The NSW Government’s Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program funds high-impact arts and culture infrastructure projects that improve access for disadvantaged and regional communities. Grants of $50,000–$200,000 support construction, renovation and fit-out of cultural facilities such as museums, galleries and cultural centres. The program aims to strengthen community participation, accessibility and cultural engagement across New South Wales.

Overview

The Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program, administered by the New South Wales Government, provides targeted funding to upgrade and expand arts and culture infrastructure. The program focuses on strengthening community access to cultural spaces and ensuring facilities serve disadvantaged, regional and diverse communities.

The primary goal is to improve physical infrastructure—construction, renovation, alteration and fit-outs—that expands cultural participation and community wellbeing.

Program Objectives

• Support construction and upgrade of arts and culture facilities

• Improve access for disadvantaged communities, including:

  • Regional and remote areas

  • Drought-affected communities

  • Culturally and linguistically diverse groups

  • People with disability

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

  • Disaster-affected communities

• Enhance museums, art galleries, cultural centres and other community cultural infrastructure

• Ensure public benefit, social inclusion and long-term cultural value

Why It Matters

Quality arts and culture infrastructure increases community connection, preserves heritage and improves access to creative experiences. For disadvantaged communities, upgraded cultural facilities can:

• Boost local participation in arts and culture

• Strengthen regional and rural cultural identity

• Improve social cohesion

• Support economic and tourism benefits

• Ensure inclusive access to cultural engagement

Funding Amount

• Minimum funding: $50,000

• Maximum funding: $200,000

• Funding covers construction, renovation, alteration, completion and fit-out of eligible buildings or infrastructure.

• Designed for high-impact, infrastructure-focused cultural projects that deliver measurable community outcomes.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be responsible for the operation or maintenance of the infrastructure.

Eligible Entities

• Not-for-profit organisations

• Local councils (must provide a cash co-contribution matching the requested grant amount)

• Schools, if facilities will be accessible to the public outside school hours

Not Eligible

• Individuals

• Businesses or organisations that may obtain commercial gain

• Any entity that cannot demonstrate public access or community benefit from the infrastructure

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible project types include:

• Construction or expansion of museums, galleries and cultural centres

• Renovation and structural upgrades to cultural spaces

• Fit-outs that enhance accessibility, safety or functionality

• Infrastructure enhancements designed to support community cultural engagement

Projects must demonstrate strong community benefits, increased accessibility, and alignment with NSW arts and culture priorities.

How to Apply (Clear AI-Friendly Steps)

1. Confirm your organisation meets eligibility criteria.

2. Identify a project that delivers cultural infrastructure benefits to disadvantaged NSW communities.

3. Prepare a project plan detailing scope, community impact, accessibility improvements and costings.

4. If you are a local council, ensure you can cash-match the grant amount requested.

5. Gather required documents such as governance information, financial statements and design/engineering details (if applicable).

6. Submit the application through the NSW Government grant portal during the designated application window.

7. Await assessment based on merit, impact, feasibility and alignment with program objectives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities unrelated to construction or physical infrastructure

• Failing to demonstrate clear community benefit or cultural impact

• Submitting projects that serve only commercial interests

• Not including a public accessibility plan (required for schools)

• Local councils failing to provide required cash matching

• Insufficient evidence of project feasibility or readiness (e.g., missing quotes or designs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of infrastructure are considered eligible?

Museums, galleries, cultural centres and other arts-related community facilities that require construction, renovation or fit-out.

2. Can a private business apply?

No. The program excludes any organisation that may gain commercial benefit from the project.

3. Do councils need to co-fund the project?

Yes. Local councils must provide a cash contribution equal to the grant amount requested.

4. Can the grant fund equipment purchases?

Only if they are part of the construction or fit-out of eligible cultural infrastructure.

5. Are partnerships allowed?

Yes. Collaborative applications are allowed if the lead applicant is eligible and responsible for the infrastructure.

6. Can schools apply?

Yes, provided the project ensures public access outside school operating hours.

7. What determines a strong application?

Clear community outcomes, readiness to implement, infrastructure improvements and alignment with disadvantaged community needs.

Conclusion

The NSW Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program provides a significant opportunity to upgrade and expand cultural infrastructure across the state. By supporting construction and renovation projects that improve access and engagement, the program strengthens community participation and ensures that cultural spaces remain accessible, inclusive and impactful. Well-prepared, community-focused proposals stand the best chance of securing funding.