The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is an Australian Government program that provides financial support for arts and cultural activity in regional and remote Australia.

RAF offers two grant streams:

• Project Grants
• Quick Response Grants

Project Grants support larger, more developed projects. These are for activities that:

• take more time to plan
• involve deeper community engagement
• have longer-term outcomes

Quick Response Grants support small, time-sensitive opportunities. These are for activities that:

• come up unexpectedly
• need to happen soon
• are smaller in scale

The RAF supports individuals, organisations and groups in regional and remote Australia. 

Projects can take place anywhere in the world, however the applicant must be based in an eligible location (MM2–MM7). You can use the Regional Arts Fund Eligibility Map to check your location.

For more information, check the current guidelines or contact your Regional Arts Fund team for advice.

To apply, you will generally need an ABN. Applying for an ABN is free through the Australian Business Register.

The only applicants who can apply through an eligible auspice organisation are unincorporated organisations. An auspice organisation manages the grant on behalf of the unincorporated organisation.

If you are an individual without an ABN, you are not currently able to apply through an auspice. Regional Arts Australia recognises this can create barriers for some applicants and is advocating to change the guidelines.

Projects may include:

• creative development
• performances and exhibitions
• workshops and community arts activities
• professional development
• skills development
• cultural projects.

Check the guidelines for eligible activities and expenses.

Yes. Professional development activities may be supported through both Project Grants and Quick Response Grants, depending on the opportunity.

Yes, as long as you are not applying for the same type of grant in the same financial year. You can only receive one Quick Response Grant and one Project grant per financial year. You must also have completed all reporting requirements for any previous grants.

No. We recommend submitting only one application per grant round. Applicants can only be awarded one grant per funding round, so focus on submitting your strongest project.

Project grants:

• Up to $30,000

Quick response grants:

• Individuals: up to $3,000
• Organisations: up to $5,000

Check the current guidelines for more information. You should only apply for the amount you need to deliver your project.

Yes. Eligible project costs include accessibility considerations, travel and accommodation where they are necessary to deliver the activity.

Your budget should clearly explain all project expenses.

Yes. Metropolitan or interstate artists and organisations can be involved in a project, however, the project must primarily benefit regional and remote communities.

No. Funding cannot be provided for activities that have already started, or will start before the funding is approved.

Yes. We encourage you to contact your Regional Program Administrator before applying.

The team can answer questions about eligibility, accessibility, project ideas and the application process.

Support material helps assessors understand your project.

This may include letters of support, examples of previous work, artist biographies, quotes, images, audio or video files.

Only include support material that is relevant to your application.

Applications are assessed against the published assessment criteria by assessors appointed by the Regional Program Administrators. Assessors may include professionals with disability.

The assessors make all decisions, including:

• which applications are approved
• how much funding is awarded
• any terms or conditions of the grant

Assessment timeframes vary. 

• Quick Response Grants are designed to be flexible and available year-round. Applications are accepted from February to November and are assessed at the end of each month. You will find out the outcome of your application within 5 business days of the closing date
• Project Grants are delivered through fixed application rounds, and vary from state to state. You will be notified of the outcome once assessments are complete and decisions are finalised.

Yes. Feedback is available on request for all grant applications.

Yes. We are committed to making the application process accessible.

If you need information, support or application materials in an alternative format, please contact us before the closing date.

Support may include:

• information, including the application form, in alternative formats (eg. large print, audio, video formats)
• large print or plain text documents
• interpreting services (eg. Auslan or language translation)
• assistance by phone or video call
• support for applicants using assistive technology
• assistance for applicants in remote areas with limited internet access.

Before you apply:

1. Read the guidelines carefully and make sure your project is eligible.
2. Contact your Regional Arts Fund team early if you have questions, would like advice or need the application in an alternative format for access reasons.
3. Clearly explain:
   • what you want to do
   • why it is important
   • who will benefit
   • how you will deliver the project.
4. Make sure your budget is realistic and includes all project costs.
5. Include relevant support material that helps assessors understand your project.
6. Explain any partnerships, community support or in-kind contributions.
7. Use clear, plain language and avoid jargon.
8. Submit your application before the closing date.