Please note: to apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date
Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups – Intermediate
Key dates
Applications close: Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 3pm (AEST)
Notification: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Contact
To discuss this opportunity, please book a time to chat with the Capability Development team. Bookings will open from Thursday 6 August 2026.
Amount
$10,000 in matched funding.
Question and Answer webinar
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026, 3.30pm-4pm AEST (online via Zoom)
Please note: Are you registering to use our Application Management System for the first time? Make sure you register well before the closing date. It can take up to two business days to process your registration.
About the opportunity
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.
Who the opportunity is for
This opportunity is for artists and artist groups working across any artform, including screen, who have some fundraising experience and are ready to develop more consistent and strategic approaches to private sector support. It is aligned to the Intermediate level of our Private Investment Capability Framework.
These artists and artist groups:
- have delivered or contributed to one or more fundraising campaigns. For group applications, the lead applicant must have prior fundraising experience, including having delivered or contributed to at least one fundraising campaign
- have an existing supporter base, such as audiences, collaborators, or donors
- understand the role of fundraising within their practice
- are ready to improve how they plan and deliver fundraising within their practice.
This opportunity supports progression to:
- better planned and consistent fundraising activity
- clearer and better tailored communications with supporters
- stronger, ongoing supporter relationships.
What this opportunity offers and requires
This opportunity supports artists to develop and apply fundraising practice across four stages:
- Planning and refinement
- reviewing past fundraising activity
- refining fundraising approach, messaging, and fundraising strategy
- identifying supporters and opportunities.
- Fundraising delivery
- delivering a fundraising campaign
- engaging and communicating with supporters
- applying different fundraising approaches in practice.
- Campaign momentum
- checking campaign progress and adjusting activity where needed
- refreshing messaging, updates and calls to action
- reactivating networks through follow-up and personal asks.
- Post-campaign reflection and consolidation
- reflecting on what worked and what didn’t
- stewarding supporter relationships
- identifying how fundraising will continue beyond this opportunity.
Across this opportunity
- capability is developed through application, not theory
- learning and delivery happen together
- participants are supported through one-on-one support and advice and peer learning.
If the applicant is an individual artist, participation requires
- commitment across the full opportunity period
- active engagement in all capability activities
- a willingness to test, reflect, and improve fundraising practice.
If the applicant is a group of artists, participation requires
- a nominated lead participant/applicant to take part across the full opportunity period and attend all capability activities
- engagement from other members of the group where applicable, to support fundraising activity
- a willingness to test, reflect, and improve fundraising practice.
Participants receive
- up to $10,000 in matched funding, on a dollar-for-dollar basis against eligible private sector income
- capability development aligned to the fundraising cycle
- a structured approach to planning, delivering, and reflecting on fundraising activity.
Fundraising capability development includes:
- an in-person workshop focused on applied fundraising practice. This 2.5-day workshop will take place on 16-18 February 2027 in Melbourne
- one-on-one support and advice
- cohort based learning.
Information session
You can view our general information session about applying for this matched funding opportunity below. The session is Auslan interpreted and has closed captions.
Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups - Intermediate Info Session
Eligibility
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- be a practicing artist, or group of artists
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- be aged 18 years or over
- have an ABN, or an auspicing arrangement
- be based in Australia and primarily working within Australia
- be available to participate in the 2.5-day Fundraising Workshop, taking place on 16-18 February 2027 in Melbourne
- be prepared to run a fundraising campaign beginning 26 February 2027 and concluding before 1 December 2027.
Who can’t apply
Applications will not be accepted from:
- organisations
- school groups or tertiary training institutions
- applicants who participated in the 2025/26 MATCH Lab opportunity
- applicants who have an overdue grant report to Creative Australia
- applicants who owe money to Creative Australia
- applicants who have already applied to this opportunity on the closing date.
What you need to demonstrate
Your application should clearly show:
- a clear artistic practice and project suitable for fundraising
- prior experience with fundraising
- an existing supporter base and how you engage with them
- a realistic and considered fundraising approach
- readiness to refine and improve your fundraising practice
- capacity to plan and deliver fundraising alongside your artistic work.
