1. How to Apply

How to Apply

Find the Right Program

Choose the funding program that is right for you. View the funding programs we offer and their closing dates throughout the year.

Check Eligibility   

Check that you are eligible for funding from your funding program and get a copy of the relevant handbook for all the details. Make sure that you, and all the personnel involved in your project, do not have overdue acquittals from past DCA/ArtsWA grants.  If you need to, you can find out by contacting your Project Officer before you apply.

Develop Your Idea

Applying for a grant is a competitive process. Your application is going to be assessed by a panel with relevant expertise. To ensure the best chance of success make sure your project idea is clear and has significant, achievable outcomes. It is a good ideat to get the Information Pack and Application Form early so you know what information you will need. 

You can request a hard copy by contacting us by email info@dca.wa.gov.au or telephone +61 8 9224 7310, 1800 199 090 (Toll free country WA callers) and we can post or email it to you.

Contact Your Project Officer

Once you have read all the relevant information, contact your Project Officer to discuss your application. DCA has Project Officers for art form areas, plus specific Project Officers for Indigenous, regional and young applicants. Advice should be sought as early as possible before the grant round closing date.

Prepare a Draft

The next step is to prepare a draft application. When completing the application form it is important that you answer all parts of every question, regardless of the type of assistance you are requesting. Your answers should be clear, direct and concise and you must respond within the limits noted on the form.  When drafting your application remember that your application will be assessed against the assessment criteria for your funding program. It is important that you assume that the panel does not have any knowledge of you or your project.   When your draft is complete you can have a DCA Project Officer read over it and give you feedback.  Advice should be sought as early as possible before the grant round closing date.

Assemble Your Support Materials

All grant applications require relevant support materials which assist the panel in assessing your application. See the individual programs or your handbook for information about the specific support materials required and their limits.  Collating your support material can take time as you may be relying on others to provide you with letters or information. 

Submit

Before you submit your application, run through the checklist at the front of the Information Pack and Application Form to make sure you have remembered everything.  

Applications and support material mus be submitted on or before the closing date.  For hand deliveries our office closes at 5pm sharp.  Postal applications must be postmarked on the due date.  Please check with your local post office to ensure your application will be postmarked on the correct date. 

Emailed*, faxed and late applications are not accepted.

*The Looking Forward Fund First Stage EOI process accepts emailed applications.