PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS TO THE DOMESTIC EVENT FUND 2023 ARE NOW CLOSED (Any outstanding applications submitted before the deadline will be processed by the Event Fund Team)
If you are a hospitality business click here for the Domestic Event Fund for Hospitality Venues
The Domestic Event Fund has been re-launched for new applications to support hospitality businesses, local authorities, charities and event organisers to stimulate economic activity in the Island’s towns and villages.
The fund will support up to a maximum of 80% of the total costs associated with the development of domestic focused events with the remaining % being sourced and confirmed by the event organiser prior to funding being agreed.
Background
For many towns and villages across the Island, local events form a key part of their strategy to bring in visitors and increase spending in retail and hospitality businesses.
Since the Domestic Event Fund was launched in October 2020 it has supported a range of unique events across the Island, including; the Castletown Manx Extreme Sports Festival, the inaugural Pride Isle of Man event, Isle of Man Culture Fest 2021, Ramsey Rocks Weekend and the Dog’s Nollick pop-up in Peel. The Fund has so far paid out over £300,000 supporting over 80 event applications, and encouraged over 220,000 people to attend unique events taking place across the Island.
How much can I apply for?
Applicants need to submit a business case that provides a detailed plan of what activities the event would include, how the event would provide value to local businesses and support the community along with the cost of putting on such an event. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and limitations to funding are based on town population size and number of businesses that could benefit from such events.
How does the fund work?
Applicants interested in applying for the Fund should send an initial enquiry email to eventfund@gov.im to ensure their event is eligible under the Fund’s guidelines. The Domestic Event Fund Manager will then get in touch with you to discuss how the Fund works and how you can apply. Please note, applicants are encouraged to contact the Event Fund to ensure their event may be eligible for funding before contacting event suppliers for quotes.
Where the application is successful the applicant will be notified of the offer in writing by the Domestic Event Fund Manager and the terms and conditions that would apply upon acceptance. Standard terms and conditions are applied to each offer of financial assistance. These cover the implications of acceptance of assistance and set out the process for reporting information on the business that the Department will require as a condition of providing assistance.
The Department reserves the right to withdraw an offer of assistance at its discretion. Although unusual this circumstance could arise if an applicant fails to comply with terms and conditions or if the Department believes that any information submitted as part of the application is incorrect or untrue.
Where the application is refused, the applicant will be advised of the decision and the reasons for it.
What types of events are supported by the fund?
Events can range from local markets, festivals, shows/concerts; anything that will bring footfall to the area and increase local spend. For further details about the type of events that have been supported via the Domestic Event Fund in the past and for direct feedback from individual applicants please see our Testimonials page linked below.
When is the deadline to apply for the fund?
Given the limits of the Fund, all applications must be received by 17th March 2023 and all events must take place no later than 31st March 2023.
If you are interested in applying via the standard Domestic Event Fund route please complete the application form by clicking the button below.
*Where possible please complete this application form using Google Chrome which has increased stability compared to Internet Explorer.
If you have any issues with the application form or need support completing your application, have further questions or would like to discuss how your event may be eligible for financial support from the Domestic Event Fund please email eventfund@gov.im. The Domestic Event Fund Manager will then get in touch with you to discuss your event, how the fund works and how to complete your application.
Following a review of the support provided by the Domestic Event Fund and feedback received in from the Hospitality sector on the importance of events in stimulating footfall and domestic spending. An amendment was made to the Domestic Event Fund to allow for more targeted support for newly planned events in single venue hospitality locations where the concept of the event itself may not be new and may have taken place previously for example live music and entertainment.
Please click the button below which will take you to the dedicated page which provides further information on the unique elements of the support tailored for the hospitality sector.