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 Organisations – Beginner
Key dates
Applications close: Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 3pm (AEST)
Notification: Tuesday 8 December 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
$25,000 in matched funding each year for two years ($50,000 in total).
Question and Answer webinar
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026, 12.45pm-1.15pm 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 Organisations – Beginner supports arts and cultural organisations to build and embed private sector fundraising skills, knowledge and confidence over time.
It is designed for small to medium organisations at an early stage of fundraising, who are ready to move from informal fundraising activity to a more structured and sustainable approach.
This opportunity provides matched funding over two years, alongside structured capability development support to help organisations build and embed fundraising practice across the whole organisation. Matched funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible private sector income raised, up to $25,000 per year for two years.
Matched funding is used as a catalyst for change, helping organisations at an early stage of their fundraising development to move from ad hoc fundraising activity to planned, consistent and sustainable fundraising practice.
The fund aims to help organisations:
- build core fundraising systems, skills and processes
- develop and test repeatable fundraising approaches
- expand and deepen supporter relationships
- continue to grow private sector income.
This opportunity is delivered over two years with an integrated suite of capability development activities, alongside matched funding.
This supports organisations to develop, apply and embed fundraising practice across a two-year period, focusing on:
- planning and alignment – developing fundraising goals, campaigns, systems and internal readiness
- fundraising delivery – implementing fundraising activity, engaging supporters and generating private sector income
- consolidation and embedding – strengthening supporter stewardship, retention and organisational practice so fundraising can continue beyond the campaign.
Across this two-year framework:
- organisations build and apply fundraising capability in real time
- capability development supports each stage of the process
- fundraising is embedded across the organisation, including leadership and/or directors/Board
- delivery and learning happen together, rather than as separate activities.
Participation requires:
- commitment over the full two-year period
- active involvement from leadership and/or directors/Board
- integration of fundraising across the organisation.
Who the opportunity is for
This opportunity is for small to medium organisations, working across any artform, including screen, at an early stage of fundraising development. It is aligned to the Beginner level of our Private Investment Capability Framework.
These organisations demonstrate the following fundraising characteristics:
- have delivered some fundraising activity, but without consistent systems or embedded fundraising skills and confidence across their organisation
- are developing initial fundraising goals or approaches
- have an emerging supporter base
- are beginning to build internal alignment, including leadership and/or director/Board engagement
- want to move from informal activity to structured, repeatable practice.
What you need to demonstrate
Your application should clearly show:
- an understanding of how your fundraising activities can grow, with areas identified for development
- your current fundraising activity and level of fundraising capability
- an understanding of your supporters and how you engage with them
- a realistic approach to developing and delivering fundraising over two years, including internal resources and capacity to commit to this opportunity
- organisational readiness to commit to this work, including leadership and/or director/Board involvement
- how participating in this opportunity will enable change that would not otherwise occur.
What we will match
Matched funding for organisations – Beginner will match funds sourced from:
- individual giving
- trusts and foundations
- business sponsorship
- rewards-based crowdfunding
- workplace giving programs
- 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 1 January 2027.
What is offered
Successful organisations receive:
- up to $25,000 in matched funding per year for two years ($50,000 in total)
- a structured capability development offer designed to build fundraising knowledge, skills and confidence across the organisation
- support to develop a whole-of-organisation approach to fundraising, including leadership, planning and governance
- access to peer learning, cohort learning, individual support and national networks
- a two-year opportunity to plan, deliver and embed sustainable fundraising activity within the organisation.
Fundraising capability development
This capability development offer supports organisations to build the foundations for sustainable private sector fundraising. Activities include:
Planning and capability development
- introductory session with your State Manager, Development and Partnerships representative
- designated pre-reading and preparation activities.
Leadership and governance
- fundraising governance workshop
- organisation-wide fundraising workshop to support fundraising across the organisation.
Tailored support
- individual support and advice throughout the fundraising period
- additional capability development sessions aligned to organisational needs and priorities.
Peer learning
- national cohort learning and peer support sessions
- opportunities to connect and learn with other participating organisations.
Participation commitment
You should allow approximately 12–15 hours per year for participation in capability development activities, in addition to the time required to plan and deliver your fundraising activity.