What can be supported
Artists and artist groups can raise funds to support activities such as:
- creation and presentation of new work
- development of artistic practice
- touring activity
- audience and community engagement
- costs associated with delivering artistic projects.
Applicants determine the project or activity they are fundraising for. This opportunity supports the fundraising activity to resource that outcome.
Outcomes
By the end, participants are expected to:
- apply fundraising as an ongoing part of their artistic practice
- build stronger and more sustained relationships with supporters
- deliver more effective and structured fundraising campaigns
- demonstrate increased confidence and independence as fundraisers.
Protocols
Your application must comply with the following protocols. We may contact you to request further information during the assessment process, or if successful, as a condition of your agreement.
Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts
All applications involving First Nations artists, communities or subject matter must adhere to these Protocols, provide evidence of this in their application and support material. More information on the First Nations Protocols is available here.
Commonwealth Child Safe Framework
All successful applicants are required to comply with all Australian law relating to employing or engaging people who work or volunteer with children, including working with children checks and mandatory reporting. Successful organisations who provide services directly to children, or whose investment activities involve contact with children, will additionally be required to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Application
Applications must be submitted via Creative Australia’s Application Management System.
If you are registering to use the System for the first time, make sure you register well before the closing date. It can take up to two business days to process your registration.
Application questions
Your practice and project
- Describe your artistic practice and your fundraising goal. Include how your fundraising goal will strengthen your artistic practice and positively impact the experiences of audiences, participants or communities. (300-word limit)
Your fundraising approach
- What overall fundraising approach are you proposing for this campaign? Include your fundraising goal, who you will approach, how you will engage them, why this approach is the right fit for your campaign and supporters, and any key risks or challenges you anticipate. (300-word limit)
Your fundraising experience
- Tell us about your fundraising experience to date, including details of one campaign or fundraising activity you have delivered or contributed to. Include your role, the fundraising approaches used, what worked well, and not so well. Describe any ways this experience has informed your approach to fundraising that you will bring to this campaign. (300-word limit)
Your supporters
- Tell us about your existing private sector supporter base, including important characteristics about them and their support, and how you engage with them currently. How are you intending to engage with supporters in this campaign, and what is different about how you will engage with supporters in this campaign? (250-word limit)
Capability building opportunity
- What aspects of your fundraising practice do you want to strengthen through the Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups – Intermediate opportunity? Tell us which fundraising skills, knowledge or practices you are ready to refine, and how the opportunity will help you build a more consistent and confident fundraising practice. (250-word limit)
Capacity
- How will you manage your time, workload, and support to participate in this opportunity and deliver your fundraising activity? (250-word limit)
Assessment
Applications will be assessed by Industry Advisors with diverse and relevant experience against the assessment criteria below. An internal moderation process will then be conducted by Creative Australia staff to ensure diversity and alignment to the aims of this opportunity. Final decisions will be made by Creative Australia.
Applications are assessed against the following four criteria:
Alignment
Industry Advisors will consider how well your application reflects the Intermediate level of fundraising capability and the intent of the opportunity.
Advisors may consider the following:
- the extent to which you demonstrate existing fundraising experience and readiness to build a more consistent fundraising practice
- evidence of an existing supporter base and an understanding of how you engage with private sector supporters
- whether your proposed fundraising activity is a suitable fit for your project and stage of development.
Quality
Industry Advisors will consider the strength of your artistic practice, fundraising insight and proposed campaign.
Advisors may consider the following:
- the clarity and strength of your artistic practice and the project or activity you are seeking to fundraise for
- your understanding of previous fundraising activity, including what has been tried, what has been learned, and how this informs your proposed campaign
- how well your fundraising approach is tailored to your project, supporters and artistic practice.
Viability
Industry Advisors will consider how realistic and achievable your proposed fundraising campaign is, and whether you have the capacity to participate in this opportunity.
Advisors may consider the following:
- whether the fundraising target, timeframe and activities are realistic, achievable and likely to generate private sector income
- the strength of your approach to reaching, engaging and retaining supporters
- whether you have the time, support and practical capacity to participate in this opportunity and deliver the fundraising activity
- your capacity to understand challenges and mitigate the risks associated with delivering your fundraising campaign.
