing regional and metropolitan events, including leisure, council, and community events, held between 1 December 2025 and 31 March 2026 in eligible postcodes. 

Use the postcode-check tool to check eligibility. For the full list of postcodes here.

Applications will be accepted for eligible postcodes only. 

Interstate organisations may apply provided they are delivering an eligible existing event in South Australia. Other eligibility criteria apply. See the Algal Bloom Event Support Fund Guidelines for further information. 

Yes, events currently receiving SATC sponsorship are eligible for this grant. If successful, a separate agreement with dedicated reporting requirements will be executed for this grant.  

The fund is administered by the South Australian Tourism Commission. Applications will be accepted via the dedicated online form only.

Please note, applications will not save your progress. 

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

If you are experiencing difficulty applying or would like a copy of the form, please contact the SATC [email protected]. 

Applications are open until 5pm on Sunday, 1 March 2026, or until funds are exhausted, whichever is earlier. 

Funding can be used for:

• Marketing,
• audience development,
• enhanced programming, 
• and activities to stimulate visitation and regional confidence. 

Funding cannot be used for:

• Prize money,
• sanctioning fees,
• legal costs,
• insurance premiums and
• activities not directly related to event delivery or community/tourism benefit. 

In addition to completing the form, additional documents required include: 

• Event budget or profit/loss statement 
  Provide a table or spreadsheet including:  
  • Income sources: Ticket sales, sponsorships, grants, donations, etc. 
  • Expenses: Venue hire, marketing, staffing, equipment, insurance, permits, etc. 
  • Net position: Expected profit or loss. 
    
    
• Marketing plan - A plan detailing how the event will be promoted and who the intended audience is. 
  Provide an outline of the following: 
  • Target audience: Demographics, geographic reach, interests.  
  • Marketing channels: Social media, print, radio, TV, partnerships, email campaigns.  
  •  Timeline: Key dates for promotional activities.  
  • Objectives: Expected outcomes (attendance, engagement, media coverage).  
  • Budget: Allocation for marketing activities. 
    
    
• Risk assessment plan - A document outlining potential risks associated with the event and strategies to mitigate them. 
  Include a risk matrix with the following: 
  • Risk identification: Weather, Algal Bloom effects, crowd control, health and safety, financial risks. 
  • Mitigation strategies: Emergency procedures, insurance, staff training, security measures. 
  • Responsibility: Who is responsible for managing each risk. 
  • Compliance: Adherence to local regulations  
    
    
• Current Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance ($20 million minimum).
  • Provide the official document from your insurer showing coverage amount, validity dates, and insured parties. Ensure the certificate matches the event dates and location. 

The amount awarded is at the absolute discretion of the SATC Assessment Panel.

To ensure the full benefit of the ABESF is felt across the affected coastal areas, the Assessment Panel may not fund the full amount requested by all applicants (if successful).

Applicants are still encouraged to apply for the amount they require for their event and should demonstrate the value of the requested amount within their event budget. 

You will be notified of the outcome within 10 business days via email. Grant decisions are final and cannot be appealed.  

Updated announcements will be listed on this page. All outstanding applications will be notified in the event this occurs. 

For further information, please email [email protected].  

Further information can be found at algalbloom.sa.gov.au. 

The South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Events Fund aims to strengthen the regional events calendar by encouraging the development of new and innovative regional events, grow existing events, and drive increased visitation and economic stimulus to the regional economy.

There are two categories in the Regional Event Fund:

Established Event Funding
Up to three years’ funding will be provided to events that can demonstrate a strong track record of growth and a strategy for event innovation. Successful applications to the Established Event category will receive from $20,000 up to $50,000 per year in financial support.

Development Event Funding
Up to three years’ funding will be provided to new and emerging events that can demonstrate potential for growth and development to become an annual addition to the event calendar. Successful applications to the Development Event funding will provide $5,000 up to $20,000 per year in financial support.

REGIONAL EVENT FUND 2026-27

How to apply

The 2026-27 round of funding is applicable for events held between 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.

