Open Call: Community Radio Music Hubs Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Sep-2026

The Community Radio Music Hubs Grant provides up to $50,000 to eligible Australian community radio stations to deliver live music activities that connect local artists with audiences. The program supports stations that already operate as active music hubs and can deliver at least six in-person music events or activities promoting contemporary Australian music. What Is the Community Radio Music Hubs Grant? The Community Radio Music Hubs Grant is an initiative of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Music Australia designed to strengthen community radio’s role in Australia’s local music ecosystem. The program supports community radio stations that actively connect artists, audiences, venues, and music communities through live and in-person activities. Rather than focusing only on radio broadcasting, the grant encourages stations to create physical opportunities for artists and audiences to meet, perform, collaborate, and engage with contemporary Australian music. What Does the Grant Support? Funding can support a diverse range of live music activities and events, including: Projects should demonstrate how the station will strengthen its role as a local music hub and create meaningful connections between musicians and audiences. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible high-intensity music stations can receive up to $50,000. Projects should go beyond simply broadcasting music and demonstrate meaningful community engagement and live participation. Why the Community Radio Music Hubs Grant Matters Community radio stations can play an important role in discovering and promoting Australian musicians, particularly artists who may have limited access to mainstream media. The grant helps stations expand this role by supporting live experiences where artists can directly engage with audiences. Stronger connections between artists and local audiences How the Grant Works

Step 1: Confirm Station Eligibility

Check that your community radio station:

Operates in Australia. Is actively involved in music. Functions as an established local music hub. Supports contemporary Australian music. Has the capacity to deliver live music activities.

Step 2: Develop a Music Hub Plan

Create a clear plan for at least six music activities. Consider a combination of events such as: Artist showcases Live studio sessions Pop-up broadcasts Venue collaborations Record store performances Artist interviews and community events

Step 3: Build Local Partnerships

Identify relevant artists, venues, businesses, music organisations, and community partners that can participate. Strong partnerships can demonstrate that the project will create benefits beyond the radio station itself.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Develop a realistic budget covering eligible project expenses.

Potential costs include:

Artist payments Coordination Venues Production Promotion Content creation Outside broadcast equipment Licences and insurance

Step 5: Demonstrate Community Impact

Explain how the proposed activities will benefit the local music community. Include measurable outcomes where possible, such as the number of: Artists supported Events delivered Audience members reached Venues involved New partnerships created Pieces of promotional or broadcast content produced

Step 6: Submit the Application

Ensure the application clearly connects the proposed activities with the objectives of the Community Radio Music Hubs Grant and demonstrates the station’s existing capacity as a music hub. Tips for a Strong Application

Show your existing music activity: Demonstrate that the station is already an active participant in the local music community.

Plan six or more meaningful activities: Make sure activities are achievable and clearly defined.

Prioritise Australian music: Explain how contemporary Australian artists will benefit.

Build partnerships: Include venues, artists, record stores, music organisations, or other relevant community partners.

Demonstrate audience engagement: Explain how audiences will discover and participate in the activities.

Provide a realistic budget: Connect each major expense to a specific project activity.

Measure results: Establish clear outputs and outcomes rather than relying on general statements about community benefit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing only traditional radio programming without live, in-person activities. Failing to meet the minimum requirement of six music activities. Providing insufficient evidence that the station already functions as a music hub. Focusing on the station alone instead of the wider local music community. Failing to explain how Australian artists and audiences will benefit. Including costs that are not clearly connected to the proposed activities. Providing vague outcomes without measurable indicators. Key Grant Details

Grant: Community Radio Music Hubs Grant

Maximum funding: $50,000

Country: Australia

Applicant: Eligible community radio stations

Focus: Live music and community engagement

Minimum activities: Six music activities

Target beneficiaries: Australian artists, audiences, venues, and music communities

Eligible costs: Artist fees, coordination, venues, production, promotion, content creation, outside broadcast equipment, licences, and insurance

Priority: High-intensity music stations already operating as active music hubs

Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can a community radio station receive? Eligible stations can apply for up to $50,000 to deliver their proposed music hub activities. How many music activities must be delivered? Funded high-intensity music stations must deliver a minimum of six music activities. What types of activities can be supported? Examples include music showcases, studio takeovers, record store performances, artist interviews, and pop-up broadcasts, along with other live, in-person music activities. Who can apply for the grant? The program is intended for Australian community radio stations