Creative Partnerships Australia Launches New Matched Funding Program

Plus 1 CPAAustralia’s first federally supported matched funding program for the arts and creative industries, Plus1 has been launched by Creative Partnerships Australia.

Through the Plus1 program, Creative Partnerships will match dollar for dollar up to $50,000 in funds raised from the private sector by artists and not for profit (NFP) arts organisations for projects that enhance or improve their capacity to raise money from the private sector.

Creative Partnerships is a national organisation that works with the arts, business and philanthropic sectors, as well as government, to support sustainable creative industries in Australia. Creative Partnerships was established in 2013 to encourage and facilitate private sector support for the arts. Creative Partnerships is supported by the Australian Government through the Cultural Development Program of the Office for the Arts.

“The Plus1 program provides a unique opportunity for those looking to enhance their business development capabilities and diversify their funding streams,” said Fiona Menzies, CEO, Creative Partnerships Australia.

“We’re very excited about investing two million dollars into supporting projects with outcomes that enable individuals and organisations in the creative industries to create a more sustainable financial future.”

Types of projects eligible for the Plus1 program include the appointment of a development coordinator, purchase of a customer relationship management system or training in new business development skills such as presentation skills or proposal writing.

Any Australian artist or not for profit organisation from the arts and creative industries with an eligible project can apply for matched funding through the Plus1 program.

“Once a project has been approved by Creative Partnerships for the Plus1 program, applicants raise funds for the project from the private sector,” said Ms Menzies.

“These funds can come from crowdfunding or philanthropy, a benefit night or a business investor. Once the target amount is raised and verified Creative Partnerships will match those project funds raised, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.”

The Plus1 matched funding program also provides some unique benefits and opportunities to those private sector supporters of the arts and creative industries interested in supporting approved projects.

“Plus1 creates a unique opportunity for donors to invest in the long term sustainability of the Australian artists and organisations whose work they may already be supporting,” said Ms Menzies.

“The fact that it’s a matched funding program also means that donors and supporters can double the dollar value of their donation simply by investing in a Plus1 project.”

Matched funds from Creative Partnerships will be distributed to successful applicants on a first come, first served basis. The Plus1 program is now open for Project Eligibility applications.

For more information, visit: www.creativepartnershipsaustralia.org.au for details.

Image: courtesy of Creative Partnerships Australia