From 2026, the Volunteer Museum Grants will be delivered as a single, consolidated program. The former Small Grants, Skills Development, Leg Up, and Project Development Grants have been brought together, allowing organisations to apply for funding of up to $4,000 per project.

The program supports a wide range of projects. There are no fixed categories, and applications are welcomed for diverse initiatives, including:

• Skills development and networking activities, such as engaging a professional consultant to deliver one-off or short workshop programs
• Strategic or innovative projects with medium- to long-term outcomes, including strategic planning, exhibition development, or professional advice
• Short-term, collection-focused projects, such as conservation of significant objects, collection management, or audience development

Grant Rounds:

• 9 February 2026 - Closes 5 April 2026
• 13 July 2026 - Closes 6 September 2026

Funding up to $4,000 per project may be available.

Begin your application by contacting the Museums Coordinator - Alana Leslie, Museums Coordinator, email alanal@mgnsw.org.au or 02 5663 2338

To apply for a Volunteer Museum Grant, an organisation must:

• Be incorporated (or provide the details of an auspicing body that is incorporated, such as a local council) OR provide evidence of appropriate alternative governance structures (eg. S355 Committee, Trust, Company limited by guarantee, Local government authority, etc.)
• Be not-for-profit
• Be an established museum or Aboriginal cultural space with a displayed collection (not an archive, library or historical society without a museum function)
• Be regularly open to the public at advertised times (i.e. not open by appointment only)
• Be entirely volunteer run.
• Have discussed their application with a M&G NSW team member
• Agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the grant
• Have acquitted all previously awarded Volunteer Museum Grants

• Address: Volunteer Museum Grant Program Museums & Galleries of NSW Level 1, The Arts Exchange The Rocks 2000 NSW
• Phone: 02 5663 2338
• Email: alanal@mgnsw.org.au