Creative Capital Applicant Resources and FAQs
Application templates and reference documents
Use the links below to access references and templates that you need when completing your application.
- Minor Works and Equipment Round Two sample application form
- Project Budget and Forecast Operational Budget template
- Landowner Consent Form
- Risk Management Framework
- Example Model Funding Agreement_Creative Capital Funding Program – If your application is successful, your organisation will be required to enter into a legally binding funding agreement with Create NSW.
Video resources
Creative Capital Program Introduction
Creative Capital Application Overview
Creative Capital Application Criteria for Round 1 Minor Works and Equipment Projects
Medium to Large Projects Expression of Interest form
Medium to Large Projects – Tips for Completing your Business Case
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will all eligible applications be funded?
- Can I apply for exemptions to the Guidelines?
- Are mobile libraries eligible in Creative Capital?
- What is a major instrument?
- We’re looking to build a new facility. Does purchasing land count as a co-contribution?
- Do costs in the budget tables need to be verified?
- Is there a standard rate for volunteer/in-kind labour?
- What does Estimated Total Cost (ETC) mean and how does this relate to my project?
- Do I need to add a contingency amount to the budget? Is it OK to add this to the budget in the application even though it would increase the total cost of the project?
- Do I have to have a project management budget?
- How many quotes do we need per line item in the budget?
- How much co-contribution is required?
- What does ‘ongoing operational expenditure’ refer to?
- What should letters of support say?
- Can I provide additional information or make a change to my application after the closing date?
- Can I submit a late application?
- Will the Department contact me with questions relating to my application?
- When will I be notified about the outcome of my application?
- Can I get feedback on my application after it has been assessed?
Will all eligible applications be funded?
The program is a competitive grants program and we expect the rounds to be heavily subscribed. While it is necessary for your application to meet the eligibility criteria that is not enough to ensure success. Your application will also need to be competitive to give the project the best chance of being funded. This means having strong claims, supported by evidence, against all five of the assessment criteria set out in the Creative Capital Guidelines. Final funding decisions will consider how applications meet the assessment criteria and also the demand by artform and distribution across the State. This may include prioritising projects to ensure equity across the State and the best outcomes for NSW Government investment.
Can I apply for exemptions to the Guidelines?
No. The Department is bound by strict probity principals to administer the program in accordance with the Creative Capital Guidelines. The Creative Capital Guidelines outline the criteria against which all applications will be assessed.
Are mobile libraries eligible in Creative Capital?
Yes, they are, in areas that do not already have a library service. You can apply for the vehicle itself and fit out, however stocking the vehicle with books and computers is not eligible. Funding cannot be used for leasing a vehicle.
Instruments that are fixed or too large to move e.g. pianos, pipe organs.
We’re looking to build a new facility. Does purchasing land count as a co-contribution?
Yes it does. Evidence of land purchase and current market value must be submitted. The current value of the land is obtained based on advice from a real estate professional and should reference prices at which similar properties have been recently sold in that locality.
Do costs in the budget tables need to be verified?
Yes. Having costs verified by evidence such as quotes, quantity surveyors reports or even a well-supported estimate is crucial to making the assessors confident of the accuracy of project costs. If costs are not accurate, it will put the project at risk of not being completed on time and to budget. For this reason, an appropriate amount should be allocated within the budget to a reserve or contingency to cover any unexpected increase in costs.
Is there a standard rate for volunteer/in-kind labour?
No, there is no standard rate. The cost of volunteer labour/in-kind labour is dependent on the type of work being undertaken and should reflect the cost if you were to otherwise pay someone to do that work. For example, if a carpenter donated their time to the project that would be a higher value than a volunteer’s time transporting materials or equipment. Any claim of volunteer labour/in-kind labour should be backed up by evidence of the cost. This may be a quote of what the works would have cost if paid for, or in the case of a cleaner, a reasonable hourly rate multiplied by the hours worked. This evidence should by referenced in the comments section in the budget tables.
What does Estimated Total Cost (ETC) mean and how does this relate to my project?
Estimated Total Cost (ETC) refers to the total budget for your project. It does not mean the amount you have requested from the Creative Capital Program. The total budget of your project includes any funding sought from the Creative Capital Program plus all other contributions, both cash and in kind. ETC is the most accurate financial representation of the size, risk and complexity of the project as it considers the project as a whole.
Do I need to add a contingency amount to the budget? Is it OK to add this to the budget in the application even though it would increase the total cost of the project?
Yes. All applicants must include a sufficient contingency amount in their budget to allow for risks such as construction delays, unexpected project issues or changes in quotes. Applicants should consider the accuracy of their costings. This will then determine the level of contingency that should be included in the budget. Riskier projects, such as new builds should allow for a larger contingency. An explanation of how the contingency amount was arrived at should be detailed in the budget section of the application. The appropriate amount will differ between projects.
Do I have to have a project management budget?
Yes. For complex and larger projects, a suitably qualified project manager must be allocated to the project and budgeted for.
How many quotes do we need per line item in the budget?
At least have one quote for each line item. However, more than one quote can assist to demonstrate value for money. The more evidence you can provide the better to assist in demonstrating accuracy and value for money.
How much co-contribution is required?
The proportion of co-contribution required depends on the area the project is servicing.
| Tier 1 | Regional NSW and Aboriginal Cultural Centres and Keeping Places and language centres | Co-contribution in cash and/or in kind based on ability to pay | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 | Western Sydney, Blacktown, Newcastle and Wollongong | Co-contribution in cash of minimum 33% of estimated total project cost | ||
| Tier 3 | Sydney: Central (except Blacktown) & Eastern City, North & South Districts | Co-contribution in cash of a minimum 50% of estimated total project cost | ||
What does ‘ongoing operational expenditure’ refer to?
Ongoing Operational Expenditure refers to what it will cost to run your facility beyond the completion of the Creative Capital funded project. When completing the Ongoing Operational Budget tables, consider and include any increased and ongoing costs arising from the completion of the project. Completing this section in full will give the assessors confidence that the facility is operationally viable into the future.
What should letters of support say?
Letters of support should be specific to your project, not just general support for the organisation. They should clearly identify the supporter and their relationship to the project. Where possible they should be on the supporter’s letterhead.
Can I provide additional information or make a change to my application after the closing date?
No further information can be accepted, or changes made to your application after the closing date.
Can I submit a late application?
Requests for late submissions will only be considered in rare circumstances if the applicant contacts Create Infrastructure prior to the round closing. In such circumstances the applicant will be required to provide evidence of technical issues, or other major disruption such as a health emergency. Evidenced requests for late submissions will only be considered under strict probity guidelines.
Will the Department contact me with questions relating to my application?
Through the assessment process the Department may request additional information or clarification from applicants or from any other source. The Department may also seek advice from other NSW Government agencies or other third parties (such as probity advisors and industry experts) to assist with the assessment of applications.
When will I be notified about the outcome of my application?
Announcement of decisions:
Minor Works and Equipment – Grants from $5,000 to $250,000 –
- Round 1 – December 2021
- Round 2 – October 2022
Medium to Large Projects – Grants from $250,000 to $5,000,000 –
- One round – July 2022
Applicants will be notified if their application is ineligible within 21 days of each round closing.
Can I get feedback on my application after it has been assessed?
Once you have been notified of the outcome of your application, you can request a meeting to receive feedback from the Department to assist you to understand strengths and weaknesses of your application. This feedback will be captured from the assessment process and relayed to you by the Department. The feedback is based on comments of the assessors and relates to how the applicant has addressed the assessment criteria in their application.