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Annual Giving
$25K
Grant Range
$1K – $100K
Programs
2 (1 open)

Tips for Applicants

Align proposals with regional arts development, youth cultural engagement, or community access to performing arts. Demonstrate connection to Toowoomba/Darling Downs region and capacity to leverage the foundation's venue and community networks.

Giving Philosophy

Empire Theatres Foundation champions inclusive, diverse cultural experiences and creative development in regional Queensland. It supports arts access and participation through direct programming, venue partnerships, and community engagement initiatives that nurture cultural growth and creative connections.

Notable Grants

Over $26,000 in Youth Bursaries awarded to 37 young performers in 2025 for professional development at institutions like NIDA, Queensland Conservatorium, and The Australian Ballet School.
Brian Boak 'Outstanding Performer' Bursary of up to AUD$20,000 awarded biennially for career development in performing arts.

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$58K
$73K$864K$839K
FY2022
$38K
$61K$870K$848K
2yr total$96KSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Programs & Opportunities (2)

1 open · 1 closed · sorted by deadline · last checked 3 March 2026 (105 days ago)

Youth Bursaries

Grantclosed

Annual program for creative people aged 12-25 (preferably) to undertake short courses at leading Australian performing arts educational institutions. Focuses on developing skills in dance, acting, instrumental music, singing, music theatre, and film and television. Applications typically open July 1 and close July 29. In 2025, over $26,000 was awarded to 37 recipients.

Closes 29/07/2025Apply →

Brian Boak 'Outstanding Performer' Bursary

Grantopen

Offered every second year, this bursary provides up to AUD$20,000 for career development to a suitably qualified applicant in the performing arts. An additional sum of up to AUD$2,000 is available for a performance/masterclass component in Toowoomba, and AUD$500 for a post-course report.

Up to $20KApply →

Grants in Database (2)

Focus Areas

arts
Geographic
AU-QLD
Recipients
communityyouthdisadvantaged

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
Corporate foundation derived from Empire Theatres operations and venue revenue in Toowoomba's performing arts precinct.

Board & Leadership

ACNC
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Ian Sharpe
trustee
ACNC
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Kate Foy
trustee
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ACNC
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: low
Foundation profile updated: 16 April 2026 (60 days ago)
Grant/program scan updated: 3 March 2026 (105 days ago)
Website pages scraped: 5
Added: 27 February 2026 (109 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →