DCAL Events Funds
Overview
The DCAL events function supports the promotion of major events in Northern Ireland which have the potential to:
- Impact positively on the image of Northern Ireland and in particular the external image, and / or
- Create opportunity for social cohesion, and / or
- Bring direct and indirect benefits to Northern Ireland.
The DCAL Events Unit will not engage in directly running events. This will be the role of appropriately experienced and qualified event promoters and organisers. The Departmental focus is to facilitate the promotion of events in Northern Ireland.
It will be important to focus on high quality, high impact events that attract ‘out of state’ visitors as such events will have the greatest economic impact.
The events function within DCAL operates two grant funding programmes to deliver on the aims, objectives and key targets:
- Events Growth Fund; and
- Major Events Fund
Funding under the Events Growth Fund (EGF) aims to assist events to develop or grow into a Major or International event or become sustainable.
Funding under the Major Events Fund (MEF) is to assist large events that will attract significant out of state visitors and media coverage.
Events Growth Fund
The Events Growth Fund is for small events which have the potential to 'grow' into large scale events. Projects funded under this stream should have the potential to:
- Grow or develop into a major / international event;
- Provide a stepping stone to attracting a major event;
- Become Sustainable over a 3-year period.
Major Events Fund
The Major Events Fund is for those applicants applying for support for large events attracting significant out of state media. The events likely to fall within this category are major National or International world events, such as World Championships.
Sectors in which Northern Ireland has performed well in events, or has the potential to perform well, include as follows:
- Sporting Events;
- High profile Music events;
- Unique Cultural events.
How to Apply
Application forms along with guidance notes may be obtained from the contact or website.