Many people have been contacting me about grants funding. I am happy to help, which is why I have set up this grants resource here at Roots By The River. (There are also lots of links to grants funding organisations on the "Music Industry Links" page of this website.)

However, I run a business, and as a result, I am very busy, and my time is at a premium. I regret that I can no longer give free advice over the phone. I have been getting dozens of phone calls every week from musicians who want to get a grant. Therefore, if you would like me to advise you about how to get a grant, or tell you which grant is best for you, please book in for a personal management consultation, which is $100 for one hour.  If you want me to write a grant for you, I charge a set fee, which I will discuss with you during your consultation. If you do decide to hire me for this service, please note that there is no guarantee that you will get the grant. There is never any guarantee with grants -- I just do the best job possible with the materials you give me.

The very best thing you can do to get a grant is to learn how to write one yourself. So -- here we go! To find out more about these grants, please click directly on the links provided. (Please do not ring me to find out more information. I only know the same information that you will find when you click.)  ***GOOD LUCK!!!***

Country Credit Union Community Grants Scheme 2008

Not-for-Profit organisations in the Mackay area are being invited to apply for a grant to develop and improve programs and services in the areas of: arts, culture and heritage, sports and recreation (where the activity benefits the whole community), education, and the environment.  Applications must be submitted to either of the QCCU branches in Mackay (Centrepoint Arcade or Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre).  For more information and application form visit www.qccu.com.au Applications close May 16, 2008.

Arts Queensland Sector Project Funding

Looking to take that next step in your arts career? Arts Queensland's sector project grants support the ongoing development of artists by assisting individuals and organisations with cultural engagement and industry development. The financial assistance offered will enable artists to capitalise on professional opportunities and expand options at national and international levels. The grants focus on the key themes of promoting a diverse, dynamic, creative culture; strengthening partnerships and collaboration; and capitalising on Queensland's unique strengths and characteristics. Projects can include new work, exhibitions, productions, industry development and cultural engagement activities.

Funding is available as a Career Development Grant, offering up to $5,000 for artist professional development; and a Development and Presentation Grant, which offer up to $50,000 to individual artists, collectives and not-for-profit organisations. The grants form part of the Arts Queensland vision to develop an arts and cultural industry conveying a uniquely 'Queensland' voice, and one that resonates with audiences. Round two closes on August 31, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.arts.qld.gov.au/funding/sector-grant.html

Regional Quick Response Grants

Regional Quick Response Grants offer assistance up to $1,500 to individuals or organisations for projects that demonstrate a community benefit and are unable to source funds elsewhere. Applications for this program can be received at any time and an answer given to its success or otherwise within 48 hours. The Quick Response Grant Scheme operates during the months of February to November each year. For more information, visit http://www.qac.org.au/htm/RegionalQuickResponseGrant.asp

Playing Australia

Playing Australia, a grant provided by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, assists performing arts organisations to expand their touring activities, help venues and locally-based organisers to host touring activities, and to encourage producers of programs of particular innovations and quality to tour their work across Australia. For all the information, visit www.arts.gov.au/arts_culture/arts/playing_Australia Applications close June 16, 2008.

Playing the World

Playing the world funds the following activities:

·         International touring of existing theatre works (that is, works that have already had a public presentation other than

·         a workshop showing.

·         International touring support for commissions where an international presenter (e.g. festival, venue or city council)

·         contracts an Australian company to produce an new work. (There must be evidence of substantial financial

·         investment by the international presenter and confimation of a performance season or tour.)

·         International touring support for collaborations by artists proposing to create new works with international artists or

·         companies in which both parties contribute to the production. (There must be evidence of substantial financial

·         investment fromthe international partner and confimation the performance season or tour of the proposed work.)

·         Expansion of international networks and markets, trade fairs or key related industry events or by bringing targeted

·         presenters to see work in Australia.

·         Presentation of existing theatre work at international performing arts markets or trade fairs, where there is

·         demonstrated evidence of a long term strategic approach to international touring or promotion.

