Submissions open for SEED Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 24-Jul-2026

The SEED Grants Program provides grants of $500 to $2,500 to support community-driven, place-based arts and creative projects across the Mid North Coast of New South Wales (NSW). Managed by Arts Mid North Coast and funded by the NSW Government through Create NSW, the program supports artists, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations that strengthen regional creativity, community participation, and cultural inclusion.

SEED Grants Program Overview

The SEED Grants Program is a regional arts funding initiative designed to encourage grassroots creative activity across the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The program offers accessible funding for projects that strengthen local creative communities, activate public and creative spaces, build artistic capacity, and increase participation in arts and cultural activities.

The program is administered by Arts Mid North Coast and supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. It continues the legacy of the Country Arts Support Program by investing in locally led arts initiatives that deliver meaningful community outcomes.

Program Objectives

The SEED Grants Program aims to:

• Support community-led and artist-led creative initiatives.
• Encourage place-based arts and cultural projects.
• Increase participation in arts and creative activities.
• Build capacity within the regional creative sector.
• Support professional development for artists and creative practitioners.
• Activate community and creative spaces.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Strengthen community engagement through the arts.
• Increase the visibility of regional artists and creative organizations.

Funding Available

Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from:

• Minimum grant: $500
• Maximum grant: $2,500

The funding is intended to help communities and artists develop creative ideas, deliver projects, and expand arts participation throughout the region.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include:

• Community arts projects
• Artist-led creative initiatives
• Place-based cultural activities
• Public art and creative space activation
• Workshops and creative engagement programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative arts projects
• Community exhibitions or performances
• Inclusive arts initiatives
• Creative projects celebrating local culture and identity

Projects should demonstrate clear community benefit and contribute to the development of the regional creative sector.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants may include:

• Individual artists and creative practitioners
• Incorporated associations
• Registered charities
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Aboriginal corporations
• Unincorporated community groups applying through an eligible auspice organization

Applicants must be based within one of the Arts Mid North Coast member local government areas:

• City of Coffs Harbour
• Bellingen Shire
• Nambucca Valley
• Kempsey Shire
• Port Macquarie-Hastings

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be located within an eligible local government area.
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN), or apply through an auspice organization if they do not have one.
• Hold appropriate public liability insurance or obtain insurance before the project begins.
• Deliver projects that provide community benefit.
• Meet all program eligibility requirements.

Who is Not Eligible?

The program does not support organizations primarily focused on:

• Education
• Commercial business activities
• Profit generation

Projects whose primary purpose is commercial rather than community-focused are generally not eligible.

Why This Grant Matters

Regional artists and community organizations often face limited access to funding opportunities. The SEED Grants Program helps address this challenge by providing flexible, small-scale funding that enables creative ideas to become reality.

The program supports:

• Regional cultural development
• Community wellbeing
• Local artist development
• Cultural participation
• Creative collaboration
• Stronger local identity
• Inclusive arts practice
• Sustainable creative ecosystems

How the SEED Grants Program Works

The program supports projects that are initiated and delivered by local communities and artists.

Funding helps applicants:

1. Develop creative ideas.
2. Plan community-based arts activities.
3. Deliver projects that engage local audiences.
4. Build partnerships and creative networks.
5. Increase participation in arts and culture.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

1. Confirm that you are located within an eligible Arts Mid North Coast local government area.
2. Review the program guidelines carefully.
3. Develop a community-focused creative project.
4. Prepare a realistic project budget.
5. Ensure you have a valid ABN or arrange an eligible auspice organization.
6. Obtain public liability insurance if required.
7. Complete the application form.
8. Submit the application before the program deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain the community benefit.
• Demonstrate how the project supports local creative activity.
• Show evidence of community engagement.
• Present realistic timelines and budgets.
• Describe expected project outcomes.
• Explain how the funding will make a meaningful difference.
• Ensure your proposal aligns with the program objectives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying without meeting location eligibility requirements.
• Proposing projects focused primarily on commercial outcomes.
• Forgetting to include an ABN or auspice arrangement.
• Not arranging public liability insurance.
• Submitting unclear project objectives.
• Providing unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the SEED Grants Program?

Individual artists, community groups, incorporated associations, charities, Aboriginal corporations, and eligible not-for-profit organizations located within participating Arts Mid North Coast regions.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request between $500 and $2,500.

Which areas are eligible?

Projects must be based in one of the following local government areas:

• City of Coffs Harbour
• Bellingen Shire
• Nambucca Valley
• Kempsey Shire
• Port Macquarie-Hastings

Can community groups without an ABN apply?

Yes. Unincorporated groups without an ABN may apply through an eligible auspice organization.

Are commercial businesses eligible?

No. Organizations primarily focused on commercial activity or profit generation are not eligible.

Is public liability insurance required?

Yes. Applicants must hold appropriate public liability insurance or obtain it before the project begins.

What types of projects receive priority?

Projects that strengthen community participation, support regional artists, promote inclusion, activate creative spaces, and provide lasting cultural benefits are well aligned with the program’s objectives.

Conclusion

The SEED Grants Program provides valuable funding for artists, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations seeking to strengthen arts and culture across the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. By supporting community-led, place-based creative initiatives, the program helps build stronger regional creative communities, encourages artistic innovation, and increases access to arts and cultural participation. Organizations with inclusive, community-focused projects that align with the program’s objectives are well positioned to benefit from this funding opportunity.

For more information, visit Arts Mid North Coast.