Scheme to Provide Special Financial Assistance for Organizing Cultural Events is a grant-in-aid from the Government of Goa. It helps individuals, cultural groups, and institutions host cultural programs, festivals, exhibitions, camps, and workshops. For the financial year 2026-27, the Directorate of Art and Culture has released the fresh application form and continues to accept offline applications under this scheme.
The grant is meant to give young artists a chance to grow their talent while letting the community enjoy good cultural performances. Depending on the nature of the event, the department can support up to ₹5,00,000 or a share of the total event cost. Applications for 2026-27 are open and must be submitted to the Directorate of Art and Culture office in Panaji.
Scheme to Provide Special Financial Assistance for Organizing Cultural Events - Introduction
This scheme works as a grant-in-aid given by the Art, Culture and Museums Department of Goa. It supports institutions, cultural groups, and individuals who want to organize cultural programs, exhibitions, festivals, camps, and workshops. The main aim is to encourage artistic talent and make good cultural programs available to the people of Goa.
Objectives
The scheme focuses on a few clear goals:
- To encourage the organization of cultural events, exhibitions, festivals, camps, and workshops across Goa.
- To give financial support to cultural groups, institutions, and individuals who host such events.
- To create a platform where young and new artists can show and improve their creative skills.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme to Provide Special Financial Assistance for Organizing Cultural Events |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Sports and Culture |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, University / Institution, NGO |
| Benefit Type | Cash grant |
| Nodal Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Application Charges | ₹10 |
| Official Website | artandculture.goa.gov.in |
Benefits
The financial support depends on how the event is identified. Two types of events are covered under the scheme:
| Category | Maximum Financial Support |
|---|---|
| Self-organized event | Up to ₹5,00,000 or 80% of the expenditure, whichever is less |
| Department-identified event | Up to ₹5,00,000 or 100% of the expenditure |
The final amount is decided by the Directorate of Art and Culture based on the scope of the proposal and the reputation of the applicant. At least 80% of the grant must be used to benefit Goan artists, and the grant cannot be used for cultural competitions.
Eligibility
An individual, cultural group, organization, or institution can apply, whether registered or unregistered. The applicant should have some earlier experience of organizing cultural events, exhibitions, or festivals. Anyone who received a grant before must have submitted the required utilization certificates, otherwise the new application will not be considered. Registered institutions and organizations get preference during selection.
How to Apply Offline
Applying for 2026-27 is a simple offline process. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa. Download the 2026-27 application form from the official website or collect a physical copy from the office.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details in capital letters, attach a signed passport-sized photograph, and include copies of all the mandatory documents listed below.
STEP 3 - Pay the application form charge of ₹10 and get the receipt. Submit the signed application to the Director or the concerned officer at the office address.
STEP 4 - Make sure the complete application with all enclosures reaches the Directorate at least 30 days before the date of the event, program, or workshop. For help, contact the office at 0832-2404623 or email aco3-dac.goa@nic.in.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before you apply:
- Copy of the registration certificate, if the group or institution is registered.
- Detailed estimated expenditure of the proposed event, signed by the president or chairman.
- Affidavit executed on appropriate non-judicial stamp paper, duly notarized or countersigned by the Mamlatdar.
- Full program details, including the list of performers (Goan and non-Goan) and performing groups.
- If a grant was received in earlier years, the original audited utilization certificate and income and expenditure statement certified by a chartered accountant, along with photographs and paper cuttings.
- Bank details in the enclosed annexure with a cancelled cheque and passbook copy from a nationalized or scheduled bank.
- Identity proof such as an Aadhaar card of the president or secretary, and a PAN card copy of the institution.
References
Download 2026-27 Application Form
Download Application Form Proforma
FAQ's
Are there specific documents required for previous grant recipients?
Yes, if a grant was received before, the applicant must provide an audited utilization certificate, an income and expenditure statement certified by a chartered accountant, and event evidence like photographs or paper cuttings.
Where can I find the affidavit format?
The affidavit must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper and notarized or countersigned by the Mamlatdar. The sample format is available with the Directorate of Art and Culture office.
How does the department choose organizations for direct events?
The Directorate of Art and Culture may identify specific groups or individuals for official events on its own. It does not publish a fixed ranking criteria for these selections.
What if I am an unregistered group?
Both registered and unregistered groups or individuals may apply for this financial support, though registered institutions get preference.
When should the application reach the office?
The complete application with all enclosures should reach the Directorate at least 30 days before the date of the event, program, or workshop.
Can the government change these rules?
Yes, the Government of Goa keeps the right to relax or interpret any clause of the scheme as it deems necessary.