Creative Australia Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund 2026-2027(With up to $50,000 in Funding)

Published: March 02, 2026
Deadline: March 17, 2026
Category: Grants
Oppotunity Locations: Australia
Eligible Locations: Australia

Creative Australia has opened applications for its Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund 2026–27. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About Creative Australia Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund

The Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund 2026–27 is an initiative designed to enhance the sustainability of Australian literary journals. The fund focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure, improving user experience, and supporting editorial capacity. This includes funding for digital upgrades, archiving, analytics, accessibility, and staff remuneration. The program aims to support the professional development of editorial teams and ensure proper payment for staff involved in editorial activities.

Sponsor Organisation: Creative Australia

Benefits of Creative Australia Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund

Grant Amounts: $15,000 to $50,000

Creative Australia Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund Requirements

Individuals, groups and organisations are eligible to apply. To apply, your publication must:

be primarily dedicated to publishing original literary work of a high standard including fiction, poetry, essays and criticism. Published work can also include reviews, interviews, and commentary on literature and culture
be based in Australia and primarily serve Australian audiences
have an ABN
have been operational for at least two years
have evidence of publishing at least eight unique Australian authors in the year before the funding period
demonstrate evidence of paying Australian writers
outline how the proposed activity will build digital capability and/or strengthen editorial capacity.

Who can’t apply

You cannot apply for this investment if:

your publication is based outside of Australia
your publication does not pay writers
you have already applied to this program in this closing date
you have an overdue grant report to Creative Australia
you owe money to Creative Australia.

Recipients of Creative Australia Multi-Year Investment are eligible to apply but may not be prioritised depending on available funding.

Digital publications that predominantly publish content other than literary work are not eligible. This includes news, academic research, commercial publishing, advertorial writing, and personal blogging.

What can be applied for

Activities and costs may include, but are not limited to:

building digital infrastructure, including website upgrades and redesigns, improving UX and accessibility
implementing digital analytics tools
developing or enhancing archiving systems
systems for managing subscriptions and reader engagement
platforms for hosting and delivering online content
tools for multimedia integration (audio, video, interactive content)
training in digital publishing and editorial technologies
remuneration for staff involved in digital upgrade planning
professional development for editors
payment for editorial staff.

Access costs are legitimate expenses and may be included in your application. We encourage applicants to ensure that their work is accessible to everyone. Budgets may include costs associated with making activities accessible to a wide range of people (e.g. presentation activities using Auslan, translation to other languages, captioning, and audio description).

If you are working with d/Deaf people or people with disability in your application, you may apply for access costs associated with the use of an interpreter, specific technical equipment, carer or support worker assistance. Please contact Artists Services to discuss your specific needs.

What can’t be applied for

You can’t apply for:

business as usual expenses including the regular payment of writers or contributors
activities that have already taken place
travel expenses
the same activities you are applying for via other Creative Australia programs including any funding through Multi-Year Investment or project investment.