·         Attendance by playwrites at international showings or productions of their work.

For more information, visit the Australia Council website on www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants Next round of applications closes June 4, 2008.

Q150 Grants Community Funding Program http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/index.shtm third and final round of the Q150 Community Funding Program will open June 30.

Arts Queensland's 2008 Sector Project Grants now open!

Applications are now open for 2008 Sector Project Grants in dance, music, theatre, writing, new media, visual arts, craft and design and cultural development. Applications close 30 April 2008 for round one and 31 August 2008 for the second round. For more information, visit www.arts.qld.gov.au or email grants@arts.qld.gov.au, or contact Arts Queensland on 07 3224 4896 or toll-free 1800 175 531.

Sony Foundation Grants

The Sony Foundation Grants support charitable causes for youth and youth related issues. For the current financial period, the Sony Foundation Australia is able to consider grant requests from applicants who meet the following criteria:

Represent a charitable organisation and/or confirmation of tax-deductible gift recipient status and whose vision is in line with the mission of the Sony Foundation Australia; and assist youth under the age of 25 years.

For more information, visit www.sonyfoundation.org This is an ongoing opportunity.

Australia Council - Inter-Arts Funding

Contemporary Australian art is driven by the experimentation and innovation of artists working at the edges of established artistic practice. To facilitate this exploration, the Inter-Arts Office is pleased to announce its new grant rounds for 2008.

·         New work - A one-off funding initiative for the creation of new interdisciplinary artworks.

·         Residencies

·         Projects - Project grants support artists working in interdisciplinary and hybrid arts to engage in research and development, creative development and/or production.

For further information, visit www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/inter-arts

Foundation for Young Australians Your Eyes Only

The Foundation for Young Australians is now accepting entries for Your Eyes Only, a creative funding opportunity for young people 12 to 15 years celebrating the strengths of their community through their eyes. Applications will be judged by a committee of young people aged 12 to 15 years from across Australia. Successful entrants will nominate a community group working with young people in their community (for example a school, youth group or sporting group), to receive a donation of up to $3,000. This donation would then be used by the community group to further its work by purchasing much needed equipment or adding funds to an existing program. For further information, entry forms and guidelines, please visit The Foundation for Young Australians' website <http://www.youngaustralians.org/> or call (03) 9670 5436.
Closing Date for entries is 2 September 2008.

Indigenous Small Grants

The Foundation for Young Australians is calling for applications for Indigenous Small Grants.
Indigenous Small Grants provide funding to Indigenous organisations and organisations that work with Indigenous young people and communities to develop new initiatives, as well as the expansion of existing successful initiatives.  Indigenous Small Grants offer funds up to $5,000 to successful applicants.
Applications for Indigenous Small Grants can be made at any time during 2008, with two funding opportunities throughout the year.
Applications need to be received by 12 May 2008 to be considered in the next round.
To find out more about Indigenous Small Grants log onto www.youngaustralians.org <http://www.youngaustralians.org/>   or call 03 9670 5436 or 1800 252 316.

Australian Government Arts Funding

The Australian Government has a range of regional and touring arts programs that support community access and participation in Australia's cultural life. For more information on any of these programs visit: http://www.dcita.gov.au/artsfunding

Graham F Smith Peace Trust Inc Small Scale Projects
The Graham F Smith Peace Trust Inc have a Small Scale Projects fund to help individuals and organisations for arts projects which promote peace, justice, and care for the environment. This funding is ongoing. For more information contact John Hayward by email info@artspeacetrust.org or visit www.artspeacetrust.org/projects/#fund.

Microsoft Unlimited Potential Grants

Microsoft Unlimited Potential Grants is a charitable program, through which Microsoft donates the latest software technology to eligible non-profit organisations. This fund is ongoing. For more information phone 13 20 58 or visit www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/citizenship/giving/programs/up/grants.mspx.

GRANT REMINDERS!

