List of Grants
Image by Tan McCulloch - Lemon Tree on Dreg Street by Amy May Nunn (2023)
External Grants & Funding Opportunities
This list is intended as a starting point only and does not represent every funding opportunity available to artists, community groups, producers, venues or organisations.
Funding programs regularly change, open and close, or alter their eligibility criteria. We encourage applicants to conduct their own research and subscribe directly to grant providers for the most up-to-date information.
While Midsumma has compiled this list to assist our communities, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, availability or suitability of any funding opportunity listed below.
Last updated: June 2026
Creative Australia
https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities
- Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
- Arts Projects for Organisations
- First Nations Arts and Culture Opportunities
- Arts and Disability Initiatives
- International Engagement Opportunities
- Fellowships and Career Development Opportunities
Australian Cultural Fund
https://australianculturalfund.org.au
- Tax-deductible fundraising for creative projects
- Artist and organisation fundraising campaigns
- Community arts and cultural initiatives
Copyright Agency Cultural Fund
https://www.copyright.com.au/culturalfund
- CREATE Grants
- Fellowships
- Cultural Projects Funding
- Professional Development Opportunities
Screen Australia
https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support
- Documentary Development
- Documentary Production
- Feature Film Development
- Online Development
- Games Funding
- First Nations Department Programs
Regional Arts Australia
- Regional Arts Fund programs
- National regional arts initiatives
- Professional development opportunities
Creative Australia
https://creative.vic.gov.au/funding-opportunities
- Creative Projects Fund
- First Peoples Creative Initiatives
- Sector Development Programs
- Touring Opportunities
- Professional Development Programs
Regional Arts Victoria
https://www.rav.net.au/funding-opportunities
- Regional Arts Fund Project Grants
- Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants
- Touring Programs
- Regional Creative Development Opportunities
Victorian Multicultural Commission
https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-grants
- Multicultural Festivals and Events Grants
- Community Capacity Building Grants
- Community Participation Opportunities
Victoria Law Foundation
https://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au
- Community Grants
- Law Week Grants
- Public Legal Education Projects
VicScreen
https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/funding
- Development Funding
- Production Funding
- Originate Features Program
- Games and Digital Media Programs
- Industry Development Opportunities
https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities
- Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
- Arts Projects for Organisations
- First Nations Arts and Culture Opportunities
- Arts and Disability Initiatives
- International Engagement Opportunities
- Fellowships and Career Development Opportunities
Australian Cultural Fund
https://australianculturalfund.org.au
- Tax-deductible fundraising for creative projects
- Artist and organisation fundraising campaigns
- Community arts and cultural initiatives
Copyright Agency Cultural Fund
https://www.copyright.com.au/culturalfund
- CREATE Grants
- Fellowships
- Cultural Projects Funding
- Professional Development Opportunities
Screen Australia
https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support
- Documentary Development
- Documentary Production
- Feature Film Development
- Online Development
- Games Funding
- First Nations Department Programs
Regional Arts Australia
- Regional Arts Fund programs
- National regional arts initiatives
- Professional development opportunities
Pride Foundation Australia
https://pridefoundation.org.au/grants
- Small Grants Program
- Large Grants Program
- Community Development Projects
- Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
- Arts and Cultural Projects
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Community Grants
- Parade Participation Support
- Community Partnership Opportunities
LGBTQIA+ Community Foundations and Funds
- Community wellbeing initiatives
- Social inclusion projects
- Leadership and advocacy programs
- Emerging community opportunities
Many local councils offer annual funding programs for artists, community organisations, festivals and events. (search "grants" on the various councils' websites)
City of Melbourne
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community-events-grants
- Arts Grants
- Community Grants
- Neighbourhood Projects Fund
- Event Partnerships
City of Yarra
https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au
- Creative Yarra Grants
- Community Grants
- Festival and Event Support
Merri-bek City Council
https://www.merri-bek.vic.gov.au
- Arts Project Grants
- Community Grants
- Operational Grants
- Community Strengthening Programs
City of Darebin
https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au
- Arts and Cultural Grants
- Community Grants
- Community Events Grants
- Diversity and Inclusion Programs
City of Port Phillip
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
- Cultural Development Fund
- Community Grants
- Creative Development Opportunities
City of Stonnington
https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
- Arts and Cultural Grants
- Community Grants
- Community Development Programs
City of Maribyrnong
https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
- Community Grants Program
- Arts and Cultural Development Grants
- Community Wellbeing Projects
Hobsons Bay City Council
https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
- Community Grants
- Make it Happen Grants
- Community Development Programs
Kingston City Council
https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au
- Arts Grants
- Community Grants
- Festival and Event Funding
Tip: Most Victorian councils offer funding opportunities for arts, culture, festivals, inclusion, community wellbeing and neighbourhood activation projects. Be sure to check your local council's website for opportunities specific to your area.
