Frequently asked questions

We’re an organisation or group whose work involves the arts, but it’s not strictly an “arts organisation”. Can we apply?

In short, your organisation probably is unlikely to be a strong fit right now. This fund is designed for arts organisations and groups with a core purpose being the creation, presentation, or development of art (including ngā toi Māori and Pacific arts) in Aotearoa. International arts organisations may apply if the funding directly benefits New Zealand arts and artists. Check if your organisation has an arts component that is central (eg, you run arts-based programmes as your core activity) – if yes, you might indeed be an arts organisation, so it could still be a fit. If your main mahi is health provision, social services, community wellbeing, or other non-arts delivery, you won’t align with the eligibility criteria for this fund.

We're not a formally registered company - does this matter?

You don't need to be a registered charity or company to apply to this fund. What matters is that you have structures and systems to sustain the kaupapa. This might look like being a registered organisation or recognised entity (like a charitable trust or an incorporated society), but could also include other structures.

But these structures should also be supported by things like agreed rules (like a constitution, a trust deed or a set of tikanga or kawa), plans that guide you over time (like strategic, annual or business plans), people who oversee the kaupapa (like a board, committee, or kaiarahi group), clear roles and responsibilities, and practical systems for things like financial management, contracting etc.

To apply for Tiers 2, 3 & 4, you need to have a formal governance structure in place because of the higher levels of funding available.

What do you consider when you say ‘programme of work’ vs project-by-project?

A programme of work brings together a group of related projects that all contribute to a bigger purpose. It’s less about completing individual tasks and more about what changes or outcomes you make over time. Programmes are coordinated - they share planning, governance, and learning - so that effort and investment build on each other rather than happening in isolation. Because the focus is on the bigger picture, individual projects can shift or evolve as long as they still serve the overall kaupapa.

Programmes tend to focus on outcomes like:

• growing sector capability and sustainability
• supporting long-term development for artists or organisations
• improving access and participation
• driving cultural or systemic change

In contrast, projects are usually delivered as one-offs with their own goals, timelines, and budgets. They’re more about producing a specific thing - a show, exhibition, publication, festival, or new work. The success of one project doesn’t automatically feed into another unless it’s part of a broader, connected programme.

What counts toward ‘income’ for the 70% guideline? (in-kind, sponsorship, donations, earned revenue?)

We’ll use the revenue that appears in your organisation’s financial statements. This usually includes things like grants (including CNZ funding), donations, sponsorship, and earned income (for example, ticket sales, fees, or retail). If you record in-kind support in your accounts - for instance, donated goods, services, or volunteer time given a dollar value - that can also be counted. The key is that it’s recognised in your official financial reporting, not just estimated informally.

What if our financial statements for the most recent year aren’t yet audited or complete?

Please provide the most recent set of accounts you have available. If they haven’t been finalised or audited yet, that’s fine - just make a note of it when you submit your application. More recent (even if unaudited) information is more useful than older audited data, as it gives a clearer picture of your organisation’s current position.

If I submit an EOI for over $125,000 per year and am declined, can I still apply for up to $125,000 per year?

Yes. An EOI is different from an application.

If your EOI for Tier 3 or 4 isn’t successful, you can still apply for Tier 1 or 2 if you meet the general eligibility criteria on our website.
Arts Organisations and Groups Fund - General eligibility criteria

You can only submit one application to AOG, so if your EOI for Tiers 3 or 4 is successful, then you can apply to one of those tiers.

We encourage you to look carefully at the application questions for each tier and think about which ones you could answer most confidently. It’s completely fine if some tiers feel out of reach - we know organisations are at different stages of growth, capability, and capacity. Choose the tier where you can make the strongest case for your work and impact, rather than simply the one with the higher funding amount.

You may be offered less than you ask for. If that amount would place you in a lower tier, you’ll only be required to meet the reporting and accountability expectations for that tier.

Why can’t you fund more than 70% of our annual turnover? 

We’re being realistic about the level of funding we can provide, recognising the overall constraints for the fund and the need to support a wide range of organisations.

If we get approved for less than what we ask, does that affect our ability to apply in future years (or apply for a higher tier)?

No. Being offered less this time doesn’t affect your eligibility to apply to AOG in the next round or limit your ability to move between tiers. 

Each funding round is assessed on its own merits, based on your organisation’s current context, plans, and capability. You can apply to a different tier in future rounds, as long as your current funding agreement is nearing completion.