Fundraising Support
Creative Australia’s fundraising programs and services aim to build the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of artists and organisations, supporting financially sustainable creative careers and business models.
On 1 July 2023 the people and functions of Creative Partnerships Australia became part of Creative Australia. In the October 2022 Federal Budget the Minister for the Arts, The Hon Tony Burke MP, confirmed his election commitment to transfer the funding and functions of Creative Partnerships Australia to Creative Australia. This was reaffirmed in January 2023, with the release of the Australia Government’s National Cultural Policy: Revive.
Creative Australia continues the programs previously run by Creative Partnerships Australia.
Australian Cultural Fund
The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a fundraising platform for Australian artists. Through the ACF, artists upload their project, start their fundraising campaign and invite art lovers and supporters to donate with 100% of donations going directly towards artists’ creative projects. The ACF has helped raise millions of dollars for Australian artists, enabling a wide range of projects to come to life and offering support to Australia’s cultural sector.
Free Coaching & Advice
Creative Australia’s State Manager Development & Partnerships provide advice on philanthropy, fundraising and development, and securing investment and partnerships for artists and arts organisations.
Through Creative Australia’s bespoke one-on-one coaching sessions, we work in a facilitative style to equip you with the tools, knowledge and opportunities to improve your fundraising capability. Creative Australia aims to empower artists and arts organisations to secure support from philanthropists, trusts and foundations and develop robust and fruitful business partnerships. Click here to read the Coaching and Advice FAQs.
Appointments can take place in-person, over the phone or via digital communication channels. To arrange an appointment please submit an enquiry through the booking form and your State Manager Development and Partnerships will be in touch.
- Hannah Kothe – SA & NT: hannah.kothe@creative.gov.au
- James Boyd – WA: james.boyd@creative.gov.au
- Matthew Higgins – QLD: matthew.higgins@creative.gov.au
- Michelle Boyle – NSW & ACT: michelle.boyle@creative.gov.au
- Steven Richardson – VIC & TAS: steven.richardson@creative.gov.au
Training & Professional Development
The Fundamentals of Arts Fundraising workshops are ideal for arts organisations and artists looking for the know-how, confidence and inspiration to kickstart or grow income from philanthropy, donors and business partners. We program workshops throughout the year and across the country to provide fundraisers with the skills to succeed.
Join us at one of our upcoming workshops Investment and development – Creative Australia
These workshops are designed for artists, producers and collectives looking to boost their knowledge, skills and confidence to strategically build supporter relationships and grow income from donations.
Join us at one of our upcoming workshops Investment and development – Creative Australia
Our Knowledge Series is a master course of webinars in arts fundraising. Presented by leading Australian and international experts, the webinars cover essential fundraising topics contextualised and relevant to the unique Australian cultural landscape.
Previous Knowledge Series recordings are now available, register to receive your link to the recordings.
Our biennial Masterclass brings international expertise to the Australian sector providing arts professionals access to the leading fundraising knowledge in the form of an intensive workshop.
The Art & Science of Fundraising is an innovative, out-of-the-box professional development program created by esteemed consultancy Philanthropy Squared delivered over nine months. Designed especially for small-to-mid-sized arts organisations, the program provides you with the critical principles and practical know-how to give your fundraising every chance to succeed. It is a must for organisations wanting to grow or strengthen their philanthropic fundraising practice.
Applications for Art and Science of Fundraising have now closed.
Matched Funding Programs
Our funding programs and initiatives help create a more sustainable and financially supported cultural sector. Whether you’re an arts organisation, independent artist or artistic group, we offer matched funding programs to maximise your fundraising efforts, boost your revenue and have meaningful connections with your audiences.
Plus1 is our dollar-for-dollar matched fundraising program, designed to boost the fundraising efforts of small to medium not-for-profit arts organisations. Plus1 supports not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations to develop and run more effective fundraising campaigns, boost their fundraising skills and secure new backers.
Applications for Plus1 have now closed.
Our MATCH Lab program supports artists and artist groups to build fundraising skills, increase knowledge of philanthropy and arts partnerships, develop broader arts business experience and create sustainable sources of revenue into the future with the support of dollar-for-dollar matched funding for their campaign. MATCH Lab is more than just a funding program; it emphasises long-term skills development through subsidised attendance at our fundraising professional development clinic.
Applications for MATCH Lab have now closed.
ACF Boost is a matched funding program for independent artists and small arts organisations using the ACF. Participants in the program leverage private sector support raised through their ACF campaign with a small, matched funding ‘boost’ of up to $5,000 from Creative Australia.
Applications for ACF Boost 2025 have now closed.
Fundraising Resources
Our Fundraising Resources are currently under review. Resources are available on request via your State Manager Development and Partnerships by emailing cpa.programs@creative.gov.au
Peer Learning & Networks
Our place-based Development Collectives provide in-person networking and peer learning opportunities for arts and cultural fundraisers. For more information, please contact your State Manager Development and Partnerships by emailing cpa.programs@creative.gov.au
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Contact us
Email the Partnerships and Philanthropy team at cpa.programs@creative.gov.au