Grants can be a great way to bring new ideas to life, upgrade your offering and create experiences that add value to your visitors and your area. For many operators though, the process can feel a little intimidating, especially if you are new to grant writing or have only applied once or twice before.
This guide is designed to help you feel more confident. It will not take you through a strict step by step process because every program is different. Instead, it will give you an understanding of where to look, what funders expect and how to shape a stronger application that reflects your business and your community.
Know what the funder is trying to achieve
Every funding program is created with a purpose. Some focus on regional development, others support infrastructure, workforce, accessibility, innovation or events. Before you begin writing, spend time with the guidelines so you understand:
- What the program aims to deliver
- Who is eligible to apply
- What the funder considers a strong project
- The key documents or evidence required
A good sign you are on the right track is when your idea naturally aligns with the program. If it feels like a stretch, it may not be the right fit.
Where to find grants
Funding opportunities open throughout the year and come from a wide range of sources including government, industry bodies and community organisations. It is worth checking a few places regularly, such as:
Local government
Check your local Council’s website for tourism, events, community and placemaking grants. These programs often run throughout the year and are designed to support local initiatives that benefit residents and visitors
Victoria
- Business Victoria
- Regional Development Victoria
- Visit Victoria
New South Wales
- NSW Government Grants and Funding
- Destination NSW industry programs
Federal
- GrantConnect
- Austrade
- Tourism Australia
It can help to subscribe to updates or keep a simple calendar of programs that open each year.
Use data to strengthen your application
A good idea becomes a strong application when it is backed by clear evidence. Funders want to understand the impact of your project on visitors, your business and your region.
Some useful types of evidence include:
- Visitor insights and demographic trends
- Data from the Murray Research page
- Event attendance or customer feedback
- Community need or experience gaps
- Economic impact or job creation potential
You do not need to collect this information alone. Your local Tourism Manager within Council can often help you access relevant data. Murray Regional Tourism can also provide regional insights or a letter of support, especially if your project aligns with the Destination Management Plan or Murray Regional Tourism’s Strategic Plan.
Show alignment with strategic priorities
Assessors look for projects that support broader goals. Linking your idea to local and regional strategies helps demonstrate its value beyond your business.
You can link directly to:
- Murray Region Destination Management Plan
- Murray Regional Tourism’s Strategic Plan
- Victorian Tourism Industry Support Strategies
- NSW Tourism Industry Support Strategies
- Your local Council tourism or economic development plans
If your project improves the visitor experience, supports dispersal, enhances accessibility, strengthens First Nations tourism, builds sustainability or supports industry development, make that clear in your application.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many applications miss out for reasons that can be avoided. A few things to watch for include:
- Not addressing the assessment criteria
- Writing too generally or without enough clarity
- Leaving gaps in the budget or supporting documents
- Not showing how the project benefits visitors or the wider community
- Using language that is either unclear or more complex than necessary
- Aim for a simple, confident explanation of what you want to achieve and why it matters.
Reach out for support
You do not need to prepare your application alone. Reaching out early can save time and strengthen your submission.
Your local Tourism Manager can help you understand whether your project is the right fit for a specific grant and point you toward helpful local data. Murray Regional Tourism can provide letters of support, regional insights and general guidance to help you prepare.
Build confidence over time
The more familiar you become with grants, the easier the process will feel. Some funders provide general feedback on completed rounds or publish information about what made applications successful. This can help you refine your approach for future opportunities.
Starting small is completely fine. The important thing is to keep exploring what is available and to back yourself when a program aligns with your goals. With practice and support, you can build strong applications that help your business grow and contribute to a vibrant visitor economy.
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