CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
*dates listed are the closing dates for applications
ONGOING:
REGIONAL ARTS NSW QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
Quick Response Grants are available on a monthly basis from February to November, with all applications being competitively assessed at the end of each month. The grant amounts vary, with individuals able to apply for up to $3000 and organisations up to $5000, though there is no minimum grant amount. It’s important to note that there is a limited funding pool, so accurate budgeting is crucial to ensure you are only applying for the amount you truly need.
These grants are designed to assist with urgent needs that may arise unexpectedly and are not covered by other funding rounds. This includes opportunities such as professional development, skills development, and small projects that require immediate attention.
Projects funded by the Quick Response Grants must begin within 2–12 weeks of the closing date of the round in which the application is made. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications no later than 5 business days after the end of each month’s assessment.
Crisis Relief Grants
Grants are assessed for a current issue impacting ability to work in music and, if approved, will be provided through direct payment of bills or other personal expenses related to the crisis, rather than cash grants. Evidence of a current crisis will be required.
Community Benefit Payments
Funding amounts vary
For: Not-for-profit
Community Benefit Payments fund not-for-profits and registered charities to support the local community when a local venue is approved by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority to operate more gaming machines.
Status: Ongoing
Glencore Community Grants
Glencore offer a range of community grant investment opportunities, investing in community infrastructure and programs across NSW, VIC and QLD. They are continually adding in new community investment opportunities.
Amount: varies between grants
Opens: always open
June 2026
Round 29 - FRRR - The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities. There are two tiers of Small & Vital funding available. Small grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations less than15,000). The timeframe to deliver these projects is up to 12 months. Targeted larger leverage grants up to $50,000 are only available for projects that focus on strengthening the digital skills, confidence and safety of adults enabling them to get online, build social connections and access services, information, education and employment through training, as well as acquiring the digital and connectivity infrastructure where needed.
Opens: 25 March 2026
Closes: 24 June 2026
2025-26 Development Program
Up to $50,000 depending on the project type and level of market interest
For: Business, Individual
Screen NSW Development funding supports writers, directors and producers to develop fiction or unscripted (documentary) and online projects with distinctive ideas and ambitious stories.
Status: Open | Closing 30 June 2026
2025-26 International Travel Fund
Up to $5,000 for one Key Creative, or up to $6,000 for two or more Key Creatives per project
For: Business, Individual
The International Travel Fund supports NSW screen practitioners for travel related to significant international festivals, markets, awards, industry trade missions and financing projects.
Status: Open | Closing 30 June 2026
NSW Digital Games Rebate 2025
From $35,000 based on 10% of eligible Qualifying NSW Expenditure with a minimum spend of AU$350,000
For: Business
The NSW Government is offering a 10 per cent rebate for eligible digital games production. Games must have a Qualifying NSW Expenditure of at least AU$350,000 to be eligible.
Status: Open | Closing 30 June 2026
Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare & Recover - Round 29
Closes: 24th of June 2026 - 5:00 pm
Value: Up to $25,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Further Information: https://frrr.org.au/funding/src-prepare-recover/
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Prepare & Recover program supports communities in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters in the medium to long-term timeframe, generally one to ten years after the disaster.
The program recognise that remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are vulnerable to climate change and disasters, experience capacity challenges in responding to and preparing for disasters where often existing disadvantage is exacerbated.
Grants up to $25,000 are available for a broad range of initiatives that focus on community-led resilience building in recovery or preparedness to strengthen the capacity and capability of local people and systems, especially to manage the impact of future disasters.
Projects that focus on strengthening local inclusion, networks, communication, information sharing, self-organising systems, local decision making, resourcing, tools and support will be prioritised.
Demonstration of project need must reference a specific climate impact or event, either historic or likely to occur in the future.
Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital - Round 29
Closes: 24th of June 2026 - 5:00 pm
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Further Information: https://frrr.org.au/funding/src-small-vital/
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.
Grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations under 15,000).
FRRR’s Small & Vital program supports thriving, resilient, and sustainable remote, rural and regional communities across Australia. In particular, priority will be given to projects that:
Support communities to implement generational transition;
Invest in outback, remote, and less resourced communities;
Build capacity and resourcing for a just and equitable energy transition;
Support First Nations-led initiatives that strengthen culture, country, economic participation, and reconciliation.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.
Dance On Camera - Production Grants
Dance On Camera recognizes that funding is crucial at all stages of film production. Whether you need to write a script, pay for a location, secure an editing suite, or pay your performers, our Production Grants can help you get closer to finishing your film. Production Grants are open exclusively to Dance On Camera Members. Applications typically open in the early Spring and grantees are notified in July.