Matched funding
Matched funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis against eligible private sector income raised.
Organisations determine the project, campaign or initiative they are fundraising for. This opportunity supports the fundraising activity needed to resource that outcome.
Outcomes
By the end of this opportunity, organisations are expected to:
- have established core fundraising systems and processes
- be ready and capable of delivering ongoing fundraising activity beyond the matched funding campaign
- fundraising has engagement across the organisation, including staff, leadership and/or directors/Board
- achieving early growth in private sector income.
Information session
You can view our general information session about applying for our matched funding opportunity below. The session is Auslan interpreted and has closed captions.
Matched Funding for Organisations - Beginner & Advanced Info Session
Eligibility
Who can apply
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
- are a legally constituted entity with an ABN
- have an annual turnover of less than $6 million in the calendar year 2025 or financial year 2024/25
- are based in Australia and carry out the majority of their arts activity or practice within Australia
- are operating with the primary purpose of providing arts and cultural opportunities for Australian artists and audiences.
Who can’t apply
This opportunity will not accept applications from:
- individuals and groups
- organisations that received Plus1 in the 2025/26 round
- organisations with an annual turnover of $6 million or more in the calendar year 2025 or financial year 2024/25 depending on which financial calendar your organisation adheres to
- organisations established to raise funds for another organisation whose annual turnover is greater than $6 million
- 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 this closing date.
What can be supported
Organisations can raise funds to support activities such as:
- artistic programs, new work or creative development
- core operations or organisational sustainability
- workforce development
- audience development and community engagement
- systems and tools to support fundraising (e.g. CRM systems)
- capital or infrastructure projects.
Organisations determine the project or activity they are fundraising for. Matched Funding for Organisations - Beginner supports the fundraising activity to resource that outcome.
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
About Your Organisation
- Describe your organisations purpose and your fundraising goals for this Matched Funding opportunity. Why does this proposed activity matter, and who benefits? Why is matched funding the right opportunity to support your goals? (300-word limit)
- Describe any fundraising activity your organisation has recently delivered. What has it learned from this? What systems or approaches are currently in place to deliver fundraising activity? (250-word limit)
- What financial private sector support does your organisation currently receive (from donors, businesses etc), and how do you engage with these supporters? (200-word limit)
Your Fundraising Campaign
- Outline your fundraising approach for the next two years. Include: your broad fundraising goal; the key fundraising activities or campaign you will deliver; who you will seek support from; how you will engage supporters; how you will monitor progress and adapt your approach over time. (500-word limit)
Fundraising Growth Opportunities
- What do you want your fundraising program and supporter relationships to look like beyond the two-year Matched Funding opportunity? Include any improvements to your systems, processes, resourcing, leadership engagement, supporter retention and stewardship. (300-word limit)
- How will matched funding and the capability support, strengthen or accelerate the fundraising approach you have outlined above? (250-word limit)
- How will your organisation manage and resource its involvement in this opportunity and the fundraising activity over the next two years? (250-word limit)
- What challenges or risks might affect your campaign and how will you manage them? (200-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 Beginner level fundraising capability and the aims of the opportunity.
Industry Advisors may consider the following:
- the extent to which your organisation demonstrates early-stage fundraising activity at the Beginner level
- evidence of emerging systems, skills and supporter relationships
- whether your proposal demonstrates a realistic starting point for development.
Quality
Industry Advisors will consider the strength of your fundraising practice, insight, and proposed campaign.
Industry Advisors may consider the following:
- your understanding of current fundraising practice, including what has been tried, what has been learned, and how this informs your approach
- the clarity and strength of your proposed fundraising campaign
- how well the campaign responds to identified gaps or opportunities and is tailored to your organisation’s stage of development.
Viability
Industry Advisors will consider how realistic and achievable your proposed fundraising campaign is, and whether your organisation has the capacity to build fundraising skills and capability that can be sustained over time.
Industry Advisors may consider the following:
- whether the campaign target, timeframe and fundraising activities are realistic, achievable and likely to generate private sector income
- the strength of your approach to reaching, engaging and retaining prospective supporters
- whether the resources, roles, internal support and leadership commitment are in place to deliver the campaign and build lasting fundraising capability.
