Search Grants & Funding

The National Cultural Heritage Account helps to retain and protect Australia's cultural heritage for future generations and provide public access to important objects that tell a story about our cultural identity.

Australian cultural organisations that can care for and provide permanent public access to Australian protected objects have a priority for funding.

Given the special significance of Class A objects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage to Indigenous communities, grants in respect of those objects may be made to groups which do not have a permanent public collection.

Funding is approved on a case-by-case basis and usually covers only a proportion of the fair market value of the object. One or more valuations by valuers registered under the Cultural Gifts Program may assist in demonstrating fair market value.

The following Australian protected objects are priorities for funding:

• Class A objects in Australia and overseas
• Class B objects that have been denied an export permit
• Class B objects that have been granted an export permit on condition that they be available at fair market value for purchase by an eligible cultural organisation
• Class B objects that are overseas.

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. 

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.

Writers’ festivals play a vital role in strengthening Australia’s literary community. They provide space for ideas, dialogue and discovery, while promoting Australian writers to a wide range of readers. This investment will support writers’ festivals in regional areas and capital cities to connect authors with readers and peers.  

The fund prioritises authors travelling from or to regional locations, First Nations authors, children’s authors and illustrators, and early to mid-career writers, while encouraging a broad mix of voices and festivals.  

Investments of $10,000 to $30,000 are available to support festivals to cover travel, accommodation, appearance fees and per diems.

The Community Grant Program aims to enhance the utility of the internet for the benefit of the Australian community.

It delivers an annual grant round open to not-for-profit organisations and research institutions for community projects, education and research activities that support under-served communities to establish an online presence.

The program supports digital innovation and digital inclusion, with an emphasis on projects which provide benefit to one or more of the following four groups:

• Rural, regional, and remote Australians
• Australians living with disability
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Young Australians (12-24 years).

Variety – the Children’s Charity, offer support to children who have experienced permanent hair loss due to conditions such as Alopecia or other medical conditions, helping them access a wig that restores confidence and a sense of self.

Specialised wigs can cost up to $6,000 and may only last two to three years, making them out of reach for many families. Through the Wigs Grant, Variety can provide up to $5,000 towards the cost of a human or synthetic hair wig to help make this support more accessible.

Families are welcome to choose a wig supplier that best suits their child’s needs, and are also encouraged to check with their GP or specialist about any available government subsidies in their state or territory.

Wig Grant applications are open all year for families across Australia with applications managed nationally through the Variety office in NSW/ACT.

Ski for Life provides grants to community groups and organisations delivering practical mental health and suicide prevention initiatives across rural and regional Australia. They support projects that strengthen wellbeing, promote connection, and deliver measurable impact where it’s needed most.

Applications are welcome for projects that:

• Are community-led and locally delivered

• Focus on mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention

• Support rural and regional communities

• Create practical, measurable outcomes

The annual PILA Goalpost Subsidy Program provides kick-start financial assistance for grassroots clubs to purchase safe, high-quality, regulation-compliant goalposts.

This national program is open to clubs in all states and territories.

• Applicants must demonstrate a need to enhance their field.
• Only one (1) subsidy per recipient per application period.
• The subsidy is applicable only to PILA goalposts.
• Any combination of subsidised products listed may be ordered.
• Goals must be ordered in pairs (2) to accommodate one (1) field.
• The subsidy excludes all non-listed products and services.

Special consideration may be given to applicants outside of clubs who require financial assistance. If applicable, please indicate this on your application form.

The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation has been established to support those who have contributed to our great country but may have unfortunately through no fault of their own, fallen on hard times and can no longer speak for themselves.

They have a range of grants including:

• Community Health Grants
• Disadvantaged Grants
• Domestic Violence Grants
• Homelessness Grants
• Housing and Accommodation grants
• Mental Health Grants
• Natural Disaster Grants

The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation has been established to support those who have contributed to our great country but may have unfortunately through no fault of their own, fallen on hard times and can no longer speak for themselves.

They have a range of grants including:

• Community Health Grants
• Disadvantaged Grants
• Domestic Violence Grants
• Homelessness Grants
• Housing and Accommodation grants
• Mental Health Grants
• Natural Disaster Grants

The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation has been established to support those who have contributed to our great country but may have unfortunately through no fault of their own, fallen on hard times and can no longer speak for themselves.

They have a range of grants including:

• Community Health Grants
• Disadvantaged Grants
• Domestic Violence Grants
• Homelessness Grants
• Housing and Accommodation grants
• Mental Health Grants
• Natural Disaster Grants

The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation has been established to support those who have contributed to our great country but may have unfortunately through no fault of their own, fallen on hard times and can no longer speak for themselves.

They have a range of grants including:

• Community Health Grants
• Disadvantaged Grants
• Domestic Violence Grants
• Homelessness Grants
• Housing and Accommodation grants
• Mental Health Grants
• Natural Disaster Grants

The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation has been established to support those who have contributed to our great country but may have unfortunately through no fault of their own, fallen on hard times and can no longer speak for themselves.

They have a range of grants including:

• Community Health Grants
• Disadvantaged Grants
• Domestic Violence Grants
• Homelessness Grants
• Housing and Accommodation grants
• Mental Health Grants
• Natural Disaster Grants