Commercial Events Fund

The Commercial Events Fund was established in 2014 to support commercial events that increase visitation to Marlborough, bringing economic benefits to the region.

Applications for Round 2 of 2025/2026 closed on Monday 9 March 2026.
Round 1 of 2026/2027 will open on Monday 10 August 2026.

The 2026/2027 funding rounds are structured as shown below. Please note, additional funding rounds may be considered if deemed necessary.

2026/27 - Round 1

2026/27 - Round 2

Who Can Apply?

Any event organisers that run commercial events within the Marlborough District Council boundaries that meet the criteria of the fund.

Annual Budget

There is $130,000 available for allocation per annum. However, while this funding is available on an annual basis, it does not mean that all funds must be distributed each year. For any event to receive funding it must first meet the necessary criteria.

The annual budget includes Council's Bid Fund which is used to attract potential events to the region as opportunities arise. These opportunities are considered on a case-by-case basis.

It also includes a $10,000 discretionary fund for events that meet the funding criteria but that are organised outside of the main funding rounds and often at short notice.

Application Process

The Commercial Events Fund sub-committee will evaluate all funding applications. This group has delegated authority to approve all funding requests with decisions reported to the Strategy & Community Partnerships Committee.

The sub-committee consists of the following people:

• Councillor Raylene Innes (Chairperson)
• Councillor Ben Stace
• Councillor Brian Dawson

Independent advice may also be sought by the sub-committee as deemed necessary.

Council’s Events & Community Partnerships Manager will process all applications, make recommendations, attend funding meetings and provide further information and feedback as required. Recommendations will also be made by Destination Marlborough’s General Manager. Final funding decisions will be at the sole discretion of the sub-committee.

Funding Criteria

Each application is considered on its merits using the criteria detailed in the Information Sheet.

Go to the Commercial Events Fund Information Sheet

What Can’t be Funded?

• Community events
• Conferences, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions
• Events that have received funding for the same activity through other MDC funds
• Retrospective funding
• Prizes / trophies (including prize money)
• Gifts / koha / donations
• Alcohol and catering
• Private functions
• Events of a political nature
• Events promoting a religious doctrine
• Events that denigrate, exclude or offend any part of the community
• Reunions
• Local tournaments
• Fundraisers
• Salaries and wages
• Incentive programmes
• Purchasing or leasing a motor vehicle
• Purchase of assets
• Service and maintenance costs including utilities
• Debt repayments
• Legal expenses
• Subsidised tickets

If you have any questions, please contact Samantha Young, Events and Community Partnerships Manager Ph: 03 520 7400

Email Events Marlborough

Records of Approved Funding