This fund supports events which are of primary benefit to Dunedin residents.
The Dunedin City Council (DCC) is committed to supporting a vibrant events environment in Dunedin that will continue to build a sense of community, enhance the city’s unique identity and add to its cultural wealth. It also aims to optimise the contribution of festivals and events to the city’s economic development.
The DCC supports events in a range of ways, including through grants for Community, Major Community, Premier and Regional Events.
If you are applying for a grant, please ensure that your event meets the criteria for the specific grant. If your event is new make sure you contact the Events Team on 03 477 4000 or email events@dcc.govt.nz before you apply. This is to ensure we can give you the best guidance.
Community Events grants
Applications for up to $10,000
This fund supports events which are created for Dunedin residents.
Applications are considered in two funding rounds per year. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 28 March for events held from 1 June, and 5pm on Sunday 28 September for events held after 1 December.
While this is the closing date, we highly recommend submitting your application earlier so staff can review to ensure you have submitted all the required and correct information.
More information on the criteria for Community Events grants can be found on the Community Event grants criteria page (new window).
Community Events Grants ApplicationApplications for more than $10,000
Major Community Events funding
Definition
The term ‘Event’ is used in these applications and covers both festivals and events.
A major community event celebrates events that are important to the city and its identity.
A major community festival or event:
- will attract 2,000 – 10,000+ attendees (visitors and residents combined).
- contributes to an exciting and vibrant city and strengthens community connection and a sense of belonging.
- promotes the city’s diverse cultures. Provides opportunities for innovation and/or enhances local creative industry participation.
- provides opportunities for skills development among event industry employees and volunteers.
Please read the Funding Strategic Criteria information before you start the application form. For full strategy information and documents please refer to the Dunedin City Council Strategic Framework webpage.
For full definitions refer to the Dunedin City Council Events Plan 2018-2023.
The next funding round for Major Community Events closes 5pm Friday 16 May 2025.
Major Community Events ApplicationPremier Events grants
Definition
The term ‘Event’ is used in these applications and covers both festivals and events.
A premier event has targeted appeal but delivers significant visitor spend and national or international profile for the city.
A premier event:
- will attract 1,000 – 2,500 visitors, 2,000 – 10,000 visitor nights and/or deliver $1m - $5m economic impact.
- contributes to an exciting and vibrant city and delivers moderate economic benefits.
- demonstrates manaakitanga and showcases Dunedin as a memorable and distinctive city to a high number of visitors and residents.
- delivers media coverage, showing Dunedin as a compelling destination.
- provides opportunities for innovation and/or enhances local creative industry participation. Provides opportunities for skills development among event industry employees and volunteers.
If your application is successful you will be required to complete an accountability report for the DCC. Please check the accountability form to ensure you are collecting the right information to be able to complete this.
Please read the Funding Strategic Criteria information before you start the application form. For full strategy information and documents please refer to the Dunedin City Council Strategic Framework webpage.
For full definitions refer to the Dunedin City Council Events Plan 2018-2023.
The next funding round for Premier Events closes 5pm Friday 16 May 2025.
Premier Events Grant ApplicationFor more information please contact the Community Development and Events team on 03 477 4000 or email events@dcc.govt.nz