Funding

Funding categories

Click on each category below to download a PDF of available grants. The funding opportunities are organised into the following categories with examples of activities each category could fund: 

Documents updated: February 2024

Capital works

Upgrades to infrastructure; construction of new buildings; facility and accessibility improvements.

Collections

Acquisition/purchase of significant objects; conservation and preservation; interpretation; collection documentation and storage; significance assessment; collection research.

Disaster recovery

Support to areas affected by a natural disaster including equipment, infrastructure, etc; disaster preparedness.

Equipment

Equipment purchase or hire; renewable energy and sustainability; staff/volunteer training; planning and governance; information technology and support.

First Nations

Development of new exhibitions; audience engagement projects; language preservation and education; commissioning artworks; professional development.

Projects & Touring

Development of new exhibitions; audience engagement projects; commissioning artworks; skills development; community arts/heritage or similar projects; exhibition development and touring support.

Useful resources

Creative Partnerships Australia

Creative Partnerships Australia was established to offer a resource hub for the facilitation of business partnerships, social investment and philanthropy for the cultural and creative sectors.

They run workshops and provide publications aimed at developing skills at securing private funding for the arts.

Funding Centre

The Funding Centre is an online fundraising hub and initiative of Our Community. The site contains free and members-only content covering a range of topics including grants, donations, crowdfunding, fundraising, memberships, sales and sponsorship. 

Grants and programs finder

This Australian Government website provides searchable online resources of Commonwealth grants for community groups, individuals and businesses.

Community Grants Hub

The Community Grants Hub administers community-based grants on behalf of Australian Government departments, agencies and organisations.

Philanthropy Australia: Directory of funders

The Directory is an essential resource for not-for-profit organisations, charities and community groups. It features tips on how to apply for grants, write submissions, and important tax information to help grant-seekers understand what needs to be supplied to foundations in any application for funding.

This resource provides an alphabetical listing of more than 350 trusts and foundations along with information on their purpose, fields of interest, contact details and other information. It is available for purchase via the Philanthropy Australia website, which also has free online resources in its Tools & Resources section. 

Australian Taxation Office

The ATO website provides information about Income Tax Exempt Charity (ITEC) and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, along with other tax issues relevant to non-profit organisations.

Disclaimer:

This listing does not include: awards, prizes, or scholarships; sponsorship opportunities; or funding for for-profit businesses.

These resources are intended as a starting point only and do not necessarily represent all levels of funding available to any particular group. This information is also subject to change. Grant seekers should check the funding body’s website for updated information and submission dates and speak to the fund’s contact officer before applying.