Tips for preparing your application
Before you write your application
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria by reviewing the overview and guidelines.
- Ensure your project or activity aligns with the grant program’s aims.
- Category One (Professional Development) and Category Two (Creative Projects) have different focus areas and eligibility. Check you are applying for the correct grant category for your project or activity.
When answering the application questions
- Read the question and answer in clear, plain language.
- Ask someone unconnected to your application to check your application for errors and offer feedback.
- Give yourself plenty of time to write, review and refine your application.
General questions to consider when completing your application
Have you clearly described your idea? The assessment panel wants to know what intend to do, what you want to achieve, what is interesting about your idea.
Have you clearly told us why the project is important? We want to know what the benefits will be, who will benefit and how.
Have you clearly demonstrated your ability to deliver? Choose examples of projects or activities in similar scale. We want to know that you or your organisation has the capacity to complete the project or activity, measure the outcomes and assess the risks.
Supporting documentation
Applicants will need to provide supporting documentation, and these documents will need to be uploaded to the SmartyGrants software with your application/ Supporting documents include:
- Quotes for any budget items over the value of $500
- Evidence of confirmation from project or activity partners (for example letters or emails)
- Examples of previous projects or work including the ability to add online links, images or PDF document
- CV/s of applicant and other key collaborators
- Proof of public indemnity insurance (or confirmation of willingness to obtain this)
- Working with Children check for projects or activities involving minors (or confirmation of willingness to obtain this)
Budget and financial
Your budget in a must identify the amount requested, including project income and expenditure. Indicative quotes need to be included for any items over the value of $500.
Costs you should consider to ensure your project or activity is a success and your budget is realistic:
- Artist fees*
- Fees for other arts workers involved in the project or activity*
- Renting or hiring of space for workshops, rehearsals, shows, exhibition or presentation spaces
- Travel and accommodation costs related to a professional development activity
- Fees for development opportunities, mentorships, workshops, and courses
- Costs to support Aboriginal protocols
- Costs to support accessibility
- Additional marketing
Project income includes contributions in kind or other funding sources.
*We recommend NAVA Payment Standards for artist and arts worker fees