Impact
Industry Advisors will consider what the opportunity could achieve for your fundraising capability, artistic practice and supporter relationships.
Advisors may consider the following:
- the potential for growth in your fundraising capability, confidence and independence
- the likelihood that the proposed campaign will increase private sector support for your artistic practice or project
- how your participation will support more consistent fundraising practice and stronger long-term relationships with private sector supporters.
Successful applicants
Fundraising Capability Development Support
Participants will be supported through a structured Fundraising capability development offer designed to strengthen fundraising skills, confidence and practice.
The program includes a series of compulsory activities, including an introductory session with your State Manager Development and Partnerships representative, a 2.5-day fundraising workshop in Melbourne, and online cohort learning sessions with other participants. These activities are complemented by optional coaching, advice and peer learning opportunities available throughout the fundraising period.
This support includes the following compulsory activities:
| Date/s | Activities | Location | Attendance requirement |
| December 2026 |
60 minute session with your State Manager Development and Partnerships. Date and time to be set following notification to successful applicants. |
Online or in-person | Lead applicant (compulsory)* |
| 16-18 February 2027 | 2.5-day in-person fundraising workshop in Melbourne. | Melbourne | Lead applicant |
|
29 April 2027, 3pm AEST |
90 minute session with other artists and artist groups participating in the Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups opportunity. | Online | Lead applicant (compulsory)* |
| 19 August 2027, 3pm AEST | 90 minute session with other participants. | Online |
Lead applicant (compulsory)*
|
Participants can also access the following optional support:
| Date/s | Activities | Location | Attendance requirement |
| From March 2027 at times to be mutually agreed | 3 x 60 minute sessions with your State Manager Development and Partnerships (highly encouraged). | Online or in-person |
Lead applicant*
|
| 9 December 2027, 3pm AEDT | 90 minute session with other participants. | Online |
Lead applicant*
|
*For participating artist groups, it is highly encouraged that others within the group participate in these activities.
Opportunity Stages
Stage 1 | In-person fundraising workshop
Attend an in-person fundraising workshop: Tuesday 16 February – Thursday 18 February 2027. The workshop will be held in Melbourne.
For participants travelling from regional or interstate locations, Creative Australia will support attendance at the workshop by covering the cost of:
- return economy domestic flights
- accommodation (where required)
- ground transport associated with workshop attendance.
We cannot support requests for wages, per diems or stipends.
Applicants are responsible for booking their own flights. Creative Australia will arrange and book accommodation on behalf of successful participants.
If you require travel support, you must include a breakdown of your anticipated travel needs and approximate costs in your application.
For successful group applications, only one representative may attend the workshop.
Stage 2 | Fundraising
Following the workshop, you will refine and submit your fundraising plan for approval by Friday 26 February 2027.
Once your plan has been approved, you will implement your tailored fundraising campaign through to 1 December 2027.
What we will match
Matched funding will be provided for funds raised from:
- individual giving (including rewards-based crowdfunding)
- trusts and foundations
- business partnerships
- fundraising events (see below for exclusions around earned income).
The following will not be matched
- bequests
- in-kind support
- loans
- earned income (including membership, box office, non-deductible ticket expenses, food and beverage income)
- local, state or federal government funding
- funds raised before your fundraising campaign approval.
Stage 3 | Deliver funded project
Funded projects can begin after the fundraising campaign has ended and must be completed by 1 December 2028.
Recipients are expected to liaise regularly with the Capability Development team and communicate any project changes or challenges. Any changes to the funded project/activity must be approved by us in advance.
Stage 4 | Acquittals
Recipients are required to report on the progress and results of their campaign and project. Templates are provided to the recipient prior to the report due date via Fluxx.
Acquittal 1: Fundraising campaign & verification report
Due: no later than 31 December 2027.
- Value of funds raised and the number and type of campaign contributors.
- Evaluation of their campaign strategy.
- Assessment of unexpected problems and challenges and opportunities encountered through the campaign.
Acquittal 2: Project and updated fundraising report
Due: no later than 31 December 2028.
- How private sector funding and matched funds were spent.
- Additional information as requested, including testimonials, media, promotional material and details of ongoing donor relationships.
