Business Grants

Matched Funding for Organisations – Beginner supports arts and cultural organisations to build and embed private sector fundraising skills, knowledge and confidence over time.

It is designed for small to medium organisations at an early stage of fundraising, who are ready to move from informal fundraising activity to a more structured and sustainable approach.  

This opportunity provides matched funding over two years, alongside structured capability development support to help organisations build and embed fundraising practice across the whole organisation. Matched funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible private sector income raised, up to $25,000 per year for two years. 

Matched funding is used as a catalyst for change, helping organisations at an early stage of their fundraising development to move from ad hoc fundraising activity to planned, consistent and sustainable fundraising practice. 

The fund aims to help organisations: 

• build core fundraising systems, skills and processes
• develop and test repeatable fundraising approaches
• expand and deepen supporter relationships
• continue to grow private sector income. 

This opportunity is delivered over two years with an integrated suite of capability development activities, alongside matched funding. 

This supports organisations to develop, apply and embed fundraising practice across a two-year period, focusing on:

• planning and alignment – developing fundraising goals, campaigns, systems and internal readiness
• fundraising delivery – implementing fundraising activity, engaging supporters and generating private sector income
• consolidation and embedding – strengthening supporter stewardship, retention and organisational practice so fundraising can continue beyond the campaign.

Across this two-year framework: 

• organisations build and apply fundraising capability in real time
• capability development supports each stage of the process
• fundraising is embedded across the organisation, including leadership and/or directors/Board
• delivery and learning happen together, rather than as separate activities.

Participation requires: 

• commitment over the full two-year period
• active involvement from leadership and/or directors/Board
• integration of fundraising across the organisation.

Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups – Intermediate supports artists to build on existing private sector fundraising experience and strengthen their practice over time.

It is designed for artists and artist groups who have some private sector fundraising experience and are ready to develop more consistent and strategic approaches to private sector support. 

This opportunity provides matched funding alongside fundraising capability development through group training, peer-to peer learning and one on one support and advice. Matched funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible private sector income raised, up to $10,000.  

The aims of the fund are for artists and artist groups to move beyond one-off or informal fundraising activity and develop consistent, strategic approaches to generating private sector support. 

Through participation, artists and artist groups will: 

• build on existing private sector fundraising experience
• refine how they plan and deliver fundraising activity
• strengthen relationships with supporters
• increase confidence and independence as fundraisers.

For the purposes of this application, an artist group is defined as two or more individuals who work together but do not form a legally constituted organisation. This can include co-collaborators and collectives. 

Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups – Intermediate is delivered through a structured fundraising capability development approach alongside matched funding. 

Matched Funding for Organisations – Advanced supports small to medium arts and cultural organisations to lead and evolve sophisticated private sector fundraising practice and embed it for long-term sustainability within their organisation.

This opportunity provides matched funding over two years, alongside a structured approach to support ambitious fundraising innovation and future-proofing. Matched funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible private sector income raised, up to $50,000 per year, for two years. 

Matched funding is used as a catalyst to help Advanced organisations pursue transformational private sector fundraising opportunities.  

The fund aims to help organisations: 

• deliver ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with organisational priorities
• strengthen and extend established fundraising systems and practice
• grow and develop significant private sector income, including new or higher value private income streams
• deepen and strategically manage complex supporter relationships
• pursue transformational fundraising opportunities that would not be achievable without this support. 

This opportunity is delivered over two years with an integrated suite of capability development activities, alongside matched funding. 

This supports organisations to strengthen, apply and stretch advanced fundraising practice across a two-year period, focusing on:

• planning and alignment – refining or extending fundraising strategy in line with organisational priorities, growth opportunities and long-term sustainability
• fundraising delivery – delivering multi-stream or multi-year fundraising activity, strengthening supporter engagement and growing private sector income
• consolidation and embedding – integrating fundraising leadership, governance and decision-making across the organisation to scale private sector growth, diversify income and sustain advanced fundraising performance over time.

Across this two-year framework: 

• organisations are expected to build on existing capability and apply it strategically
• fundraising is expected to be established and embedded, with this opportunity supporting organisations to extend, strengthen and scale this practice across the organisation, including directors/Board, leadership and staff engagement
• delivery and capability development occur concurrently, rather than as separate activities. 

Participation requires: 

• commitment over the full two-year period
• active director/Board and leadership ownership of fundraising, including clear involvement and accountability
• a whole-of-organisation approach to fundraising delivery and retention of skills.

This quick response grant is for venues who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming to undertake assessment reports, development applications, legal services, planning expenses and energy audits.

Advice may include: 

• assessment reports to support infrastructure development (e.g. soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility) 
• development application and planning expenses 
• legal services and licensing consultants 
• energy efficiency audits. 

