Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grants
Find out how to apply for funding under the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Featured artwork by Ben Tupas. Captured by Alison Mooney
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. RADF funds are aimed at the development of emerging and established artists, creative practitioners and producers. RADF funding is awarded to projects that align with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, which provides a roadmap to guide council's future priorities, programs and investment in the arts.
Always check the guidelines for eligibility and priorities before applying.
Looking for support or more information?
The Creative Sector Development team regularly host online and in person information sessions, panels and one on one consults to support applicants and provide information. Bookings and registrations are essential, see below for upcoming sessions and events.
RADF Grants - Creative Sector Information Presentation (PDF 7.14MB) (updated August 2025)
What funding is available?
The RADF program is evaluated annually and we’ve recently made some important changes. RADF grants are now available in two categories — Arts Projects and Artist Development.
Arts Projects
- Major Projects (up to $15,000): two rounds per year — applications close March and September.
- Small Grants (up to $3,000): rolling grant fund that receives applications throughout the year or until funds are fully expended. Applications will be closed at the end of each month for assessment, with notification due by the end of the next month. For example, if the application is submitted on 15 May, the round will close on 31 May and you will be notified by 30 June.
Artist Development
- Mentorship (up to $5,000): two rounds per year — applications close March and September.
- Professional Development (up to $1,500): rolling grant fund that receives applications throughout the year or until funds are fully expended.
Information on eligibility, priorities and assessment criteria
RADF Guidelines (PDF 906KB) (updated August 2025)
FAQs and Important Information (PDF 1.25MB) (updated August 2025)
When is funding available?
The round for Arts Projects - Major Projects and Artist Development - Mentorship will open 21 July and close 1 September 2025.
Arts Projects - Small Grants and Artist Development - Professional Development are rolling funds and are open year-round until all funds are expended.
Arts Projects Small Grants and Artist Development Round Dates:
Indicative application and notification dates are as per below, but subject to change.
| Round | Grant Round Opens | Grant Round Closes | Notification of Outcome | Earliest Project or Project Component Start Date* |
| July | 9am, July 1, 2025 | Midnight, July 31, 2025 | 5pm August 31, 2025 | September 1, 2025 |
| August | 9am, August 1, 2025 | Midnight, August 31, 2025 | 5pm, September 30, 2025 | October 1, 2025 |
| September | 9am, September 1, 2025 | Midnight, September 30, 2025 | 5pm, October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2025 |
| October | 9am, October 1, 2025 | Midnight, October 31, 2025 | 5pm, November 30, 2025 | December 1, 2025 |
| November | 9am, November 1, 2025 | Midnight, November 30, 2025 | 5pm, December 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| December | 9am, December 1, 2025 | Midnight, December 31, 2025 | 5pm, January 31, 2026 | February 1, 2026 |
| January | 9am, January 1, 2026 | Midnight, January 31, 2026 | 5pm, February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| February | 9am, February 1, 2026 | Midnight, February 28, 2026 | 5pm, March 31, 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
| March | 9am, March 1, 2026 | Midnight, March 31, 2026 | 5pm, April 30, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| April | 9am, April 1, 2026 | Midnight, April 30, 2026 | 5pm, May 31, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| May | 9am, May 1, 2026 | Midnight, May 31, 2026 | 5pm, June 30, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| June | 9am, June 1, 2026 | Midnight, June 30, 2026 | 5pm, July 31, 2026 | August 1, 2026 |
Who assesses my application?
Applications are assessed by the RADF Assessment Panel.
When will I know if I have been successful?
Approximately 8 weeks from closing date of round funds and 6 weeks from submission to rolling funds.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Contact the Creative Arts team via email at artsfunding@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or on (07) 5420 8019 to discuss your project and ensure eligibility.
- Complete the RADF grant application form for your chosen category:
- Arts Projects:
- Artist Development:
What else to consider when applying for funding
- acknowledging council and acquitting your grant
- previous successful applicants
- tips and tricks and more.
Contacts
- For more information about the RADF program, help planning the application and technical queries, please contact council's Creative Development Officer on artsfunding@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or (07) 5420 8019
- Office hours are 8.30am–4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).