Community Arts and Cultural Development Grants

Colourful art and cultural graphic of a mask

Why does City of Coffs Harbour provide an Arts and Cultural Development Grants Program?

The Arts and Cultural Development Grants Program is a key action outlined in the Creative Coffs - Cultural Strategic Plan.

The program supports the enjoyment of a rich cultural life within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area. It provides access and encourages the participation of all people regardless of age, cultural background, education or social status. 

The grants are an annual source of funds that artists and community groups can access. 

Projects requesting funding should have strong arts, cultural and community benefits. These must be clearly identifiable and, where possible, quantifiable with some measures of success. 

Applications for financial support from between $1,000 and $7,000 are available. 

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed by a panel. They are rated on: 

  • eligibility 

  • merit of the project (including its response to social, economic and environmental factors) 

  • ability of the applicant organisation to manage the project 

  • available funds. 

The City's assessment conditions of confidentiality, conflict of interest and impartiality are strictly adhered to. 

The panel’s recommendations are presented to Council approval and administration. 

The Assessment Panel is appointed and is comprised of at least: 

  • One staff member with expertise in grants or arts/culture related field 

  • One Councillor representative on the Arts Mid North Coast board 

  • One staff representative of Arts Mid North Coast 

Important Dates for 2025 Grant Round 

  • Grants open 10:00am on Monday 3 February 2025 

  • Grant applications close at 4:00pm on Monday 17 March 2025 

  • Grants assessment period April-May 2025 

  • Grants report to Council period June-July 2025 

  • Grants announced July 2025* 

  • Grants acquittal final deadline is June 2026 

*Successful projects should not commence before 1st August 2025.  The grant budget and processes are administered for grants to be announced and invoiced for in July. It is recommended to allow for the month of July for grants to be announced and grant monies to be confirmed in successful grant recipients’ nominated accounts. This may need to be taken into consideration into your project planning and start dates. Please make any necessary notes in your application and budget. 

Do you have a question?

More information about the grants is available and shared via:

Contact the Cultural Development team
Phone: (02) 6648 4907
Email: culturaldevelopment@chcc.nsw.gov.au