Advice and Planning will be offered three times, with applications closing: 

• Thursday 17 September 2026 – for activity starting after 19 October 
• Monday 23 November 2026 – for activity starting after 11 January 2027
• Monday 3 May 2027 – for activity starting after 7 June. 

This funding aims to: 

• build capability of dedicated live music venues to deliver world class audience and visitor experiences 
• increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues in NSW 
• increase sector knowledge and expertise in best practice sound management and sustainable live music programming 
• reduce sound impact on neighbours, leading to less complaints and increased business viability 
• increase diversity of live music offerings 
• increase accessibility and access within venues 
• improve venue energy and climate sustainability.  

This funding program is designed for artists and acts with an established body of work in contemporary music. It offers grants to support career growth through recording and promotion of new and original contemporary music.

The program aims to:   

• strengthen the recorded music ecosystem  
• future proof the NSW music industry through upskilling and collaboration  
• build the profile of NSW music. 

The program is open to artists, acts and music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act.  

An artist who:  

• is 18 years or older  
• currently lives in NSW (minimum 12 months)  
• performs new and original contemporary music  
• has a previous EP or album available on recognised platforms.  

 An act:  

• with members who are all 18 years or older  
• with at least 50% of members currently living in NSW (minimum 12 months)  
• that performs new and original contemporary music  
• that has a previous EP or album available on recognised platforms.  

Applicants will need:  

• an active ABN (that’s your Australian Business Number)  
• a bank account with the same name as your ABN  
• or a funds administrator to help you out.  

Applicants must also:  

• provide at least a 30% cash co-contribution to the overall project budget. 

For the purpose of this program contemporary music refers to artists and acts performing new and original music.  

Artforms not supported through this program are:  

• experimental music and sound art  
• contemporary classical, opera, choral and ensembles  
• music theatre  
• working in and with community music groups. 

Number of applications  

• you can only submit one application per round. 

This grant supports NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander led music businesses and organisations with a track record of delivering significant outcomes for First Nations contemporary music in NSW.

This funding program is for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander led music programs and resources that build the capacity of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists, industry professionals and music businesses, address best practice and emerging trends, promote music in NSW and deliver research and advocacy.

This funding aims to:  

• prioritise and protect First Nations NSW music  
• develop skills and capacity for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and acts  
• upskill NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander industry professionals and music businesses in best practice and emerging trends  
• improve industry standards  
• promote NSW music and increase engagement with local music through content creation, collaboration and partnerships 
• leverage technology solutions to enhance collaboration and innovation 
• support industry-led research and advocacy 
• strengthen NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.  

This grant supports NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and acts to create, record and promote new and original contemporary music, undertake professional development and purchase equipment.

This funding aims to:   

• prioritise and protect First Nations music  
• strengthen the recorded music ecosystem for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists  
• future proof the NSW music industry for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists through upskilling and collaboration   
• build the profile of NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander music. 

This grant supports dedicated live music venues to purchase equipment, undertake infrastructure works and to install high-end audiovisual systems and advanced lighting technology.

Dedicated live music venues can apply for a grant to support the following venue upgrades:

• Equipment purchase and infrastructure works up to $150,000

OR

• High-end audiovisual systems and advanced lighting technology up to $300,000.

See the ‘Types of projects funded under this grant’ section for details of the specific works that can be supported.

You can only apply for one type of venue upgrade, not both.

This funding aims to:

• build capability of dedicated live music venues to deliver world class audience and visitor experiences
• increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues in NSW
• increase sector knowledge and expertise in best practice sound management and sustainable live music programming
• increase diversity of live music offerings
• increase accessibility and access within venues
• improve venue energy and climate sustainability
• increase venue technological capacity.

Venue Upgrade Grants - Infrastructure and Equipment will run as a two-stage application process:

• Stage one - Applications to the expression of interest round will close at 2pm on 28 September
• Stage two - Venues successful at the expression of interest round will be invited to submit a full application.

The Short to Feature Fast Track Initiative combines funding for the production of a short film or proof of concept, as well as script development funds for a low budget feature film. 

The aim of this initiative is for emerging to mid-level NSW creative teams with fresh voices to have an opportunity to create a short film or proof of concept alongside script development funding on a feature film to accelerate the project towards financing and production. The feature film script does not have to be the same story or a long version of the short film but should be connected, for example, by creative voice, genre, tone or stylistic approach.  

The formats can include live action and animation for both the short/proof of concept and feature. All drama genres are eligible. There is no restriction on subject matter or style, but Screen NSW is looking for scripts that are compelling, distinctive and have a strong sense of their audience. 

The initiative will identify and track fresh NSW filmmaking talent and invest in developing and establishing their strong and distinctive creative voices. Supporting creative teams in producing a short film or proof of concept will act as a calling card for the feature film and armed with an advanced-stage draft of the feature film will enable teams to leverage further development support or marketplace finance.  