·         Regional Partnerships -<www.regionalpartnerships.gov.au <http://www.regionalpartnerships.gov.au> >. Ongoing.

·         Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund <www.jccbf.org.au <http://www.jccbf.org.au> >. Ongoing.

·         Macquarie Foundation Grants-<http://www.macquarie.com.au/au/about_macquarie/macquarie_in_the_community.htm <http://www.macquarie.com.au/au/about_macquarie/macquarie_in_the_community.htm> >.Ongoing.

·         ANAT ProfessionalDevelopment Travel Grant - <http://www.anat.org.au/home.htm <http://www.anat.org.au/home.htm> >.Applications close on the last day of every month, except December.

·         Sony Foundation Grantswww.sonyfoundation.org <http://www.sonyfoundation.org> . Ongoing.

·         NAB Employee Volunteer Grant Program - For information, contact Esther Makris, National Volunteering Manager, on (03) 8634 1565  Email:esther_makris@national.com.au     

GRANT-FINDERS!

·         Australia Council for the Arts <www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspx?artformID=1 <http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspx?artformID=1> >

·         Brisbane City Council Grants and Funding<http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE:487584487:pc=PC_332 <http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE:487584487:pc=PC_332> >

·         Department of Communications, Information Technology & The Arts<www.dcita.gov.au/arts_culture <http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts_culture> >

·         Myer Foundation<www.myerfoundation.org.au/_109.asp <http://www.myerfoundation.org.au/_109.asp> >

·         Our Community: check out their website for Grant Information and other invaluable information<www.ourcommunity.com.au <http://www.ourcommunity.com.au> >.

·         Queensland Arts Council:Regional Quick Response Grants -<www.qac.org.au/htm/RegionalQuickResponseGrant.asp <http://www.qac.org.au/htm/RegionalQuickResponseGrant.asp> > - ongoing.

·         Queensland Government including Arts Queensland: see the Find a Grant website of the Queensland Government<www.qld.gov.au/grants/discoverbywizard.action <http://www.qld.gov.au/grants/discoverbywizard.action> >.

SHORTER+SWEETER FOR KIDS

We're creating a show that will consist of 10-minute-or-less plays for children. In fact, we're really creating two shows: one aimed at 4-8 year olds, and one aimed at 8-12 year olds. Imagine a 40 minute show aimed at 4-8 year olds, then an "interval" where our audience turns over then a 50 minute show aimed at 8-12 year olds.

The plan is that this children's show will be professionally produced and toured. This means writers, directors and actors get paid. (The details are yet to be confirmed.) The idea is to have plays by a number of different writers (from around the world), a few directors (perhaps not quite one per play), and a company of 6 actors (all adult but probably including some very young adults, all ethnicities and probably 3 of each gender, depending on the final selection of plays).

Submission guidelines can be found at http://www.shortandsweet.org/kids.

Applications Close: Monday, June 16, 2008

Tell your story at the Young Filmmakers Festival Queensland and win filmmaking

equipment and other fantastic opportunities.  Filmmakers must be under 18 years of age on 1 January 2008 and be living in Queensland.  Films must be less than 8 minutes in length and connected to the theme "My Story".  Free Entry, free awards night entry.  For more information visit the website:  www.youngfilmakersfestivalqueensland.com Entries close 1 July 2008. 

Smithsonian Fellowships open for Smart State Researchers
Applications are open for the 2008 round of the Queensland Smithsonian Fellowships. The fellowships are designed to help Queensland researchers to work with some of the best in their field of expertise. Applications for the 2008 Queensland - Smithsonian Fellowships close at 5pm on Friday, 1 August 2008 and are available at http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/Business_and_industry/grants/smithsonian/

Varuna Playlab Residency – a Unique Opportunity for talented Australian Playwrights

Australian playwrights have until 30 April 2008 to apply for the Varuna-Playlab residency program for the opportunity to develop their work at the unique location of Varuna, The Writers' House. Located near the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Varuna will be in full bloom when the week-long residency takes place this spring from 22 September 2008.