The Ian Potter Foundation
- Arts Program
- Community Wellbeing Program
- Capacity Building Opportunities
Sidney Myer Fund & The Myer Foundation
https://www.myerfoundation.org.au
- Arts and Culture Funding
- Community Development Programs
- Social Impact Initiatives
Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation
- Community Grants
- Innovation Grants
- Exploration Grants
- Social Impact Funding
The R E Ross Trust
- Arts and Culture Funding
- Community Impact Grants
- Education and Inclusion Initiatives
Paul Ramsay Foundation
https://paulramsayfoundation.org.au
- Social Impact Funding Opportunities
- Community Development Programs
Community Foundations Australia
https://communityfoundations.org.au
- Find your local community foundation
- Place-based funding opportunities
- Community grants and philanthropic support
The Ian Potter Foundation
- Arts Program
- Community Wellbeing Program
- Capacity Building Opportunities
Sidney Myer Fund & The Myer Foundation
https://www.myerfoundation.org.au
- Arts and Culture Funding
- Community Development Programs
- Social Impact Initiatives
Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation
- Community Grants
- Innovation Grants
- Exploration Grants
- Social Impact Funding
The R E Ross Trust
https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3fa0b2a3-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/profile
- Arts and Culture Funding
- Community Impact Grants
- Education and Inclusion Initiatives
Paul Ramsay Foundation
https://paulramsayfoundation.org.au
- Social Impact Funding Opportunities
- Community Development Programs
Community Foundations Australia
https://communityfoundations.org.au
- Find your local community foundation
- Place-based funding opportunities
- Community grants and philanthropic support
NAB Foundation
https://www.nab.com.au/about-us/social-impact
- Community Grants
- Community Impact Funding
- Social Enterprise Support
Budget Direct
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/about-us/our-charity-partners.html
- Community Grants Program
- Local Community Project Support
Other Corporate Giving Programs
Many businesses offer sponsorships, community grants and charitable funding opportunities. Consider researching organisations aligned with your project, audience, industry or location.
Philanthropy Australia
https://www.philanthropy.org.au
- Philanthropic sector information
- Foundation directories
- Funding resources
ArtsHub
- Grant listings
- Funding opportunities
- Industry news and resources
Auspicious Arts Projects
https://www.auspicious.com.au/
- National grants listings
- Funding resources
- Artist support services
GrantGuru
- Searchable grants database
- Local, state and national funding opportunities
Our Community
https://www.ourcommunity.com.au
- Funding Centre
- Grant writing resources
- Not-for-profit support and training
Funding programs, eligibility requirements, opening dates and funding amounts change regularly. Applicants should always verify information directly with the funding provider before applying. Inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement by Midsumma Festival and does not guarantee funding availability or eligibility.
External Grants & Funding Opportunities
This list is intended as a starting point only and does not represent every funding opportunity available to artists, community groups, producers, venues or organisations.
Funding programs regularly change, open and close, or alter their eligibility criteria. We encourage applicants to conduct their own research and subscribe directly to grant providers for the most up-to-date information.
