WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
Festival and Events Grant Scheme
What is the Westmeath Festival and Event Grants Scheme?
Westmeath County Council recognises the contribution that Festivals and Events make to the lives of the
people of the county and the benefits in terms of increased local economic activity. In recognition of
these benefits and the extent of the voluntary effort involved in the organising of festivals and events, the
Council has put a grant fund in place for 2016.
What is the purpose of the Festival and Events Grant Scheme?
The purpose of the scheme is to encourage and promote local events particularly events that involve
significant voluntary input and that such community initiative will attract increased visitor numbers and
generate increased economic activity for the local area. The Council propose to provide grant support to
festivals and events that contribute to a 2016 Westmeath Calendar of Events.
What type of Support is provided?
The Council will provide grant finance to qualifying festival and events. It should be noted that there is
limited funding available under this scheme and the majority of grants approved will be small scale.
Funding support will not exceed 50% of net costs incurred. For major regional or national festivals or
events other grant funding sources may be available.
What is the Grant funding process?
Applications received by Westmeath County Council will be assessed based on selection and evaluation
criteria and a letter of offer will issue to successful applicants. Payment of the grant will generally be
made when the event has been held and a post event report submitted.
Who is eligible to apply?
The grant scheme is primarily intended to support community and voluntary groups who are organising
community events.
Consideration may also be given to business grouping with the objective of
generating increased economic activity in a town or village. Events being organised by individual
business or commercial enterprises will not qualify. To be eligible for funding, the festival or event must
take place in County Westmeath.
How do I apply?
You should apply directly to Westmeath County Council. Only completed submissions received via the
approved application form will be considered. The completed form must be sent to:
Festivals and Event Grants, Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council, Aras
an Chontae, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
A signed version of the application form may be scanned in and emailed with the appropriate signature(s)
of the organiser to dce@westmeathcoco.ie
You may also submit accompanying additional documentation with your completed application form as
appropriate.
Application for festivals and events scheduled to be held in the months of January to June (inclusive)
should be submitted by Friday 29th Jan 2016.
Application for festivals and events scheduled to be held in the months of July to December (inclusive)
should be submitted by Friday 27th May 2016.
Selection Criteria for Grant Support
Each application submitted will be evaluated and a decision in relation to an offer of grant funding will be
based on the following:
1. The extent to which proposed initiatives maximise community participation.
2. The additional economic activity generated by the event.
3. Number of people attending the festival or event.
4. The number of tourists attracted from outside the county.
5. The extent to which the proposed initiative contributes to 2016 Westmeath Calendar of Events.
6. The extent to which the project proposed is unique, innovative, creative, interesting and likely to
have future potential.
7. The cost and feasibility of delivery or the event.
8. Any additional supports and funding that may be required and have been confirmed from relevant
stakeholders.
9. Availability of grant funding.
How will I know if my application has been successful?
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer. Submission of a completed Grant Agreement Form
(supplied by Westmeath County Council) will form the contract between Westmeath County Council and
the organiser and will detail all conditions and requirements. In completing this Grant Agreement Form
you will confirm that Westmeath County Council is indemnified against any loss or claim associated with
the event.
If I am successful how do I draw down the Fund?
Payment will generally be made after the event has taken place. In order to receive the payment, the
successful applicant must complete a short Post Event Form (supplied by Westmeath County Council)
and provide the following:
 Evidence that the event has taken place (e.g. photographic evidence).
 Copy of event promotional literature demonstrating that Westmeath Councils support has been
acknowledged.
 Post Event Report.
 Statement of Income and Expenditure associated with the event.
 Receipts for the full costs incurred.
 Confirmation of Tax Clearance.
 Details of nominated bank account for grant payment.
The grant funding may only be used to support the festival or event approved and may not be used for any
other purpose. Funding not claimed by the agreed deadline will be cancelled.
Any further Guidance/ Advice Available?
Westmeath County Council Guidelines for Festivals and Events is available at www.westmeathcoco.ie
WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
Athlone and Mullingar Municipal Districts
FESTIVAL AND EVENT GRANTS SCHEME
APPLICATION FORM
APPLICANT DETAILS
Name of Community Group /
Organisation
Address of Community Group /
Organisation
Number of persons involved in
organising Festival /Event
When was the Group Established
Description of Organisation and
primary activity.
Westmeath Public Participation
Network Reg No. (if Registered)
Group Tax Reg No.
Other Information (Optional)
CONTACT DETAILS OF THE PERSON DEALING WITH THE APPLICATION
Name:
Telephone:
Email:
DETAILS OF PROPOSED FESTIVAL / EVENT
Name of Event
Date(s) of Event:
Location(s):
How many do you expect to attend event
(Note - Event Licence required for
attendance greater than 5,000)
How many of the attendees do you
realistically estimate will travel from
outside the county
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR FESTIVAL/ EVENT and how it will meet the
objectives and evaluation criteria
Submit draft Festival / Event Programme if available
(You may attach additional information if you wish)
COST OF FESTIVAL / EVENT
Itemise Proposed Event Expenditure
Estimated Amount
(Include quotation if available)
Itemise proposed Event Incomes
Estimated Amount
Net Cost of Event
Amount of Grant sought (Max of 50% of net
costs)
Have you received or applied for other
sources of public funding? Yes / No
If yes, please state the source and amount
of funding sought or received.
EVENT DETAILS
Who will Benefit from the Event
Previous experience /capacity in organising
events. (Provide details)
Proposed marketing and advertising of the
event.
DECLARATION
We have read and understood the information and criteria applicable to this
grant scheme and agree to comply in full therewith. I/we certify that all
information provided in this application, and all information given in any
documentation submitted in support of the application is truthful and accurate.
More than 1 group member must sign the application.
Signed:
__________________
Date: ___________________
Name
__________________
(in block capitals):
Position__________________
(in organisation)
Signed:
__________________
Date: ___________________
Name
__________________
(in block capitals):
Position__________________
(in organisation)
Application for festivals and events scheduled to be held in the months of
January to June (inclusive) should be submitted by Friday 29th Jan 2016
Application for festivals and events scheduled to be held in the months of July to
December (inclusive) should be submitted by Friday 27th May 2016
Completed Applications may be submitted by email to:
a)
dce@westmeathcoco.ie
or by post to:
b)
Festival and Event Grant
Community Development Section
Westmeath County Council
Aras an Chontae
Mullingar
Co. Westmeath