Small grants to support creative access and participation

Key information

• Applications close: 5pm AEDT, Thursday 27 February 2026

• Grant amount: $3,000 to $15,000

• Assessment period: Applications will be considered in May 2026

The James N. Kirby Foundation provides small grants to support initiatives that strengthen communities and improve social outcomes. This round includes funding for projects in Social Welfare and the Arts, with a focus on:

• Strengthening community and addressing social and economic disadvantage

• Promoting the development of, and access to, the arts.

Funding priorities

Priority will be given to projects supporting:

• Indigenous communities

• Australians with disability

• Rural and regional communities

• Disadvantaged communities in NSW

• Development of the arts

• Programs that increase exposure and accessibility to the arts

Organisations delivering programs, festivals, community arts activities, creative workshops, or initiatives improving access to cultural participation are encouraged to apply.

Recent grants

Recent funding in the Social Welfare and the Arts category has supported a wide range of creative initiatives that expand access to arts participation and cultural expression and included youth orchestral training and regional performance opportunities, introductory dance programs in low-income and First Nations communities, inclusive film and theatre programs for people with disability, and accessible dance and music workshops.

Support was also provided for free theatre access programs, creative writing and storytelling initiatives for young people, mobile literary outreach to schools, and programs helping emerging artists develop skills and pathways into the cultural workforce. Several projects focused on increasing exposure to the arts in regional and disadvantaged communities, ensuring more people can participate in and benefit from creative and cultural experiences.

Learn more and apply at kirbyfoundation.org.au