RAF: NSW Quick Response Grants Program (Australia)

The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is offering NSW 2026-09 Quick Response Grants to support artists and arts workers with short-notice professional development and small activity opportunities. Submissions are accepted until midnight (end of day) 30 September 2026 (AEST). The grant round is administered for NSW applicants through the relevant Regional Arts Program Administrator. Opportunity at a Glance

- Programme/Opportunity: RAF: NSW 2026-09 Quick Response Grants

- Funding body: Regional Arts Fund (administered via the Regional Arts Program Administrator for your state or territory)

- Opportunity type: Quick Response Grants (short-notice support)

- Open/close: Submissions close at midnight (end of day) 30 September 2026 (AEST)

- When activities must happen: Within 2–12 weeks from the closing date of this grant round

- Geographic eligibility (applicants): Not eligible if based in metropolitan locations; eligible locations are determined using the Modified Monash Model

- Applicant eligibility: Individuals (with ABN), Australian incorporated organisations, companies limited by guarantee, local government organisations; unincorporated groups can apply if auspiced by an eligible organisation

- Application system: SmartyGrants (submission via the round’s form)

About the Opportunity

Quick Response Grants under the Regional Arts Fund are designed to meet immediate, unplanned needs where the activity cannot be supported through other funding rounds. The program supports opportunities such as professional development, skills development, and small activity opportunities that must be arranged on short notice. A key requirement is that the supported activity must occur quickly, within the defined timeframe after the grant round closes. Funding and Benefits

This round provides support for:

- Professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers - Small activity opportunities that arise at short notice Time-based activity requirement (critical): - The activity must take place within 2–12 weeks from the closing date of this grant round. - Activities with a critical start date within 2–6 weeks from the closing date will be prioritised.

Not specified in the source: the grant amount, total funding pool, and any recipient-specific caps for this specific round.

Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicant types You may be eligible if you are one of the following: - An individual - An Australian incorporated organisation - A company limited by guarantee - A local government organisation ABN requirements To be eligible for an RAF Grant: - You must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) - The ABN must be registered to your name and location - The ABN you supply must match your name and current address - You may need to verify your ABN details using the Australian Business Register Unincorporated groups - Unincorporated groups are eligible only if they are auspiced by an organisation that meets the criteria above. Individuals without an ABN - Individuals who do not have an active ABN are not eligible to apply. Applicants under 18 - Individuals under 18 years of age are eligible to apply if they are auspiced by an Individual over 18 who has an active ABN. Schools - Schools are only eligible if they are located in a very remote area (MM7) using the Modified Monash Model. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

This Quick Response Grant round funds:

- Professional development for artists and arts workers - Skills development and small activity opportunities at short notice

Timing priority:

- Activities starting within 2–6 weeks from the grant round closing date will be prioritised. - All funded activities must occur within 2–12 weeks from the closing date. Why This Opportunity Matters This RAF Quick Response Grant round is structured for situations where arts and culture needs arise quickly—such as travel, immediate training, or professional development—when waiting for a standard funding cycle would prevent participation or completion of the opportunity. The short implementation window (2–12 weeks) is specifically aligned to “quick response” circumstances. The eligibility model also focuses support on regional and non-metropolitan locations, using the Modified Monash Model to confirm remoteness classification. How to Apply - Confirm you meet location eligibility (not metropolitan) - Organisations or individuals based in metropolitan locations are not eligible to apply. - You can use the Modified Monash Model via the Health Workforce Locator tool:

- Visit: www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/health-workforce-locator

- Enter your Primary Address (must be a physical address, not a PO Box or postal address) - Tick Modified Monash Model and select the most recent year - Press Search location - Locations with codes MM 2 to MM 7 are eligible - Schools are only eligible if located in MM7 (very remote). - Confirm your applicant type eligibility - Check that you are an eligible applicant type (individual, incorporated organisation, company limited by guarantee, or local government organisation). - Ensure your ABN is active and registered to your name and location, and matches your current address. - Check your activity timing - Plan the activity so it will take place within 2–12 weeks from 30 September 2026. - If possible, note that activities with a critical start date within 2–6 weeks will be prioritised. - Prepare and submit your application via SmartyGrants - The round is on SmartyGrants and includes a submission form (“Start a submission”). - Submit by midnight (end of day) 30 September 2026 (AEST). - If you have questions, contact the Regional Program Administrator

- Regional Arts NSW: 02 9270 2500 (business hours)

- Email: [contact details removed]

- Quote your submission number if you already started an application. - The page also references contacts for grant assistance and “Regional Arts Fund – please contact the Regional Program Administrator in your state or territory” (link text provided o