Creative Australia to Support 20 Arts Organisations with Fundraising Training in 2027

Creative Australia revealed on 16 September 2026 that it will support 20 arts organisations to build their fundraising capability by providing scholarships for the FIA learning program in 2027. The scholarships cover registration for the FIA Conference, access to the Gifts in Wills Fundraising: From A to Z online course, and travel support if required and approved.

The 2027 FIA Conference will carry the theme "Imagine What’s Possible," focusing on key questions fundraisers face today, including donor expectations, technology, long-term relationships, and evolving giving patterns. The conference will open with a keynote by practical futurist Simon Waller, who will address uncertainty, decision-making, and the future of work.

While the FIA Conference is not exclusively for arts fundraisers, its program is designed to engage the broader fundraising profession. The agenda is shaped by a volunteer committee and includes case studies, peer learning opportunities, and discussions on current challenges within the sector.

A significant component of the scholarship package is dedicated training in gifts in wills fundraising. This area can be challenging to initiate but is considered increasingly important for long-term fundraising strategies. The training aims to equip participants with practical knowledge to strengthen their fundraising efforts.

Creative Australia encourages scholarship recipients to share their learnings beyond their individual experience. Suggested approaches include staff presentations, board discussions on future fundraising priorities, notes on key sessions and contacts, or debriefs with other arts fundraisers. This sharing helps extend the benefits of the program across organisations.

Applications for the scholarships opened on 8 September 2026 and will close on 13 October 2026 at 3pm AEDT, with notifications scheduled for 4 December 2026. The FIA activity period for scholarship recipients runs from 1 January to 31 December 2027.

Organisations considering applying are advised to reflect on their current fundraising questions, such as strengthening major giving, building a clearer case for support, exploring partnerships, improving donor data confidence, or developing gifts in wills fundraising. The program aims to help fundraisers take practical steps forward, whether through sharper questions, better conversations, useful examples, or increased confidence to try new approaches.