Palais Theatre | Community Support

COMMUNITY FUND Palais Theatre
Palais Theatre Community Fund 

The Palais Theatre Community Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible charities, not-for-profit organisations community groups within the city of Port Phillip. The fund supports projects for creative arts, activities to develop individuals and groups within the arts sector, recreational activity development, infrastructure and equipment purchases and other community-driven activities.  

These activities may include:

  • Professional skills development, including mentoring and residencies

  • Creation of new artistic works

  • Practice-based research

  • Creative development

  • Collaborations

  • Productions

  • Exhibitions and installations

  • History research or history tours

  • Activities to develop the arts sector

  • Marketing development

  • Activities that creatively engage communities

  • Recreation activity development

  • Purchase of equipment or infrastructure that supports eligible activities.

Since the fund was established in 2017, we have distributed over $640,000 in donations! 

The fund is an integral part of Live Nation Australia Venues’ 30-year lease of the iconic Palais Theatre in St Kilda and has been set up in partnership with the City of Port Phillip to provide long-term benefits to residents of St Kilda and the City of Port Phillip community. Funding for the grant is subsidised via a 50-cent donation from LNAV for every ticket sold for an event at the Palais Theatre and is set to generate approximately $100,000 to $120,000 per year into the City of Port Phillip community.   

Round 13 applications open Monday 18th May 5:00pm AEST.

Before submitting your application, please go through the checklist below to confirm you are eligible to apply for a grant:

  1. I am a charity or not-for-profit organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC), or other community group focused in the City of Port Phillip. (If you are not registered as a charity of not-for profit organisation, the application must be through an Auspice organisation that meets the above requirements).

  2. The project is located within the City of Port Phillip area.

  3. The project benefits the residents of the City of Port Phillip.

  4. I am requesting up to $10, 000, and these funds represent more than 25% of the total project budget.

  5. I can provide evidence of secured co-funding should the total project be more than $10,000.

  6. The project can be completed and reported on within 6 months from receipt of grant funds.

  7. I can provide audited or certified end of financial year accounts.

  8. My project falls into one or more of the following categories: 

    • Infrastructure or Equipment;

    • City of Port Phillip Community Support; or 

    • Support for Creative Art

  9. I have DGR status (preferred not, required).

  10. I have fully acquitted any previous PTCF grants.

(Please note: Support for Creative Arts includes live music, theatre, film, art, dance, comedy, writing and this may include, but is not limited to events, internships and educational courses.)

If you meet all the criteria to be eligible for funding, applications will include the following items:

  1. Provide contact details for you / your organisation

  2. Will this grant be supported by an auspice organisation?

    If yes, please provide a letter of support from the auspice organisation

    If yes, please provide contact details for the auspice organisation

  3. Project / Activity Title.

  4. Please provide a brief overview of the project / activity.

  5. Project / Activity start and end date

  6. Proposed venue/s or location of the project / activity

  7. Has this project / activity been produced before? If yes, please provide details about when, outcomes, reason for producing the project again.

  8. How much funding are you requesting from the Palais Theatre Community Fund?

  9. Please provide a breakdown of your budget for the project / activity.

  10. Within the budget, what will the PTCF funding be used for specifically?

  11. What % of the total project budget is this funding?

  12. Is there another source of funding for this project?

    If yes, please provide details of secured or unsecured co-funding

  13. What is your strategic vision and/or the expected outcomes of this activity?

  14. What benefits does your activity provide to City of Port Phillip residents?

  15. If applicable, please provide an overview of the marketing plan for the project / activity

  16. If your application is successful, please advise how you will acknowledge the support of Live Nation (Palais Theatre - A Live Nation Managed Venue).

  17. Why are you appropriate to successfully deliver this activity?

  18. If applicable, how many attendees are you expecting at proposed activity and what data can you provide to substantiate your projected figures? 

  19. Have you previously received funding from the Palais Theatre Community Fund?

    If yes, in what year did you receive this funding

    How much did you receive

  20. If applicable, please upload proof of your organisation being a not-for-profit and registered with the ACNC

  21. Are you / your organisation endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)?
    Please note: DGR status is not an eligibility requirement. Organisations who do not have DRG status are still eligible for funding.

    If yes, please provide you DGR number

  22. Please upload your most recent audited / certified financial statements

  23. By submitting an application you are agreeing that it is being submitted under the signature of the authorised person (CEO/ Director/ President).

All past recipients of the Palais Theatre Community Fund:

  • Artists for Kids Culture
  • Arts Access Victoria
  • Australian National Memorial Theatre
  • Australian National Memorial Theatre Limited – The National Theatre
  • BalletLab Association Inc
  • Elwood & St KIlda Neighbour Learning Centre Inc.
  • Elwood Cricket Club
  • Elwood Life Saving Club
  • Elwood Toy Library
  • Finucane & Smith (Auspicious Arts Projects Inc)
  • FoodFilled Incorporated
  • Gasworks Arts Park
  • HousingFirst Ltd.
  • Lentil as Anything LTD
  • Linden New Art Inc
  • National Theatre
  • Poet's Garden
  • Port Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (City of Voices Inclusive Theatre Group)
  • Port Melbourne Primary School
  • Port Phillip Community Group
  • Port Phillip EcoCentre Inc
  • Rawcus Theatre Company Inc
  • Red Stitch Actors Theatre
  • South Port Community Housing Group
  • South Port Community Centre - City of Voices Inclusive Theatre Group
  • Space2b Social Design
  • St Kilda Bike Kitchen Inc.
  • St Kilda Mums
  • St Kilda Police & Citizens Youth Club Inc.
  • St Kilda Primary School
  • St Kilda Scout Group
  • St. Kilda Community Housing
  • Star Health Group Limited
  • The Torch Project
  • Theatre Works
  • Theatrical Incorporated
  • Uniting (Victoria & Tasmania) Ltd
  • We Support You LTD
  • Yalukit Willam Nature Association

Palais Theatre Community Reservation

Community Purpose Reservations at the Palais Theatre is a City of Port Phillip initiative in partnership with Live Nation Australia Venues. This initiative makes the hire of the Palais Theatre more accessible to groups that may not otherwise be able to use the venue due to hire costs.

Up to six community purpose reservations can be granted per year. Successful applicants for a community booking will have venue hire costs reduced to $1, enabling a range of users to experience this extraordinary venue. Please keep in mind event costs (ushers, security, cleaning, rigging, electricity etc) still apply. 

The application process is through an online application form with City of Port Phillip.

If you require more information on venue hire, dates and costs while making your decision to apply, please send your enquiry to bookings@palaistheatre.com.au