Opened: May 22, 2026
Closes: June 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m
Notifications will be sent out on July 15, 2026
FDF Communities – Small Network Grants - Round 2
Opened: 26th of May 2026
Closes: 30th of June 2026
Value: Up to $50,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Further Information: https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities/small-network-grants/
Small Network Grants support not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional Australia to develop and deliver local projects or initiatives that will broadly result in strengthened social capital, wellbeing and connectedness to prepare for and build social resilience to drought.
Small Network Grants are designed to support a wide range of locally relevant initiatives that will result in the following short-term outcomes:
New, expanded, or diversified community-based networks.
Improved communication, social connection, and collaboration.
Increased skills, knowledge and understanding of drought.
Improved access to and use of services, resources, infrastructure and facilities.
Greater diversity of community members and organisational participation.
Improved implementation and effectiveness of place-based practices.
Strengthened individual leadership capacity and capability.
In the long term, projects and initiatives will contribute towards stronger connectedness and greater social capital within communities, contributing to wellbeing and security.
To apply, your organisation must meet the following criteria:
Applicant organisation must be a not-for-profit organisation with an ABN or Incorporation Certificate.
Organisations with or without DGR-1 endorsement are eligible.
The proposed project must be for charitable purposes and offer clear public benefit.
Organisations can submit one application per grant round.
Projects must benefit communities in remote, rural or regional Australia that are agriculture-dependent.
Audience Development Fund - 2026
Closes: 30th of June 2026
Value: Up to $8,000
Run By: Museums and Galleries NSW
Further Information: https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/funding/grants-we-administer/audience-development-fund/
In 2026, the Audience Development Fund (ADF) has been broadened to accept applications from NSW public museums and Aboriginal Cultural centres, as well as galleries.
The ADF offers assistance in targeting and developing new audiences. It encourages organisations to create innovative public programs that engage with collections, visual arts practice, and communities. The fund is designed to support organisations to develop and trial new models for engaging audiences that will increase immediate and future attendance, access and participation.
Funds can be used for costs that support the development and implementation of public or educational programs, provide seed funding to trial new models for public engagement and/or build new partnerships for audience development.
July 2026
Pride Foundation Australia Small Grants - Round 2 - 2026
GrantOpened: 4th of May 2026 - 9:00 am
Closes: 13th of July 2026 - 11:59 pm
Value: Up to $1,000
Run By: Pride Foundation Australia
Further Information: https://pridefoundation.org.au/small-grants/
The Small Grants program supports projects proposed by individuals and or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs.
The maximum grant has been increased to $1000 in 2022 and there will be more grants awarded (if successful) each round. The project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
They welcome applications that are particularly creative and innovative, and those that are put forward by individuals, communities and organisations that have not received small grant funding in the previous 2 years. They regard favourably projects that work as partnerships between individuals and organisations.
Round 1 2026
Funding priority to transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people and communities
Opens at 9am AEDT Monday 19 January 2026 and closes at 11:59pm AEST Monday 13 April 2026.
Round 2 2026
Funding priority to projects supporting healthy ageing for older people
Opens at 9am AEST on Monday 4 May 2026 and closes at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 13 July 2026.
Round 3 2026
Funding priority to regional and rural communities
Opens at 9am AEST Monday 3 August 2026 and closes at 11:59pm AEDT on Monday 16 November 2026.
The Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists
GrantCloses: 13th of July 2026
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Regional Arts NSW
Further Information: https://regionalartsnsw.com.au/windmill-trust-scholarship/
Established in 1997 in memory of the artist Penny Meagher, the emphasis of the Windmill Trust Scholarship is to support visual artists from regional NSW to take up career development and/or presentation opportunities for their work.
The Windmill Trust Scholarship supports artists in various career aspects, including independent artistic research or practice, professional development, exhibiting and presenting work in new ways. Financial support encompasses studio rental, materials or labour costs, framing, space rental, promotion, artists’ fees, freight, installation, and documentation.
Funding Available
One individual or group will be awarded up to $10,000.
This scholarship provides assistance towards the cost of:
Exhibiting work, including space rental, artist fees, travel, documentation.
Professional development and education.
Independent artistic research or practice including studio fees, residencies and travel.
FRRR - ANZ Seeds of Renewal
ANZ Seeds of Renewal is a small grants program designed to help build vibrant and sustainable rural communities, to ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.
The program demonstrates ANZ’s ongoing commitment to shape a world where people and communities thrive. It is built on two key tenets:
Vibrant communities are diverse and inclusive with strong social capital, where everyone can participate and build a better life; and
Sustainable communities innovate, expand, and create opportunities that will deliver demonstrable medium to long-term economic benefit to the community, contributing to economic sustainability.