While Midsumma has compiled this list to assist our communities, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, availability or suitability of any funding opportunity listed below.
Last updated: June 2026
Grouped (loosely) by month:
Fairfield City Council (NSW: Jan - Apr)
Social Change Through Creativity Grants Program: the awarded projects must meet all of the grant selection criteria and at least one grant priority area. One-off grants of up to $5,000 are available to not-for-profit groups or organisations.
Creative Victoria (Feb & Aug)
Many different funding sources available, in particular the VicArts Grants.
City of Kingston (Feb – Mar)
City of Kingston Arts Grants: Projects must have a public outcome in the City of Kingston.
City of Port Phillip (Feb – Mar)
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) seeks to: Support artists and/or organisations to develop and realise creative ideas and projects within the City of Port Phillip; Support community managed projects; Generate arts and cultural activity; Build cultural identity; Support and celebrate community diversity; Support heritage initiatives.
City of Stonnington (Feb – Mar)
To assist local community organisations in providing services to the Stonnington community, Council provides Community Grants (annually) and Arts and Cultural Grants (bi-annually).
City of Darebin (Feb – Apr)
Darebin Council offers a range of grants for Community Events, grants for organisations and groups, Arts organisations, and LGBTIQ Community Grants.
City of Yarra (Feb - Apr)
Creative Yarra and Engage Yarra Grants: 2020 - 2021. Applications open from 18 February to 1 April 2019 for 2 years of fixed funding for activities of high cultural and artistic merit.
NAB Community Grants (National: Mar - Apr)
Recognition that philanthropic grants are a critical pillar of revenue for not-for-profit organisations.
Copyright Agency Cultural Fund (National: closes April / ongoing)
The Cultural Fund supports a wide variety of projects which aim to encourage, and provide practical assistance to Copyright Agency’s members and the Australian cultural community. Seems to be mainly for Indigenous groups/people.
City of Melbourne (May – Jun)
Funding to support and empower people and communities to engage, connect and take local action with a focus on local and vulnerable people.
City of Maribyrnong (Jul – Aug)
Council's annual Community Grants Program supports local projects or initiatives with activities that contribute to community strengthening, arts and cultural development, environmental sustainability, revitalising Braybrook, and encouraging wellbeing.
Youth Affairs Council Victoria (Sep / ongoing)
Part of larger Victorian Government funded initiative to support the mental health and wellbeing of Same Sex Attracted and Sex and Gender Diverse Young People.
Mardi Gras (NSW: Nov - Jan)
Parade Entrant Grant Registrations: each registrant can apply for a grant of $1,000 - $5,000 towards the cost of their Parade Entry.
Ongoing / Various application periods
Adelaide Fringe (SA: ongoing)
The Adelaide Fringe Cultural Fund provides 8 grants of $5,000 (+ GST) to independent Australian artists presenting work in the Adelaide Fringe to support them in the presentation of their work.
Arts Queensland (QLD: ongoing)
An overview to the Arts funding schemes provided throughout Queensland.
Arts SA: IMPP (SA: ongoing)
Individual Development: IMPP: Individual Development supports the professional development of individual, independent artists through various grant programs. Mostly for SA residents only. Includes the South Australian Living Artist Publication, which focuses on the production of a major, high-quality book profiling a prominent South Australian visual artist.
ArtsHub, Metro Screen & City of Sydney (NSW: ongoing)
Metro Screen, in partnership with the City of Sydney, is proud to offer the new Digital Escalator program. This program will support cultural, community and arts organisations within the City of Sydney to develop digital video skills and build content creation and distribution capacity, through fully subsidised access to training, equipment, studio/venue/edit suite access, and expert advice and support.
Australian Government – Arts and Culture (National: ongoing)
The $2 million Public Grants Program is open to individuals, organisations and groups, including cultural institutions, arts organisations and artists for collaborative, commemorative arts and culture projects that engage local communities and produce high quality artistic outputs.
