Cultural Matching Fund (CMF)
The Cultural Matching Fund (CMF), established by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), provides matching grants for private cash donations to registered charities in the arts and heritage sector. The fund aims to encourage giving to Singapore's arts and heritage sector, creating a more sustainable scene in which more people have a stake. The CMF matches monetary donations received by eligible organisations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. From CMF2025, the fund has three simplified culture sector priorities: contributing to artistic/heritage excellence, contributing to stronger communities, and contributing to capability development of the wider local arts and heritage sector.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Only Arts and Heritage Charities and IPCs (Institutions of a Public Character)
- 02
Principally classified by Commissioner of Charities as primarily engaged in arts and heritage
- 03
Exceptional Charities/IPCs conducting significant arts and heritage activities may be considered
- 04
For applications above $300,000, discuss with relevant agency before submitting
How to Apply
1. Application window: 1 April to 31 May 2025 (closes 31 May 2025, 23:59 SGT) 2. Submit via OurSG (OSG) Grants Portal at https://oursggrants.gov.sg/ 3. Download and review the OSG Portal guide before applying
Claims and Disbursement
First $300,000: Use in line with stated objects as arts and heritage charities + governance regulations. Above $300,000: Prioritised for culture sector priority projects. For fundraising events: total expenditure must not exceed 30% of funds raised, matching grant capped at $50,000 per event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but total expenditure must not exceed 30% of total funds raised, capped at $50,000 per event.
No, only non GST-registered organisations can use CMF for the GST component.
No — only private cash donations are eligible for matching.
No, CMF decisions on approval are final and no appeals are allowed.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss with the relevant agency to ensure proposed uses align with culture sector priorities before submitting.
Related Grants
Major Company Scheme
National Arts Council
70% of qualifying costs (standardised across all tracks)
The National Arts Council's Major Company Scheme supports the professional and artistic development of registered arts organisations that represent excellence in their core mission. Major Companies play an important role in the collective efforts of the arts sector, community, and Government to grow a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in Singapore. The refreshed Major Company Scheme, introduced in FY2025, consolidates the previous three tracks (Artmaking, Bridging, and Intermediary) into a single unified scheme. Assessment is based on Artistic/Programme Excellence, Active Engagement of Stakeholders, and Organisational Capacity. Funding is prioritised for companies demonstrating efforts in Community Building, Capability Development, and Collaboration.
Presentation and Participation (P&P) Grant
National Arts Council
Individuals & Non-Profit: Up to 70%, cap $50,000/FY (Publishing: $100,000/FY); For-Profit: Up to 50%, cap $50,000/FY; First EP: Up to $10,000 once-off
The NAC Presentation and Participation (P&P) Grant enables a wide range of arts practitioners and organisations to express and enrich artistic diversity, increase arts appreciation and participation in Singapore. The grant supports music EPs, publishing, exhibitions/performances, and festivals/conferences via physical and/or digital means. The P&P Grant offers different funding structures depending on the type of project and organisation type, with special provisions for publishing and music EP projects. Updated guidelines from December 2024 include revised financial reporting and submission requirements.
Tote Board Arts Fund
National Arts Council
Assessed per project (no fixed cap). Applicants may concurrently seek funding from Arts Fund and other NAC grants for the same project.
The Tote Board Arts Fund is an initiative of the Singapore Totalisator Board, managed by a committee appointed by the National Arts Council (NAC). It provides support to local artists and arts groups in bringing the arts to communities and creating shared experiences for people to connect with one another. The fund aims to make the arts accessible to wider audiences while fostering social connections. The Arts Fund supports projects across multiple art forms including music, dance, theatre, musical theatre, multi-disciplinary performances, visual arts exhibitions (including photography), and literary arts events such as readings and poetry performances. Projects must demonstrate a well-designed approach to fulfilling social outcomes related to community building, national identity, and appreciation of the arts.
Capability Development Grant
National Arts Council
Up to 90% funding cap (enhanced from 15 April 2022)
The NAC Capability Development (CD) Grant encourages and supports continuous professional development of people working in Singapore's arts and culture sector. The grant covers training activities or programmes up to 12 consecutive months, supporting both professional training/skills development and on-the-job training. This grant is part of NAC's comprehensive support framework for the arts sector, updated with enhanced funding rates from April 2022. Key changes in December 2024 include updated submission deadlines, eligibility criteria, training allowance rates, and financial reporting requirements.
Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant
National Arts Council
Non-Profit: Up to 70% of budget, cap $70,000/FY; For-Profit: Up to 50% of budget, cap $70,000/FY; Airfare/Freight: Up to 100% (3 travel grants/FY)
The NAC Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant supports activities to build audiences, patrons and supporters to complement artistic efforts at home and abroad. The grant covers marketing initiatives, branding, market research, international touring, and participation in international festivals. The MAD Grant provides different funding rates for non-profit and for-profit organisations, with special provisions for international travel support. Updated guidelines from December 2024 include revised submission deadlines and eligibility criteria.
Media Talent Progression Programme (MTPP)
IMDA
Overseas Development Grant: Up to 100% of qualifying costs or S$50,000 per application (whichever is lower); Content Grants: Managed through IMDA's Online Grant Management System
The Media Talent Progression Programme (MTPP) is designed to develop the capabilities of media professionals in producing quality international content, build their track record, and hone their ability to compete globally. It is one of IMDA's key programmes supporting Singapore's media industry talent pipeline, complementing the broader TAP programme announced in December 2025. MTPP comprises three grant types: (1) Long-Form Content Grants supporting the production of feature film projects (at least 70 minutes) or episodic series that provide quality roles for local media professionals, (2) Short-Form Content Grants supporting the production of short film or short content (not exceeding 40 minutes), and (3) Overseas Development Grants supporting media professionals selected for international programmes, project labs, development platforms, and prestigious awards/competition platforms. The programme provides a structured pathway for Singapore's media talent to gain international exposure, develop their skills in directing, producing, and scriptwriting, and build connections with the global media industry.