Impact
Industry Advisors will consider what the opportunity could achieve for your organisation’s fundraising capability and income.
Industry Advisors may consider the following:
- the potential for growth in fundraising capability
- the likelihood of increased private sector income
- how your participation will support meaningful, achievable outcomes and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Successful applicants
Fundraising Capability Development Support
This opportunity combines matched funding with structured capability development support to help your organisation strengthen its fundraising practice. Your organisation will build the knowledge, systems, relationships and confidence needed to support sustainable private sector fundraising while delivering your campaign.
Support includes a combination of compulsory and optional activities delivered throughout the program.
The schedule of capability development activities in year 1 is outlined below. Further information on year 2 Capability Development Support will be discussed with successful applicants. The time commitment in year 2 will be similar.
Compulsory activities in year 1:
| Date/s | Activities | Location | Attendance requirement |
|
December 2026*
|
60 minute session with your State Manager Development and Partnerships.
|
Online or in-person | Executive or fundraising lead |
| Between December 2026 – January 2027 | 4-6 hours pre-reading and pre-work for the people who will lead or support the fundraising | n/a | Executive or fundraising lead |
| Between February – April 2027 * | 60 - 90 minute workshop with the Board, leadership team, fundraising lead | Online or in-person | Executive, Board and fundraising lead |
| April 2027 * | 120 minute workshop on the whole of organisation engagement with all staff in your organisation | Online or in-person | All staff |
| 6 May 2027, 3pm AEST | 90 minute session with other participating organisations. | Online | Executive or fundraising lead. |
| 12 August 2027, 3pm AEST | 90 minute session with other participating organisations. | Online | Executive or fundraising lead. |
| Year 1 (2027) | 3 x 60 minute sessions with your State Manager Development and Partnerships (highly encouraged). | Online or in-person | At the organisations discretion. |
*Date and time to be determined in consultation with each organisation.
Optional support:
| Date/s | Activities | Location | Attendance requirement |
| Year 2 (2028) | 3 x 60 minute sessions with your State Manager Development and Partnerships (highly encouraged). | Online or in-person | At the organisation's discretion. |
The Matched Funding for Organisations – Beginner is delivered in four stages: fundraising, verification, project delivery and acquittal reporting.
Stage 1 | Fundraising
Successful organisations are required to undertake fundraising campaigns during the approved fundraising period.
Year 1: 1 January 2027 – 1 December 2027
Year 2: 1 January 2028 – 1 December 2028
We will match funds raised from eligible private sources, including:
- individual giving
- trusts and foundations
- business sponsorship and philanthropy
- workplace giving programs
- fundraising events (subject to eligible fundraising requirements).
The following will not be matched:
- bequests
- in-kind contributions
- loans
- earned income (including membership fees, ticket sales, merchandising, food and beverage income and other commercial revenue)
- local, state or federal government funding
- funds raised before 1 January 2027.
Stage 2 | Verification
Once an organisation reaches its fundraising target, it must verify eligible funds raised before matched funding can be released. Matched funding is released following approval of each Fundraising Verification and Campaign Report.
Recipients must retain appropriate supporting documentation, including:
- bank statements showing donor names, deposit amounts and dates
- bank-issued deposit receipts
- written confirmation from donors where required.
Additional evidence may be requested during the verification process.
Stage 3 | Deliver Funded Project or Activity
Recipients will use both privately raised funds and matched funding to deliver the approved project or activity outlined in their application.
Recipients are expected to maintain regular communication with the Capability Development team and promptly notify us of any significant risks, delays or changes. Any proposed changes to the approved project, budget, scope or timeline must receive prior written approval.
Stage 4 | Acquittals and Reporting
Recipients are required to report on the outcomes of both their fundraising campaign and funded project. Reporting templates will be made available through Fluxx before each reporting deadline.
Acquittal 1: Fundraising Verification and Campaign Report
Due: No later than 31 December 2027
The report must include:
- total value of funds raised
- number and type of contributors
- evaluation of fundraising strategies and activities
- challenges, opportunities and lessons learned
- impact of the campaign on the organisation and stakeholders.
Acquittal 2: Fundraising Verification and Campaign Report
Due: No later than 31 December 2028
The report must include:
- total value of funds raised
- number and type of contributors
- evaluation of fundraising strategies and activities
- challenges, opportunities and lessons learned
- impact of the campaign on the organisation and stakeholders.
