Current Grant Opportunity View - GO4916

The National Cultural Heritage Account (the Account) grant program assists Australian cultural organisations to acquire significant cultural heritage objects. The Account helps to retain and protect Australia's cultural heritage for future generations and provide public access to important objects that tell a story about our cultural identity.

The Australian Government allocates $500,000 each financial year. There is no limit on the amount you can apply for, and funding over multiple years may be considered.

There are no funding round deadlines. Applications can be made at any time during the year, and are assessed on a case by case basis.

Australian cultural organisations are eligible to apply for funding assistance from the Account. Such organisations might be museums, art galleries, libraries, archives, historic buildings and others, having permanent and appropriately maintained/conserved collections which are accessible to the public. 

We have funded national and state institutions, as well as regional and not-for-profit organisations. Past recipients of funding are listed at https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/national-cultural-heritage-account

In considering applications for funding assistance, preference will be given to cultural organisations with the intention and capacity to care for and provide public access to objects in perpetuity. 

To be eligible for funding objects must meet the criteria for an Australian Protected Object (APO) as set out in the National Cultural Heritage Control List (the Control List), Schedule 1 to the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Regulations 2018 (the Regulations). The Regulations are an instrument made under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (the Act). The Control List sets out categories of objects that constitute the movable cultural heritage of Australia and are subject to the Act. It defines the characteristics of an APO including age, value and links to Australian history.

For further information on how to apply go to https://arts.smartygrants.com.au/