Opens July 2026
Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program - 2026–27 - Batch 1
GrantCloses: 29th of July 2026 - 9:00 pm
Value: Up to $150,000
Run By: Department of Veterans Affairs
Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=f6ed4eff-7fcd-48ed-9641-9409d12012b9
The Australian Government is inviting eligible organisations to apply for grant funding under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program (STS program).
The objective of the STS Program is to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations, including National Service personnel, and their families.
The intended outcome of the STS Program is to provide funding for projects and activities that:
promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service, and the role of service personnel
preserve, add to the sum of knowledge on, or provide access to information about Australia’s wartime heritage.
1. Community Grants
Grants up to $10,000 are available for projects and activities that:
are focused on the local community
commemorate the service and sacrifice of local community members
are primarily accessed by the local community.
2. Major Grants
Grants between $10,001 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a national, state, territory and/or broader regional perspective. These projects may include the construction of new war or peace memorials where none currently exist, as well as additions to existing memorials.
If your project relates to restoring or changing a memorial or other commemorative artefact, there may be heritage and conservation considerations.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, you must be one of the following entity types:
Company
Cooperative
Corporate State or Territory Entity
Incorporated Association
Indigenous Corporation
Local Government
Non-corporate State or Territory Entity
Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authority
Partnerships
Person
Sole Trader
Statutory Entity
Unincorporated Association – only for Community Grants (up to $10,000).
If you are applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust, the Trustee must be one of the eligible entity types listed above.
SEPTEMBER 2026
ARTS ON TOUR -BACKROADS
OPEN on Monday 3 August at midday AEST
CLOSE Wednesday 2 September at 5pm AEST.
Backroads connects communities throughout regional and remote NSW to small-scale, high quality performing arts events. The initiative aims to extend and support the reach of professional productions to regional towns that do not have performing arts centres as well as support small hall activation and the work of independent producers and artists.
Backroads is best suited to adaptable, low-budget NSW-based productions that would feel at home in a community centre, old town hall, or small, independent theatre. Tours need to be self-sufficient, able to produce, mount and market their work in regional and remote towns.
Applicants from NSW can apply for one of three $7,000 grants to support a tour to 1-3 independent or community-run venues. More venues are okay if your budget allows i.e. other sources of income and/or costs amortised across locations. The tour may include major performing arts centres but Backroads funds cannot go towards the delivery of those performances.
Visual Arts General Grant Program 2026 - Round 3
GrantCloses: 30th of September 2026
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: Gordon Darling Foundation
Further Information: https://www.gordondarlingfoundation.org.au/guidelines.php
The Gordon Darling Foundation is a perpetual public charitable trust, established in 1991 to "support Australia-wide, activities of importance in the Visual Arts."
The Foundation can only provide funding to Public Institutions in Australia. Applicant organisations must have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Individuals wishing to apply for funding for projects must partner with a Public Institution which then takes on responsibility for the project.
Funding may be provided for:
catalogues and publications:
that are scholarly, with well-researched new information.
that provide a permanent record of an exhibition, collection, or work of an artist or movement.
professional education initiatives, including individual professional development.
collection management initiatives, including database development, digitisation and conservation.
research projects leading to the recognition and publication of material of significance.
internationally known speakers for symposia.
OCTOBER 2026
Playing Australia Project Investment - 2026 - Round 3
GrantCloses: 13th of October 2026 - 3:00 pm
Run By: Creative Australia
Further Information: https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/playing-australia-project-investment
Playing Australia Project Investment supports organisations to undertake performing arts tours to reach regional and remote communities across Australia.
The program supports costs associated with touring to regional and remote areas of Australia. There is no limit on the amount that can be requested. Touring activity must be confirmed prior to seeking investment through this category.
Who can apply
Legally constituted organisations only may apply.
What you can apply for
You may apply for any costs necessary for the completion of a successful regional tour with a confirmed itinerary.
Creative Australia acknowledges that flexibility is required when touring and supports a variety of touring models. Applicants may seek investment for alternative touring models that:
propose activity such as residency models with live performance outcomes or concept touring
present a tour that includes significant and targeted community engagement
present an annual touring program for single or multiple works
propose a digital tour.
You can apply for support towards:
a tour that has a confirmed itinerary
payment of fees and salaries for artists and touring party
costs associated with remounting or rehearsing a work
production costs associated with touring the work or delivering the activity
touring costs including freight, transport, accommodation and travel allowances
tour co-ordination
costs associated with reducing the environmental impact of your tour
costs associated with supporting the wellbeing of the touring company.
2026 Closing Dates
Tuesday 3 March 2026
Tuesday 2 June 2026
Tuesday 13 October 2026
NOVEMBER 2026
Regional Arts Australia – Practice in Community
Round 2: Opens 28 September
Closes: 6 November 2026.