Acquittal 3: Final Project Report
Due: Following completion of the funded project or activity no later than 31 December 2029.
The report must include:
- how privately raised and matched funds were spent
- outcomes and benefits achieved for the organisation and its stakeholders
- financial reconciliation of project expenditure
- supporting material, such as testimonials, media coverage, promotional assets and evidence of ongoing donor relationship.
This final report demonstrates the impact of the project and the effectiveness of the organisation's fundraising and investment strategies.
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.
Frequently asked questions
About the Opportunity
Who is this opportunity for?
This two-year opportunity is for small to medium arts and cultural organisations (operating budget $6 million or under) that are at a beginner level and are ready to take the next step in fundraising. It gives you time to explore what works, build stronger supporter relationships and move from informal or occasional fundraising to a more planned, confident and sustainable approach.
Across two years, your organisation can plan and deliver fundraising activity, learn from the results, strengthen internal roles and systems, and build the confidence to keep growing private sector support beyond the matched funding period.
What size and scale of organisation can apply?
We recognise there is need for fundraising support across the arts and cultural sector. This opportunity takes a targeted approach by focusing on small to medium arts and cultural organisations where Creative Australia sees significant need and potential impact.
To be eligible, your organisation must have annual turnover of less than $6 million in either the 2025 calendar year or the 2024/25 financial year and have a primary purpose of providing arts and cultural opportunities for Australian artists and audiences.
Universities, educational institutions, local councils and larger entities may have arts and cultural programs but are generally not eligible where their total turnover is more than $6 million. We also will not accept applications from organisations established to raise funds for another organisation whose annual turnover is greater than $6 million.
This helps direct matched funding and capability development support to organisations where it can build fundraising confidence, grow private sector support and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Why matched funding and how does it help grow your fundraising program?
Matched funding can act as a catalyst for 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.
Creative Australia will match eligible private sector income your organisation raises, up to $25,000 per year for two years.
How do we know if our organisation is at a beginner fundraising level?
Your organisation may be at a beginner fundraising level if you have started to build support, but fundraising is not yet a regular or structured part of how you work.
You may have received occasional donations, sponsorship or other private sector support, but still be working out how to plan campaigns, engage supporters and share responsibility for fundraising across your organisation.
You do not need to have everything in place before you apply. This opportunity is designed to help you learn, build confidence and develop a more consistent fundraising approach over two years (see our Private Investment Capability framework).
How is this different from Plus1?
This opportunity builds on the strengths of Plus1 and gives organisations a clearer opportunity to grow their fundraising capability over time.
Plus1 was a single-year matched funding opportunity with one cohort of participating organisations. This new opportunity offers two years of matched funding and separate learner levels, so beginner organisations can build confidence, strengthen supporter relationships and develop fundraising practice at a pace that fits their experience.
For beginner organisations, it is a chance to move beyond informal or occasional fundraising and start building a more planned, repeatable and sustainable approach for the future.
Matched Funding
How much matched funding is available?
Creative Australia will match eligible private sector income dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 per year for two years.
How does the two-year matched funding work?
This is a two-year matched funding opportunity.
Creative Australia will match eligible private sector income dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 per year for two years.
This means your organisation will need to fundraise in both years, 2027 and 2028. You should show that you have a realistic approach to fundraising in each year and the people, time and internal support needed to participate across the full opportunity period.
The two-year structure is designed to help your organisation build fundraising skills, learn what works and develop more sustainable fundraising practice over time.
Each year of the opportunity you have up to $25,000 of matched funding available to you. If you don’t reach your target in the first year, the fundraising shortfall is not carried over to the second year. $25,000 is available in the second year.
Once the target is reached recipients need to verify the funds raised before matched funding can be released. Recipients are required to report on the outcomes of their fundraising campaign. Reporting templates will be made available through Fluxx before each reporting deadline.
Acquittal 1: Fundraising Verification and Campaign Report
Due: no later than 31 December 2027.
Acquittal 2: Fundraising Verification and Campaign Report
Due: no later than 31 December 2028.
What private sector income can be matched?
