FAQs Regional Arts Fund

Q. Do I have to use the RAF Application form?
A. Yes.  Applications must be submitted on the standard application form.  They may be retyped but must retain the content, order of questions and layout.  The written part of the application must not exceed 14 pages, which includes the Project Description (maximum of 6 pages) plus support material (maximum of 8 written pages).  Applications that do not follow the required format and number of pages will not be considered and will be returned to the applicant.

Q. Can I make the print size smaller to fit in more information?
A. No.  Applications using smaller fonts would gain an unfair advantage. DO NOT use a font size smaller than 11-point.  In the interests of equity, applications with font size smaller than 11 point will be returned unread.

Q. Do I have to answer every question?
A. Yes.  The Panel do not consider incomplete applications.  

Q. Can I fax or email my application?
A. No.  As the fund requires an original signature in the Certification Section of the application, your application must be posted or hand delivered in the form of one original copy of the application.

Q. Can I get some advice or feedback on my application before it is due to be lodged?
A. Yes.  During the drafting phase, QAC staff are able to provide advice on application drafts provided they are received no later than three weeks prior to the closing date.

Q. How much can I apply for?
A. Community Projects that meet the RAF criteria may be supported from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000.  It is anticipated that the majority of grants awarded will be in the range of $10,000 - $15,000. Applicants should be aware that there are limited funds available for distribution through the Regional Arts Fund and that the process is highly competitive. 

Q. Can I apply for 100% of the project cost?
A. Only in very special circumstances will RAF support the entire cost of a project.  Proposals that identify support (both cash and in-kind) for projects from other funding sources or generate income will be viewed favorably.  Applicants are also encouraged to put a realistic value on ‘in-kind’ assistance from the community for the project.

Q. Can I apply for a grant if I have received Regional Arts Funding before?
A.    Yes.  However, recurrent projects will not be considered.  Applications also will not be considered from individuals or organisations that have not satisfactorily acquitted previous grants from the Fund or other Commonwealth Arts and Cultural funds.

Q. Can I apply for more than one project in the round?
A. No.  For equity reasons, and due to the size of the funding pool and the demand on funds, applicants are restricted to one application per round.  However, applicants may be put forward as partners or project workers on other eligible projects in any funding round.

Q. What is the auspicing process?
A. If you are an individual or an organisation/body that is not incorporated, your grant must be auspiced by a not-for-profit incorporated organisation registered in Queensland.  This means that the auspicing organisation will sign a funding agreement with Queensland Arts Council, requiring it to administer and acquit the funds on your behalf.  You may approach your local council, a statewide service provider or incorporated cultural organisation to auspice your grant for you.  Before nominating the auspicing body in your application, you must obtain their agreement.  If an auspicing fee is being charged, it can be included in the amount requested and should be noted as an expense on the budget page. Auspicing fees should be no more than 5% of the grant amount with an upper limit of $800 if this component is to be funded by RAF.

Q.  In general terms, what does the Panel look for in an application?

A.

• Applications that address RAF guidelines and Program Criteria.
• Projects that support new, innovative arts and cultural development activity in the identified region.
• A clearly defined and workable description of the project and what it will achieve. 
• Projects that have a clear regional as opposed to local focus.
• Projects that develop the capability of regional artists/organisations and their arts practice.
• Projects that identify and strengthen partnerships and collaborations within and across the region.
• Relevance to the regional community.
• Names, CVs and confirmations of involvement of key creative and management personnel.
• Projects that pay artists/artsworkers industry relevant fees for their products and services.
• Evidence of community support for the project, particularly from those who the project will directly engage or target.
• Successful acquittal of previous RAF grants.
• Funding and ‘in-kind’ support sought and obtained from other sources.
• Realistic budgets with correct calculations.

Q. What are some errors frequently made by applicants?

A.

• Applications requesting less than the minimum or more than the maximum support available.
• Project does not have clearly defined objectives.
• Applications that are incomplete, unsigned or do not address the Specific Program Criteria.
• Budgets that are incomplete or contain errors in the calculations.
• Applications that do not follow the required format.
• Excessive length of Project Descriptions or amounts of Support Material.
• Font size too small.
• Application is not posted and postmarked by the closing date.

Q. Unsure about the Budget?     (Please see the sample budget below)

A.

• In column 1 (Expected Income), write all expected income including grants and sponsorship, please mark with a (C) - confirmed or (NC) – not confirmed, to indicate the status of those funds at the time of applying.
• In column 5 – (RAF $), please indicate what amount of the cost for each item is to be covered by the RAF fund.  What portion of each Expense (in column 4) are you asking RAF to fund?
• Record the amount requested from RAF in the shaded income line.  The total amount sought from the RAF (shaded column 2) must EQUAL the RAF funds costed within your project expenditure (foot of column 5).
• On Costs (column 3 in expenditure) includes such things as Workcover, Superannuation and Holiday Pay (if applicable).
• In-kind means the dollar value of time, labour, services and materials donated to the project by you or others.  Make sure that the in-kind amount is also entered under the appropriate item on the Expenditure side.
• Ensure that your budget balances.  The Total Income (foot of column 2) EQUALS Total Expenditure (foot of column 4)