The initiative will build networks and relationships between emerging to mid-level creative teams and experienced practitioners, as well as with experienced industry professionals from the distribution sector in order to develop the teams’ understanding and awareness of the intended audience. This initiative will also assist in honing craft skills for both above the line and below the line practitioners through funding short film production. 

The First Nations Clean Energy Projects – Pilot Grants provides funding to First Nations organisations. This program was announced as part of the implementation of the Government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy. The objectives of the program are to:

• support up to 2 First Nations organisations to progress their clean energy projects beyond feasibility towards financial close
• build evidence of the factors that enable increased investment in First Nations clean energy projects
• share First Nations clean energy project development lessons learnt with the sector.

The intended outcome of the program is to support the economic development and self-determination of First Nations peoples through increased opportunities to lead and benefit from clean energy project developments.

There is a total of up to $10 million available for this grant program.

Grants will be from $1 million to $10 million.

The grant amount will be up to 100% of eligible expenditure.

The purpose of this grant is to provide Australian Government funding to support a wage increase for all eligible ECEC workers from December 2024.

Eligible ECEC workers include:

• workers covered by the Children’s Services Award 2010 and working in a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved Centre-Based Day Care (CBDC) or Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service;
• workers covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 and working in a CCS approved CBDC or OSHC service; and
• workers who are undertaking duties covered by the Children’s Services Award 2010 or Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 and working in a CCS approved CBDC or OSHC service but are not covered by these awards (including workers covered by a state industrial instrument, or working in a setting covered by a different award), and these duties constitute the majority of that workers role. 

Trainees who are undertaking a registered traineeship and whose pay and conditions are not covered by the Children’s Services Award 2010 or the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 are not included as eligible ECEC workers. 

To be eligible you must be a legal entity that provides CBDC or OSHC services (a Provider). One Provider may apply in relation to one or multiple service locations (Services) that the Provider owns and operates.

The purpose of this grant opportunity is to provide $12.033 million in 2026-27 in one-off funding to eligible registered providers to pay eligible registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care to take their leave entitlements at the increased wage rates effective from 1 August 2026 as a result of the FWC decision under the ACWVC only. 

This grant opportunity will only cover: 

• 1 August 2026 wage increases for eligible registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care.

This grant opportunity recognises that accumulated leave liabilities for eligible registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care will have increased as a result of the FWC ACWVC decision that applied from 1 August 2026, and the associated cost to registered providers of aged care when these nurses take this leave will have increased. 

Eligible registered providers include those that provide one or more of the following Commonwealth funded aged care programs: 

• Residential Aged Care, 
• Support at Home Program, 
• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), 
• Transition Care Program, and / or
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP). 

The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program provides grants to enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes/airports in remote and very remote areas of Australia. This will:

• improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers using remote and very remote airstrips
• facilitate improved delivery of essential goods and services such as food supplies, health care, community mail and passenger air services
• complement air services delivery to communities subsidised under the Australian Government’s Remote Air Services Subsidy (RASS) Scheme
• meet operational requirements of aeromedical (including the RFDS) and emergency services
• support improved access to air services for people with disability.

Grants will be from $5,000 to $4 million.

The grant will be up to 50% of eligible project costs (grant percentage), unless either:

• the applicant (you) and a third party (could include state, territory or local government or other non-government funding) are both contributing to eligible project costs, the grant amount for this opportunity may be reduced to a third of eligible project costs
• the applicant (you) meets the definition in the grant opportunity guidelines as an Indigenous Owned and/or Operated Aerodrome, the grant will be up to 100% of eligible project costs.

The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports national touring activity undertaken by Australian musicians performing original Australian contemporary music.

The tour must comprise of performances in at least three venues or locations outside of the performer’s hometown. Tours that include regional and remote destinations, or which assist performers residing in regional and remote areas to tour, are a priority for funding.

Grants are available from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of tour venues or locations in regional or remote areas.

Who can apply

You may submit a maximum of two applications to each round of CMTP.

You may apply as an individual, on behalf of a group, or as an organisation, to tour live music performances within Australia.

Touring musicians must be performing original Australian contemporary music. Funding can be provided to performers, managers, agents, and music networks on behalf of professionals working in the Australian music industry. Applications must contain one tour only.

The Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program has been introduced to support producers who add value by encouraging visitors to wine regions. Wine producers will be able to access an annual grant reflective of their eligible physical cellar door sales.

Wine producers who have met the eligibility criteria in the preceding financial year will be able to access an annual grant of up to $100,000 (GST exclusive) for their eligible rebatable domestic cellar door sales. Total funding under the grant program will be capped at $10 million (GST exclusive) each financial year.

Quick Response Fashion Grants support business development and industry engagement, with dedicated funding for First Nations, Western Sydney and regional NSW applicants.  The Program will enable emerging designers to purchase essential fashion and textile equipment or pursue professional development opportunities. 