Eligible income may include donations from individuals, trusts and foundations, business sponsorship, workplace giving, and fundraising events where the income is a donation.
To be eligible, income must be raised during the approved fundraising period and meet the requirements outlined in the guidelines.
For this opportunity, eligible fundraising periods are:
- Year 1: 1 January 2027 to 1 December 2027
- Year 2: 1 January 2028 to 1 December 2028
Income raised outside these periods, including funds secured before 1 January 2027, is not eligible for matching.
What income cannot be matched?
This opportunity will not match government funding, bequests, in-kind support, loans, earned income or funds raised before the eligible fundraising periods.
Earned income includes ticket sales, membership fees, venue hire, product sales, food and beverage sales, and other income received in exchange for goods or services.
What can our organisation fundraise for?
You can fundraise for a project, activity or organisational need that is suitable for private sector support.
This may include artistic programs, new work, audience or community engagement, access costs, equipment, marketing, fundraising systems, staff or contractor costs connected to the project, or other activity that supports your organisation’s purpose.
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.
Capability development and participation
What capability development support is included?
This opportunity includes structured fundraising capability development designed to help your organisation build the foundations for sustainable private sector fundraising while delivering fundraising activity.
Support may include:
- an introductory session with your State Manager, Development and Partnerships representative
- preparation activities and practical fundraising resources
- fundraising workshops focused on organisational readiness, supporter relationships, planning and fundraising practice
- a fundraising governance workshop
- an organisation-wide fundraising workshop
- tailored capability development sessions aligned to your organisation's needs and priorities
- individual support and advice throughout the fundraising period
- national cohort learning and peer support sessions
- opportunities to connect and learn with other participating organisations.
Participation in required capability development activities is compulsory. The support is designed to help your organisation develop a whole-of-organisation approach to fundraising, strengthen fundraising knowledge and confidence, and build the systems, relationships and practices needed to support private sector fundraising beyond the matched funding period.
How much time and resourcing does our organisation need to take part?
Your organisation needs to be able to commit time across the full period.
This includes taking part in capability development activities, planning and delivering fundraising activity, engaging supporters, tracking progress and embedding what you learn.
Fundraising should not sit with one person alone. Your application should show how staff, leadership and board or committee members will support the work where relevant.
Before applying, consider whether your organisation has enough time, people and internal support to participate and deliver the fundraising activity.
Who from our organisation needs to take part?
Your organisation should nominate the people who will lead or support the fundraising campaign.
This may include staff, board or committee members, volunteers or other key people. At least one person must be available to take part in the required capability development activities.
Eligibility and organisational readiness
Do we need fundraising experience to apply?
Your organisation does need some relevant fundraising experience, but it does not need to be extensive.
Your application should show that your organisation has a realistic fundraising idea, some internal support and the capacity to take part in this opportunity and deliver the campaign.
Can we apply if we have received Plus1 matched funding before?
If your organisation has received matched funding before through Plus1 and is eligible, your application should explain what has changed and how this opportunity will help you develop the next stage of your fundraising work. Applications for repeat activity are less likely to be supported unless you can show clear organisational development, a different approach, or progression in your fundraising practice.
Assessment
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 Beginner level and the intent of the opportunity
- your organisation’s current fundraising experience, systems and supporter relationships
- what your organisation has tried, what it has learned and how this informs your approach
- the clarity and strength of your proposed fundraising campaign
- whether your fundraising target, timeframe and activities are realistic
- how you plan to reach, engage and retain supporters
- whether your organisation has the people, roles and internal support to take part
- how the opportunity could strengthen fundraising capability, private sector income and long-term sustainability.
Applying
What financial information do we need to provide?
You need to provide the financial information requested in the application form.
This may include recent financial statements, audited accounts if available, or other records that show your organisation’s financial position. Check the opportunity guidelines for the required attachments.
How do we 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.
Can Creative Australia help us write our 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.
Can we apply more than once in the same round?
No. We will only consider one application from each organisation in each round.
How can we make our application stronger?
Read the opportunity guidelines carefully before you apply.
A strong application will clearly explain what you are fundraising for, why it matters, who you will ask for support, how matched funding will help you reach your target, and how the opportunity will build your organisation’s fundraising capability.
