Cultural Development Fund - Key Organisations
Photo: Australian Tapestry Workshop
Applications for 2027-2030 CDF - Key Organisations now open.
In the City of Port Phillip, arts, culture and creativity play an important role in strengthening community connection, cultural identity, wellbeing and participation.
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) supports a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable creative ecosystem by investing in artists, creative organisations and cultural initiatives that contribute to the cultural life of Port Phillip.
The Key Organisations stream provides multi-year funding to significant arts and cultural organisations that demonstrate leadership, community impact and a strong contribution to Port Phillip's creative ecosystem
Cultural Development Fund - Key Organisations
Projects funded through the Cultural Development Fund should contribute to the Council Plan 2025-2035 strategic direction A Vibrant and Thriving Community, particularly by supporting arts, culture, creativity, participation, community connection, diversity and local cultural development.
Applicant organisations may apply for up to $45,000 per annum for 4 years.
The City of Port Phillip is now seeking applications for 2027-2030 CDF-Key Organisations grant round.
Program objectives:
The CDF-Key Organisations program is designed to
- Support significant arts and cultural organisations that contribute to the cultural life, identity and creative profile of Port Phillip.
- Support a sustainable, resilient and connected creative ecosystem through long-term investment in organisations.
- Increase participation, inclusion, accessibility and community connection through arts and cultural activity.
- Support collaboration, sector development, partnerships and opportunities for artists and creative workers.
- Strengthen organisational capacity, sustainability and long-term planning.
- Support First Peoples leadership, cultural participation and cultural expression where relevant.
Key dates
Applications Opened: 9am Wednesday 22 July 2026
Applications Closed: Sunday 23 August 2026 at midnight
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must:
· be a legally constituted not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation based in the City of Port Phillip with current ABN.
· be a legal constituted entity for at least two years with a formal governance structure, annual financial budgeting and reporting and an annual operational or business plan
· provide activities that primarily involve, benefit or employ artists, arts workers and cultural professionals
· have a track record of delivering high-quality arts, cultural or creative programs, services or activities
· have a primary focus of developing and presenting events and/or exhibition programs
· have organisational Public Liability Insurance Liability Insurance to at least the value of $20 Million
For further information about an application contact the Grants and Funding Officer, on phone: 03 9209 6777 or email grants@portphillip.vic.gov.au.
How to apply
All applications are made online through Smarty Grants
To view the application go to https://portphillip.smartygrants.com.au/CDFKEYORGS
For questions or assistance with the application forms or the Smartygrants process contact the Grants and Funding Officer 03 9209 6777 or grants@portphillip.vic.gov.au.
Applicants should read carefully and are encouraged to contact officers before applying.
2027-2030 CDF-Key Organisations Guidelines and criteria (DOCX 350 KB)
2027-2030 CDF-Key Organisations Guidelines and criteria (PDF 574 KB)
CDF - Key Organisations Funding current recipients:
Seven arts and cultural organisations in the City of Port Phillip were awarded funding for 3 years from 2023 to 2026 by Council:
- Australian Tapestry Workshop
- Jewish Museum of Australia
- Temperance Hall
- Space2b Social Design
- Rawcus Theatre Company
- Red Stitch Actors Theatre
- Theatre Works
Other Council funding opportunities and resources
Find information about other City of Port Phillip grants, including Cultural Development Fund annual projects grants via Funds, Grants and Subsidies.
Access and support information
For general Council information about the National Relay Service, language translation and Auslan services see the Accessibility page. For Metro Access support contact 03 9209 6777.