Applications for Swan Hill Rural City Council's Event Support Fund and Local Entertainment Grants will open at 9am on Thursday, 11 February.
Local event organisers can apply through the Event Support Fund for up to $1,000 for community events, minor events up to $2,000 and large events up to $5,000.
Local hospitality businesses can apply for up to two Live Entertainment Grants of $500 to pay for local artists to perform at their venue.
Mayor Bill Moar said council was delighted to be launching the new Local Entertainment Grant in addition to the Event Support Fund.
"COVID-19 restrictions have hit event organisers, community groups and local businesses hard - we hope our funding program will encourage event organisers to hold COVID safe events and strengthen our local entertainment venues.
"Our funding program has the potential to make a significant impact on local non-profit groups, local hospitality businesses, the wider community as well as support our economy to recover from the effects of COVID-19," he said.
Cr Moar said he recognised the difficulties associated with planning events in the current climate and strategies would be in place to assist.
"We understand that it is hard for community groups to plan for events when we are facing so many current uncertainties.
"We have opened this round of funding in the hope that a group that feels they can run an event in accordance with current restrictions before June 30 2021, they can do so, with some much needed support from Council," Cr Moar said.
Cr Moar said that in the unfortunate instance that a successful event is unable to proceed in the format and timeframe initially planned due to changes to restrictions other unforeseen circumstances, applicants could submit a variation proposal.
"I encourage community groups and local hospitality businesses to consider applying.
"I am excited to see what our local groups and venues have in store for 2021," he added.
Application forms and guidelines are available via Council's website.