This program aims to place creativity at the heart of community life and supporting the arts to respond to community-identified priorities by acting as a catalyst for social connection, cultural expression, and long-term impact.
The objectives of the program are to:
Increase community participation in the arts by creating exciting community-led projects.
Provide vital support for artists by offering multi-year financial resources, mentoring, and professional development that sustains artistic practice and wellbeing.
Invest in the sustainable development of the CACD sector through practice-led learning, shared knowledge, and stronger networks for artists embedded in community.
Contribute to social impact outcomes through building connections, generating exchange, and creating opportunities in regional, rural, and remote communities.
Measure and communicate this impact through a responsive and rigorous learning and evaluation approach.
For the purpose of the program, CACD is a collaborative and participatory practice that engages communities in creative activities that are meaningful to them.
A total of eleven grants will be awarded:
Five grants in the first round (cohort one)
Six grants in the second round (cohort two)
Each grant is structured so that:
50% of the funds provide an artist fee for the artist.
50% of the funds support project delivery, enabling artists to work with their communities and community partners to design and deliver creative initiatives.
In addition to funding, artists will also receive:
Mentoring and professional development, delivered through one-on-one and group sessions within the national cohort.
Mental health and wellbeing support throughout the program.
Support from an evaluation specialist to develop and implement a localised evaluation plan for their project.
Grants valued at $160,000 are available over two years.
The funding round dates are:
Eligible Activities
Eligible projects must:
Be rooted in a specific geographic location, but the community you work with may be a particular group within that place (for example, young people, elders, migrant communities, or other locally significant groups).
Have deep, targeted, and sustained impact, to help a community respond to an identified priority.
Who Can Apply ?
Eligible applicants include individual artists who are committed to working with regional and remote communities through creative practice.
Eligible applicants must be:
An Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Holding or be able to obtain, an ABN.
Over 18 years old.
Living outside a Major City of Australia, as defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Remoteness Structure – this means artists living in Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote, and Very Remote areas around Australia are eligible.
A resident within 100km of the community in which the proposed project will take place. Will consider outperforming arcDUG status.
A professional, independent artist with at least five years of experience in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) or community-engaged practice.
Able to demonstrate an established history of working with communities through creative projects.
Available to undertake the program over the relevant two-year term for their cohort, on a part-time basis.
Main Assessment Criteria
The main assessment criteria include:
Community engagement and collaboration: The strength of the applicant’s connection with the community, evidence of invitation or support, and the approach to collaboration and co-design.
Artistic and cultural merit: The quality of the artist’s practice and the potential for the project to contribute to cultural expression, creativity, and community identity.
Social impact: The potential of the project to deliver meaningful social outcomes, building community connections, generating exchange, and creating opportunities.
Viability of the project: The feasibility of the proposed project, including clarity of approach, realistic planning, use of resources, and the artist's capacity to complete or substantially progress the project in the time period.
Cultural safety and ethical practice: The extent to which the project demonstrates respect for cultural protocols, inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical engagement with communities. Strong applications will show capacity to work safely and responsibly, supported by testimonials or evidence from previous projects, and a clear commitment to doing no harm.
Restrictions
The following are ineligible for funding:
Organisations, collectives, or groups (applications are only open to individual artists).
Artists who plan to deliver the project as part of their employment with another employer.
Those employed directly by, or serving on the Board of, Regional Arts Australia or Minderoo Foundation.
Artists currently funded through Minderoo WA Artist Fund.
Anyone with an actual conflict of interest with Regional Arts Australia, Minderoo Foundation, or the Practice in Community program – including staff, board members, and their immediate family members or partners.
https://regionalarts.com.au/practice-in-community
Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants - Community Infrastructure
Amount: Up to $250,000
Opens: 24th November
Closes: 15th December
Provides funding to support community infrastructure such as a multipurpose community hub or a service for an eligible community group.
The objective of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program is to fund the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure to deliver outcomes for disadvantaged NSW communities
Who can apply:
- Not-for-profit organisations that will be responsible for operating and/or maintaining the infrastructure
- Schools: applicants must consider if and how the infrastructure project is accessible to the public outside school hours
- Local councils: applicants are required to cash-match the funding amount requested.
PRIDE FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA - Small Grants
Round 3 2026 - Funding priority to regional and rural communities
Opens at 9am AEST Monday 3 August 2026 and closes at 11:59pm AEDT on Monday 16 November 2026.
The Small Grants program supports projects proposed by individuals and or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs.
The maximum grant has been increased to $1000 in 2022 and there will be more grants awarded (if successful) each round. The project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
We welcome applications that are particularly creative and innovative, and those that are put forward by individuals, communities and organisations that have not received small grant funding in the previous 2 years. We regard favourably projects that work as partnerships between individuals and organisations.