Notification and successful applicants
Once all applications have been assessed, you will be contacted by email about the outcome of your application.
If you have been successful, an agreement will be attached to the Contracts section of your online account. This contract outlines the conditions of your participation. We will pay you once you have accepted your grant agreement and any reports or deliverables you must provide us with have been approved.
If you are not successful, we cannot provide individual feedback. We will provide general feedback on the applications received on our website within 4 weeks of the notification date.
Travel support
For participants travelling from regional or interstate locations, Creative Australia will support attendance at the workshop by covering the cost of:
- return economy domestic flights
- accommodation (where required)
- ground transport associated with workshop attendance.
We cannot support requests for wages, per diems or stipends.
Applicants are responsible for booking their own flights. Creative Australia will arrange and book accommodation on behalf of successful participants.
If you require travel support, you must include a breakdown of your anticipated travel needs and approximate costs in your application.
For successful group applications, only one representative may attend the workshop.
Frequently asked questions
About the Opportunity
Who is this opportunity for?
This opportunity is for individual artists and artist groups at an intermediate fundraising level, who have some private sector fundraising experience and want to build a stronger, more consistent approach to private sector support.
Artist groups are two or more people who work together but are not a legally constituted organisation.
Why matched funding and how does it work?
Matched funding can act as a catalyst for private sector fundraising by giving campaigns greater momentum, strengthening the case for support and encouraging donors to see their contribution as part of a larger collective impact. This is not your typical grant or funding opportunity – the harder you work it, the better the result!
Creative Australia will match eligible private sector income you raise for your project, up to $10,000.
How is this different from MATCH Lab?
This opportunity builds on MATCH Lab but has been updated to make its purpose and participant experience level clearer.
It is designed for artists and artist groups at the intermediate level. This means applicants need some fundraising experience and an existing supporter base, but they do not need to be expert fundraisers.
Matched Funding for Artists and Artist Groups - Intermediate has a stronger focus on applying fundraising practice across the campaign cycle, including planning, supporter engagement, campaign momentum, and post-campaign reflection. It also places more emphasis on building fundraising confidence and independence beyond the matched funding period.
What capability development support is included?
Fundraising capability development is included to help you plan, deliver and reflect on your campaign.
This will include workshops, one-on-one support, practical tools, peer learning and advice.
The support is designed to help you apply what you learn while you are fundraising.
How much time and resourcing do I need to take part?
You need to be able to commit time across the full period, from 24 November 2026 to 31 December 2027. Participation includes both fundraising activity and the required capability development activities.
At a minimum, participants will be required to:
- attend a 2.5-day in-person fundraising workshop in Melbourne from 16–18 February 2027
- participate in an introductory session before the workshop
- complete any designated pre-reading and preparation activities
- attend online cohort learning and peer connect sessions throughout the fundraising period
You should allow for approximately 10 hours of online participation across the opportunity period, in addition to the workshop, travel time and the time required to plan and deliver your fundraising campaign.
If you are applying as an artist group, you must nominate a lead applicant who can participate across the full opportunity period and attend the required activities. Other members of the group may also need to support the fundraising activity.
Before applying, consider whether you have the time, support and practical capacity to participate in this opportunity alongside your artistic practice, work commitments and other responsibilities.
Eligibility
How do I know if I’m at an intermediate fundraising level?
You may be at an intermediate fundraising level if you have already tested private sector fundraising in some way and are ready to build on that experience with more planning, confidence and structure.
For example, you may have asked for donations, run a crowdfunding campaign, sought business support, approached a trust or foundation, or built a small group of supporters around your work.
You do not need to be an expert fundraiser, but your application should show that you have some relevant fundraising experience and are ready to develop a more consistent approach.
I’ve applied for government grants, sold tickets, merchandise or artwork. Does that count as fundraising experience?
No. Government grants and income from selling tickets, merchandise, artworks or other goods and services are important parts of many artists’ income, but they are not the same as private sector fundraising.
You can mention grant writing or earned income experience if it is relevant, but your application must also show experience with donations, sponsorship, crowdfunding, philanthropy or other private sector support.
