First Nations Commissioning Fund (FNCF) QLD

Purpose and Program Overview

The First Nations Commissioning Fund is a key initiative by the Queensland Government. It is part of the Grow 2022-2026 action plan for Creative Together 2020-2030. The fund focuses on investing in opportunities that share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ stories. The goal is to elevate awareness of Queensland’s exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products.

The fund’s objectives include supporting the creation of new work and cultural programs. It aims to strengthen skills and provide new employment opportunities for First Nations artists. It also grows a pipeline of high-quality First Nations arts, cultural products, and experiences. The total investment for a recent round was approximately $757,494.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $70,000 for single-year projects; up to $150,000 for two-year projects.
• Application open and close dates: The most recent round, Round 6, opened on 3 February 2025 and closed on 17 March 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: Arts and cultural sector. This includes individuals, collectives, and organisations.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants cannot apply for 100% of the total project costs.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Applicants must be based in Queensland, Australia.

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to a broad range of arts and cultural sectors. It specifically targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and collectives.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: Up to $70,000 for single-year projects and up to $150,000 for two-year projects.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding is for projects that share stories and cultural knowledge. Additional funding of up to $10,000 is available for commissioning new live or recorded music.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Single-year projects run for up to 12 months. Two-year projects run for up to 24 months.

Grant Amount in Total

The total amount offered for Round 6 was approximately $757,494.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Individuals, collectives, or organisations can apply. First Nations organisations must be at least 50% owned and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Registered business location: Based in Queensland, Australia.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified. Applicants cannot have received more than $1.5 million in Arts Queensland funding per year.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Not specified, but a registered ABN may be required for some applicants.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The fund supports various activities. These include:

• Creative development.
• Production, presentation, and distribution of new works.
• Commissioning new music.
• Artistic collaboration.
• Creative development of emerging works.
• Professional fees for creatives.

Assessment Process

The grant is competitive. An assessment panel made up of 100% First Nations representatives reviews applications. Key criteria include:

• High Quality: The creative idea must be innovative and deliver high-quality First Nations arts and cultural work. Professionals involved must be skilled and well-regarded.
• Strong Impact: The project should create new employment and skills opportunities. It should build new audiences and reputation for First Nations arts.
• Sustainable Value: Projects must show value for money, sound governance, and ethical business practices. This includes paying industry award rates.

Recent Program Updates

The program runs in rounds. The most recent round, Round 6, had a closing date in March 2025. Industry Placements are currently paused while Arts Queensland evaluates the impact of past placements.

Application Tips

Double-check all eligibility criteria before you apply. Prepare key documents in advance. Make sure your proposal shows how you will align with the grant’s objectives. Show how your project will create new employment opportunities and build new audiences. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate value for money.

Where to Get Help for First Nations Commissioning Fund

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Arts Queensland website for guidelines, templates, and guidance.