Community Events Grant

Two woman with arms around each other look towards a stage with purple lights

This category is part of the Community Grants round. Applications for the 2027 Community Round will open at 6:00am on Monday, 3 August 2026 and close at 11:59pm on Monday, 7 September 2026.

As Sydney’s central city, Parramatta is a hub of economic activity, essential services, natural assets, culture, and creativity in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Events and festivals contribute to the vibrancy and livability of the City of Parramatta. They enliven our public spaces, enhance community wellbeing, and boost economic benefits.

Category Objectives

  • Offer free or low-cost events to the public.
  • Provide a fresh offering that complements the Parramatta events calendar.
  • Attract new visitors to the City.
  • Deliver social, community, recreational, and cultural benefits to Parramatta residents and visitors.
  • Present events within the Parramatta local government area that primarily benefit Parramatta residents.

Online Grant Information Sessions

During the open grant period, the City of Parramatta Council will host information sessions designed to assist interested parties in applying. Information sessions explain the guidelines, eligibility, assessment criteria, budget requirements, event planning evidence, location scoring, repeat funding rules and common mistakes. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Please register using the links below. Attending a session does not guarantee funding.

Monday 10 August 2026, 3:00 - 4:00pm

Wednesday 26 August 2026, 9:00 - 10:00am

Available Funding

Total Funding Pool Community Grants Round Cultural Grants Round Funding cap
$80,000 $50,000 $30,000 + Remainder from Community Grants Round $10,000

Applicants may request funding of up to 50% of their total event budget, but no more than $10,000. An applicant may receive no more than $15,000 funding across both Community Events Grant rounds in one financial year, unless Council approves an exception.

Program timelines

The Community Events category is available in both our Community and Cultural Grant rounds.

Successful projects in the Cultural Grants round (Round 1) must start AFTER 1 January 2027. Successful projects in the Cultural Grants Round (Round 2) must start AFTER 1 July, 2027.

Before funding can be paid, successful applicants must complete the tasks below within 8 weeks of the event date:

  • Submit the acquittal form online through SmartyGrants.
  • Submit and event report.
  • Submit a final budget and any evidence required in the funding agreement.

NOTE: Payment of event grant funding is made AFTER the event and after all stages above are complete.

Failure to acquit the grant will affect any future funding requests.

How to Apply

All applications for funding grants are completed online through SmartyGrants.

You only need to register once. If you previously applied via SmartyGrants you can use your existing password and login. View the Community Grants Guidelines(PDF, 9MB) .

Apply Online

Frequently asked questions

For frequently asked questions on this grant category, click on the Community Events Grant (FAQs)(PDF, 520KB)

Contact Us

To find out more about funding opportunities, workshops, leadership development, forums, training and more in the Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney area, subscribe to Parramatta e-news.

If you need any further information, please feel free to contact our Community Grants Officer at grants@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.

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