FAQs

What’s the difference between a grant and an initiative?

Grants are funding programs that are open to applications from artists and arts organisations. Initiatives typically have a more specific focus on building capacity in the arts sector, outside usual grant categories. Usually this is in a specific area such as audience development or building artists’
incomes. Initiatives are often partnerships between the Australia Council and other parts of government, arts organisations, or a private sector organisation.

Can I apply for a grant?

Australia Council grants are open to any professional Australian artist or arts organisation. Australian citizens or permanent residents, or legally constituted organisations can apply – although others can apply in some instances. Prospective applicants should first check the eligibility criteria for the grant category they wish to apply for. In general, individual artists and organisations can submit only two applications in each calendar year. Organisations with ‘multi-arts’ status can apply up to five times per year. Proposals for initiatives do not count as an application.

What can I get a grant for?

The Australia Council supports the full spectrum of arts and cultural activities provided they involve professional artists or arts workers. Some exceptions are spending on major capital and equipment;
some training and educational activities; academic conferences; instructional or technical activities; and core costs for running competitions or awards. Grants usually support specific activities, so we
recommend applicants check the relevant grant information carefully before applying. Applicants are invited to discuss their eligibility for a particular grant with our staff.

How long does it take to get a grant?

It varies. Most projects should commence at least four or five months after applications close. For organisational funding, the grant will normally apply to the next calendar year. This allows time for the board or committee to assess applications. Some grants have a shorter time between submitting
an application and being able to start. Contact our staff for more details.

What if I need a grant quickly or ‘out of time’?

You can make an ‘out of time’ application for funding, but only to certain boards or committees for specific grant categories or significant international activity. ‘Out of time’ funding is usually only available in special circumstances. We recommend you visit our website or contact staff in the relevant section to find out more.

Who decides who gets a grant?

The relevant artform board, committee or assessment panel decides, or makes recommendations about who receives Australia Council grants. The boards, committees and panels comprise independent peers who are artists, are closely associated with the arts, or are community interest representatives. Applications are assessed according to the selection criteria for each grant category.

What are the chances of getting a grant?

The Australia Council receives many more high-quality applications than it can fund. Success rates vary from around 15 per cent in some categories to 35 per cent or more in others. As a guide, we suggest you view our archive of grants lists or assessment meeting reports to see the types of applications that have been successful in the past.

How do I apply?

The first thing to do is select the grant you wish to apply for. This guide, our website and our staff can help you decide. Once you have chosen the grant category, read the relevant information package on our website. Online applications are available for the first time in 2009. If you do not have internet access, please contact us for an information package. This package includes information about the grant category, eligibility criteria, how to apply, the required support materials, selection criteria and an application form.

What do I need to submit?

Grant applications generally involve completing an application form and attaching support materials. Grant applications can be completed online. If you do not have internet access contact us for an information pack. The mandatory support materials vary between grant categories, but can include samples of previous artworks or reports on previous activities. Our staff can provide advice on completing your application. Applications must be lodged by the closing date.

If I’m successful, what happens next?

We will send you a letter confirming your application has been successful. You will then need to complete and sign an agreement which outlines the terms and conditions of your grant. A tax invoice is also required in order for us to make the grant payment. Once you have completed these formalities, we can pay you the grant. In some cases, this may be full payment of the grant; in
others, milestone payments may be made.

Can I appeal a grant decision?

Yes, but only if you think that there has been a specific problem with the grant assessment process. If this occurs, you can lodge an appeal in the first instance with the Australia Council’s decisions review committee.

Do I need to do anything to complete my grant?

Once you have finished the grant activity, you must complete a final report. This report is your opportunity to highlight what you have achieved with the funding. If you do not complete a grant report, you will be ineligible for future Australia Council funding, or may be required to repay some or all of the grant.