The Community Event Sponsorship Fund (CESF) is a small grant program that supports local community
events. The aim of the CESF is to support local community events that generate awareness of the Shire
and highlight a ‘Connected, Sustainable, and Creative’ Shire as outlined in the Shire’s visionary document,
Our Plan for the Future.
Program objectives
To support local events that align with Bellingen Shire’s Our Plan for the Future
To raise awareness of the Bellingen Shire by targeting other areas and regions
To promote and market the Bellingen Shire
To encourage innovation and creativity
To foster partnerships between community organisations
Funding
There are two funding rounds each financial year which are limited to Council’s yearly budget allocation.
Council will consider funding of up to $5,000 for projects that demonstrate a high level of community
benefit and demonstrate how they will deliver on the objectives outlined above.
Round 1: April 1 to April 29, 2026
Round 2: September 2 to September 30, 2026