If your organisation is planning a major event that'll put Coromandel on the map both nationally and internationally then it could be eligible for a Major Events Grant.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is inviting applications for the 2016-17 Major Events sponsorship fund which opens on Friday, July 8.

The Illume Festival of Lights which returns to Coromandel on July 15-16 is a previous recipients of a Thames-Coromandel District Council Major Events Grant. Photo: File

The grants are available on a multi-year basis (2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years) and are designed to support major iconic events which fall outside the ‘peak' holiday season from December 15 to January 31.

Previous grant recipients include a wide range of events such as the K2 Cycle Race, the Mercury Bay Music Festival, Thunderbeach, Mindsports, Brits at the Beach and the Illume Festival which is taking place on July 15-16.

Council says funding is not available to individuals, and the Major Events Fund is not for the payment of wages or honorariums. A number of criteria must also be satisfied, which are listed below.

To help with your application, council recommends organisations refer to its Events Manual for tips and hints on how to make a success of your event on the Coromandel.

The application period opens Friday, July 8, and closes at 5pm on Friday, August 5.

Funding decisions will then be made by the Economic Development Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, September 6.

To apply for a Major Events Grant fill out an application form and either post it to the Major Events Sponsorship Fund, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Private Bag, Thames 3540, or email it to: [email protected]

CRITERIA FOR MAJOR EVENTS SPONSORSHIP:

• Assistance will only be available for events held within the Thames-Coromandel District
• Events must occur outside the "peak" holiday season from December 15 – January 31.
• Preference will be given to annual events or one-off events with a proven track-record of success in other districts
• Will attract a strong national and regional media profile
• Will attract holiday-home owners back to the Coromandel
• Will attract domestic tourists (and internationals if they are already in NZ)
• The event must be unique to the Coromandel or align well with the district's brand
• The Major Events fund is not for the payment of wages or honorariums
• Funding is not available to individuals
• Maximum of three years funding (within Ten Year Plan cycles subject to the availability of the Major Events fund)
• Applicants must submit a strong business and marketing plan (with economic impact evaluation)
• Applicants will adhere to all legal requirements for the provision of the event
• All applications must be accompanied by the most current statement of financial position available and a budget projection for the event
• All successful applicants must acknowledge the support of the Thames-Coromandel District Council on any correspondence, advertising or other publicity material and co-brand events with the "Good for Your Soul" positioning (Destination Coromandel)
• Applications must be made on the form available (Major Events Application Form)
• Any Major Event funds not spent on the project for which the funds were applied for by the close of the Council's financial year must be returned to the Thames-Coromandel District Council unless written approval to retain the funds is obtained from Council
• A report on the success of the event and clarification/evidence (i.e. tax invoice) that the fund was spent appropriately to be provided to the Council within three months of the event finishing
• All decisions on applications will be made by the full Council, or delegated Committee, as per Standing Orders

For more information contact the Thames-Coromandel District Council on 07-868-0200 or visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/majorevents