Key dates*:

• Opened: 12pm, Friday 27 February 2026
• Closed: 5pm, Thursday 26 March 2026
• Eligible Event dates: 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027
• Funding decision: mid 2026 
  

*Dates and timings are subject to change at the discretion of the South Australian Tourism Commission

Previous recipients of the Regional Event Fund:

• 2025-26
• 2024-25 
• 2023-24
• 2022-23
• 2021-22 
  • Round two
  • Round one
• 2020-21

To keep up to date with Regional Event Fund announcements, please subscribe to our regular e-newsletter here.

For enquiries, please email [email protected]. 

KEY DATES*:

• Open: 12pm, Tuesday, 1 July 2025
• Close: 5pm, Thursday 24 July 2025
• Funding decision: August 2025 
  

To keep up to date with Drought Relief Regional Event Fund announcements, please subscribe to our regular e-newsletter here.

For enquiries, please email [email protected]. 

The Major Events Fund has been set up by the South Australian Government to secure, support or develop new major events for the state.
 
Events South Australia takes a strategic approach to the development of the state’s event calendar by securing major one-off leisure events that generate tourism and promote South Australia as a destination of choice. This approach ensures there is a balance of activity across the year and that key venues, facilities and services are used.
 
South Australia has proudly supported a diverse range of events such as:

• AFL Gather Round: A Festival of Footy
• Ampol State of Origin
• Chihuly in the Botanic Garden
• Adelaide International 
• British & Irish Lions Series 
• LIV Golf Adelaide
• Rugby World Cup 2027
• WOMADelaide 
• Adelaide Equestrian Festival

 Please read our guidelines for detailed information about the application and sponsorship process.
 
The Major Events Fund supports events on a case-by-case basis. There is no open or close date for applications.
 
For more information contact the Acquisition and Development Team via [email protected].

Major Events

Major events are large-scale signature events that generate significant economic benefits for the state and align with wider government and strategic priorities. They are typically world class triggering interstate and international visitation to South Australia. Major events provide a strong media profile for the state often including a national and international broadcast. They will also provide a sustainable legacy for the state, offering additional opportunities to leverage or host other major events.

Examples of major events include: Harvest Rock, Adelaide International Tennis Tournament, LIV Gold Adelaide and AFL Gather Round: A Festival of Footy. 

If your event is classified as 'major', please refer to the Major Events Fund guidelines for sponsorship opportunities. 


Regional Events 

Regional events are significant to their location and community providing a good economic return and boosting the profile of the region. They will attract local, intrastate and interstate visitors to the region. Regional events will generate good local and state-based media coverage and have the ability to attract national media attention.

Examples of regional events include: South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA), Handpicked Festival, and Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend.

If your event is classified as 'regional', please refer to the Regional Event Fund.


Ineligible events

• Business events including industry and trade events 
• Charity or fundraising activities
• Sporting, social or cultural club events, including for example team sponsorship, rallies, reunions, tours, open days, pageants, concerts, markets, anniversaries
• Special event celebrations such as Christmas, Australia Day or New Year’s Eve celebrations
• Cultural festivals that do not present a unique experience
• Familiarisations, individual projects, programs, or presentations 
• Events that do not have relevant approvals or certification from key stakeholders such as national or international federations.
• Events that have previously failed to acquit a South Australian Tourism Commission grant.

Before applying for sponsorship, it’s important to consider the application criteria and whether the funding stream is appropriate for your event. A range of local, state and federal government bodies provide funding opportunities that may be more suitable for your needs. We’ve collated some key sources below:

• Business Events Adelaide – Support for bidding and hosting conventions in South Australia.
• GRANTassist - Grants and assistance for business and industry, communities, clubs or individuals.
• GrantsSA - For charitable, social welfare, multicultural, volunteer grants.
• Live Music Events Fund – For live music events and festivals.
• Local Council Grants – Search for your local council details and community grants available for a range of purposes.