Can artist groups apply, and what is considered an artist group?
Yes. Artist groups can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
For this application, an artist group means two or more artists or arts workers who collaborate on a shared artistic project or practice but are not a legally constituted organisation. The group must nominate a lead applicant who will be responsible for the application, funding agreement and participation in the opportunity.
Can I apply if I have received matched funding before?
Applicants who participated in the 2025/26 MATCH Lab opportunity are not eligible to apply this year.
If you have received matched funding prior to that or through another program, your application should show how this opportunity will help you build on your previous fundraising experience.
Fundraising and Matched Funding
What counts as fundraising for this opportunity?
Fundraising means raising money from private sector supporters who choose to give because they want to support your work.
This may include donations from individuals, support from businesses, trusts or foundations, sponsorship, crowdfunding, or fundraising events where the income is a donation. It does not include income from selling tickets, artworks, merchandise or services, or government grants.
What can I fundraise for?
You can fundraise for a creative project, activity or professional development opportunity that supports your artistic practice.
This may include creative development, making or presenting new work, touring, recording, equipment, access costs, marketing, or paying artists and collaborators.
How much matched funding is available?
Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000 in matched funding.
Creative Australia will match eligible private sector income dollar for dollar, up to the amount approved for your application.
What private sector income can be matched?
Eligible income may include donations from individuals, support from trusts and foundations, business sponsorship, workplace giving, rewards-based and donations-based crowdfunding, and fundraising events where the income is a donation.
Income must be raised during the eligible fundraising period, from the date your fundraising plan is approved until 1 December 2027 and must meet the requirements set out in these opportunity guidelines.
What income cannot be matched?
Government funding, bequests, in-kind support, loans, earned income or funds raised before the eligible fundraising period will not be matched.
Earned income includes ticket sales, product sales, fees, food and beverage sales, and other income received in exchange for goods or services.
Can I use matched funding as part of an AusArt Day campaign?
Yes. If you participate in AusArt Day, donations raised through your AusArt Day fundraising activities may be eligible for matched funding, provided they meet the requirements in the opportunity guidelines and are raised during the eligible fundraising period.
AusArt Day can be one way to build momentum for your fundraising campaign, reach new supporters and encourage giving through a nationally recognised day of giving.
All income claimed for matching must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the opportunity guidelines.
Applying
What are the assessment criteria for this opportunity?
Assessment is undertaken by Creative Australia with advice from industry experts. Applications are assessed against four criteria: Alignment, Quality, Viability and Impact.
Industry Advisors may consider:
- how well your application fits the Intermediate level and the intent of this opportunity
- the strength of your artistic practice and the project or activity you want to fundraise for
- your previous fundraising experience and what you learned from it
- how you plan to engage private sector supporters
- whether your fundraising target, timeframe and activities are realistic
- whether you have the time and capacity to take part in this opportunity
- how this opportunity could strengthen your fundraising skills, confidence and supporter relationships.
Can I apply more than once in the same round?
No. We will only consider one application from each applicant in each round.
Can Creative Australia help me write my application?
We cannot write or review your application for you.
We can help you understand the opportunity guidelines, talk through the application process and answer questions about eligibility and requirements.
Do I need to provide support material?
No.
How can I make my application stronger?
Read the opportunity guidelines carefully before you apply.
A strong application will clearly explain what you are fundraising for, who you will ask for support, how matched funding will help you reach your target, and how the opportunity will strengthen your fundraising skills and artistic practice. Watch the information session for more.
Budget and Project Planning
How do I complete the budget?
Your budget should show the full cost of the activity you are fundraising for.
It should include your private sector fundraising target, the amount of matched funding you are requesting, and any other income. It should also include all costs related to the activity and your fundraising campaign.
Your total income and total expenditure must balance.
Participation Requirements
Do I need to attend the capability development activities?
Yes, if your application is successful, you will be required to attend and complete all compulsory capability development activities, including an introductory session, a 2.5-day fundraising workshop in Melbourne, pre-reading and preparation activities, and online cohort learning and peer connection sessions throughout the fundraising period.
Before applying, consider whether you have the time and capacity to actively participate in this opportunity alongside your artistic practice and other commitments.