Auspicious Arts Projects (SA: ongoing)
Maintain a comprehensive calendar of grants opportunities around the country.
Belconnen Arts Centre (ACT: ongoing)
Every year graduates from the ANU School of Art are awarded an exhibition at Belconnen Arts Centre as part of the Emerging Artist Support Scheme (EASS). Periodically, other schemes are also announced, such as the Artists in Residence program.
Budget Direct (quarterly)
Sponsorships of $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000 to community-building organisations to help build happy, healthy neighbourhoods.
Create NSW (NSW: ongoing)
Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program 2019/20 provides funding opportunities for arts and cultural organisations, professional artists and arts/cultural workers across a wide range of artforms and disciplines.
Government of WA (WA: ongoing)
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries: provides funding for the culture and the arts sector. The 'Arts 15k-plus' grant program offers between $15,000 and $60,000 funding for artists, creative industry professionals and organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity. The 'Arts Organisations Investment Program' is an open and competitive multiyear funding program to support Western Australia’s arts, cultural and creative sector organisations.
Hobsons Bay Council (various)
Hobsons Bay Community Grants. Hobsons Bay libraries also have several publications relating to grants which may assist. They are: The Complete Community Fundraising Handbook, Winning Grants Funding in Australia, How to Manage your Grant After Winning it!, How to: Find Money Fast, Effective Letters: 50 of the Best, Small Sparks Neighbourhood Grants Case Studies
Ian Potter Foundation (National: ongoing)
The Ian Potter Foundation makes grants across a broad range of sectors and endeavours. Our grants are managed through nine program areas: Arts, Community Wellbeing, Education, Environment & Conservation, Health & Disability, International Learning and Development, Medical Research, Science, Travel, and Conference.
Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation (various)
Various grants are available, including: Eldon and Anne Foote Donor Advised Program Grants; Innovation Grants; Exploration Grants; Feed Melbourne Grants; and Thrive Grants.
Merri-bek City Council (various)
Project grants up to $5000 (applications open February - March), Operational grants up to $10,000 per year (applications open February - March) and minor grants (open most of the year)
National Film and Sound Archive (National: ongoing)
Take Three: an initiative to support Australian tertiary students and emerging filmmakers/artists by providing up to three minutes of footage/audio, and ten stills, free of licence fees for use in their projects.
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. They also have a Large Grants Program.
Queensland Government (QLD: ongoing)
Arts Business Innovation Fund: provides a $1 million investment for not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations.
The Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction supports published Australian authors working in fiction, and recognises exciting and exceptional new contributions to local literature.
RE Ross Trust (ongoing)
Impact Area A: Improved outcomes for the most disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised Victorians. Impact Area B: Improved outcomes for children and young people at risk (0-18 years). Impact Area C: Improved access to and achievement of equality and excellence in public education, arts and culture. Impact Area D: Protection and preservation of Australian flora and fauna.
Regional Arts Victoria (ongoing - two rounds p.a.)
The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund program supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote Australia. Project Grants of up to $15,000 are available twice yearly; Quick Response up to $1500 for individuals and $3,000 for organisations are available throughout the year.
Screen Australia (National: ongoing)
Features Development: Access to Screen Australia’s development funds is highly competitive so it is in your interest to apply for funds only when you are thoroughly prepared and can submit the strongest application for consideration.
Screen Australia (National: ongoing)
Documentary Development: Screen Australia’s Documentary Development program assists experienced documentary makers to achieve planned outcomes for the development of their projects.
Victoria Law Foundation (ongoing)
For the first time ever, Victoria Law Foundation is opening up our grants funding to arts sector organisations for Law Week projects and events!
VMC: Victorian Multicultural Commission (various)
Various grants available at different times, including: Community Harmony; Capacity Building and Participation; Multicultural Festivals and Events; and Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts.
Principal Partners