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for:

1. professional development opportunities; or
2. purchase of equipment

A total of $500,000 (ex GST) is available for the 2026-2027 financial year, with $250,000 allocated to First Nations, Western Sydney, and regional NSW emerging designers and businesses.

The Program supports emerging fashion and textile design practitioners and businesses to grow, helping sustain NSW’s fashion industry.  

The Program aims to provide opportunities for applicants to:   

• undertake professional development for their career progression 
• produce new works  
• show works in new ways  
• gain access to equipment to further their work.  

The intended outcomes of the Program are: 

• skill and experience development  
• expanded professional networks across NSW  
• increased industry recognition (e.g. media, trade shows, publications) 
• strengthened career development and/or business capability.

The Support at Home Thin Markets 2026-27 (Round 3) Grant Opportunity provides flexible funding to eligible Support at Home providers that deliver aged care services in thin markets.

This grant opportunity is the third funding round under the Support at Home Thin Markets Grant program. Providers that received funding in Round 1 and/or Round 2 may also apply in Round 3.

Providers that deliver rural and remote services in Modified Monash areas 3 to 7, or that deliver specialised services in any region, may be eligible to apply.

This grant opportunity has two streams:  

• Stream One: Rural, remote and specialised services
• Stream Two: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services. 

Providers may apply for either Stream One OR Stream Two. 

Eligibility:

To apply under either stream, eligible providers must meet ALL the following criteria:

• Be currently delivering Support at Home services to Support at Home participants at the time of application.
• Be registered under the Aged Care Act 2024 to deliver aged care services in Registration Category 4, including delivery of care management. 
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) that matches the entity’s registration under the Aged Care Act 2024 with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 
• Be registered for GST purposes and hold an account with an Australian financial institution.
• Be one of the following entity types:
  • Indigenous Corporation (registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006) 
  • Company 
  • Corporate Commonwealth Entity 
  • Non-Corporate Commonwealth Statutory Authority 
  • Corporate State or Territory Entity 
  • Non-corporate State or Territory Entity 
  • Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authority 
  • Local Government 
  • Cooperative 
  • Incorporated Association 
  • Statutory Entity 
  • Unincorporated Association
  • Partnership
  • Sole Trader. 

If you are applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust, the Trustee must have an eligible entity type as listed above.

You must also meet the additional eligibility requirements for the relevant Stream you are applying for, as outlined in Section 4.1.1 Stream One – Rural, Remote and Specialised Services or Section 4.1.2 Stream Two – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services. 

Kick-start funding offers businesses financial incentives from a $5 million allocation to help purchase up to 15 electric vehicles (EVs) and smart charging ports. 

Kick-start funding is suitable for businesses that are interested in trialling a few EVs or for smaller fleets. It is open to any ABN holder that operates an existing fleet in NSW, provided the business meets one of the following requirements: 

• operates an existing fleet of at least 3 vehicles (electric or non-electric) in NSW
• Has licensed taxi drivers with at least 1 taxi in NSW
• Is an individual truck operator, with at least 1 truck in NSW. 

Public Lending Right (PLR) and Educational Lending Right (ELR) are Australian Government programs that compensate Australian creators and publishers in recognition of income lost through free multiple use of their books in public and educational lending libraries. These programs support the enrichment of Australian culture by encouraging the growth and development of Australian writing.

A creator or a publisher must register and submit title claims within five years from the year of publication. Books are surveyed in a sample of either public lending libraries (PLR) or school, TAFE and university libraries (ELR).

Eligible creators are:

• authors, editors, illustrators, translators and compilers
• Australian citizens, wherever they reside, or non-citizens who normally reside in Australia (eligibility ceases if residency in Australia ceases)
• those who receive on-going royalties from the sale of their book.

Eligible publishers are:

• companies whose business consists wholly or substantially of the publication of books and who regularly publish in Australia—'regularly publish' is defined as at least once in the preceding three year period
• non-profit organisations that publish to further their aims or objectives
• self-publishing creators.

This funding program is designed to support established artists and acts to tour internationally.

Funding can support travel and accommodation costs for established artists and acts who identify a career-defining international touring opportunity. 

Costs to support the artist and acts will be prioritised but costs relating to support roles will also be considered.  

Applicants must match the funding request with their own cash contribution.  

Applications will close 12pm (midday) Friday 31 July, Friday 30 October, Friday 29 January and Friday 30 April. Applications submitted after 12pm (midday) will not be accepted.

Applicants will be notified of the decision within 4 weeks of the closing date.  

Please see the frequently asked questions for additional details.  

This funding aims to:       

• support established NSW artists and acts to tour internationally  
• champion NSW music 
• grow international music audiences for NSW artists.  

This program does not support domestic touring or professional development opportunities. Please see the Domestic Touring and Professional Development program.