RFAs: Capability Development Grant Program (Singapore)

Deadline: 15-Dec-26

The Capability Development Grant supports individuals and organisations in Singapore’s arts and culture sector to strengthen professional skills, technical capabilities, and industry knowledge. The grant can fund up to 90% of eligible expenses for non-profit organisations or collectives, with maximum annual funding of SGD 20,000 for individuals and SGD 75,000 for organisations. What Is the Capability Development Grant? The Capability Development Grant is designed to strengthen the professional and organisational capabilities of Singapore’s arts and culture sector. The programme supports individuals, arts practitioners, organisations, and collectives undertaking activities that improve professional knowledge, technical skills, leadership capabilities, and practical industry experience. Supported activities can include structured training, professional development programmes, mentorships, residencies, internships, apprenticeships, and other forms of skills development. All supported activities must be completed within 12 consecutive months. What Does the Grant Support? The grant covers a broad range of professional development and workforce development activities. Professional Training and Skills Development

Eligible activities may include:

- Workshops. - Master classes. - Seminars. - Conferences. - Certified courses. - Accredited training programmes. - Professional development programmes. - Structured mentorships. - Residencies. - Competitions that include meaningful professional development opportunities. These activities should provide participants with relevant knowledge or skills that strengthen their professional practice in the arts and culture sector. On-the-Job Training The grant also supports practical workplace learning.

Eligible activities can include:

- Work attachments. - Internships. - Traineeships. - Apprenticeships. - Structured workplace training. On-the-job training may be undertaken by individuals or organised for employees and members of eligible organisations. Who Is Eligible? The Capability Development Grant is intended for individuals and organisations working within Singapore’s arts and culture sector.

Potential applicants include:

- Individual arts practitioners. - Arts professionals. - Arts organisations. - Non-profit organisations. - For-profit organisations. - Arts collectives. - Other eligible sector participants. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed training or development activity and their professional or organisational development. Why Does the Capability Development Grant Matter? Professional development is essential for maintaining a skilled and adaptable arts and culture sector.

The grant can help applicants:

- Develop new technical skills. - Improve professional expertise. - Gain recognised qualifications. - Learn from experienced practitioners. - Build industry networks. - Gain practical workplace experience. - Strengthen organisational capabilities. - Develop emerging arts professionals. - Improve long-term career opportunities. For organisations, the programme can also support workforce development by enabling employees and members to participate in structured learning and workplace training. How Much Funding Is Available? The level of financial support depends on the applicant category. Non-Profit Organisations and Collectives Non-profit organisations or collectives may receive funding covering up to 90% of actual supportable expenses. Individuals and For-Profit Organisations Individuals and for-profit organisations may receive funding covering up to 70% of actual supportable expenses. Other Applicants Other eligible applicant categories may receive funding covering up to 50% of actual supportable expenses. Annual Funding Limits The overall maximum funding per financial year is: - SGD 20,000 for individuals - SGD 75,000 for organisations Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed budget remains within the applicable annual funding ceiling. What Is the Maximum Activity Duration? Supported activities must not exceed 12 consecutive months.

This applies to activities such as:

- Training programmes. - Professional courses. - Mentorships. - Residencies. - Internships. - Apprenticeships. - Work attachments. - Traineeships. Applicants should plan their start and end dates carefully to ensure that the proposed activity complies with the duration requirement. How Does the Grant Work? The programme supports both individual professional development and organisational capability building. For individuals, the grant can help finance training that strengthens their artistic or professional practice. For organisations, funding can support employee and member development through structured training or practical workplace learning. The key requirement is that the activity should contribute meaningfully to capability development within Singapore’s arts and culture sector. How to Apply

Step 1: Identify Your Development Need

Clearly identify the professional or organisational capability that needs to be strengthened.

Examples include:

- Learning a new technical skill. - Obtaining professional certification. - Developing management skills. - Improving artistic practice. - Gaining international experience. - Learning through an industry attachment.

Step 2: Select an Appropriate Activity

Choose an activity that directly addresses the identified development need.

Possible options include:

- Workshop. - Master class. - Accredited course. - Seminar. - Conference. - Residency. - Mentorship. - Internship. - Apprenticeship. - Traineeship. - Work attachment.

Step 3: Explain the Professional Benefit

Explain how the activity will improve the applicant’s skills, knowledge, experience, or professional capabilities. For organisations, explain how the training will strengthen employees, members, or the wider organisation.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Prepare a realistic budget based on the actual supportable expenses assoc