Event Funding Funding Sources

Example budget
http://wiki.linux.org.au/w/images/a/a6/Generic-budget.ods

Possible sources of funding
When identifying sources of funding, it's good to keep some questions front of mind;


 * Is the organisation I'm approaching for funding or support have values or an ethos in line with the type of event I'm trying to run? For instance, what if you're running an event about open source content management systems and you're approached by a commercial/proprietary CMS company to sponsor?
 * What are the aims of the organisation? What can you offer them that will add value to their operation? For instance, for Councils it will likely be about attracting people to the city so that they spend money in the businesses in the city. Sometimes it's about increased awareness of particular issues or objectives. It's a good idea to do some research about the organisation before approaching them for funding.
 * If you are looking for commercial sponsorship, understand what the company does - and how you can add value to their operation within your event.

Federal government grants and schemes

 * The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has recently been formed from another federal government department. Details on available grant programs are currently being updated.

Victoria

 * Multimedia Victoria has a number of grant schemes. They have been strong supporters of Software Freedom Day Melbourne in the past. The key contact we've had previously has been David Thomas - david.thomas@mmv.vic.gov.au. There are a number of stipulations and conditions MMV place on funding - such as not funding food or drinks for an event.
 * David Thomas, Manager, ICT Investment and Business Development, Multimedia Victoria, Innovation & Technology, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, +61 3 9655 1048, 0411 270000, david.thomas@mmv.vic.gov.au, Level 7, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia, www.mmv.vic.gov.au

Victoria
Be aware that many local council grant schemes specifically exclude conference and convention funding.


 * The City of Melbourne runs a business events sponsorship programme, designed to attract more visitors to the City. Sponsorship under this programme is generally difficult, but they have sponsored venue hire for WordCamp previously.
 * Geelong City Council's major events programme is also run with the objective of bringing economic benefit to the city.

Other sources of funding

 * Linux Australia have a grants policy, with the aim of funding events which support the promotion of free and open source software and hardware.
 * While they don't provide funding, ICT Geelong are generally happy to promote ICT events in the region.