ArtsFAS 2025

Grant Application Guidelines

1.0 BACKGROUND

Yayasan Hasanah's (“Hasanah”) vision is to drive large-scale social impact for a more inclusive and
progressive Malaysia. This is achieved through a grants program focused on five key impact areas:
Education, Community Development, Environment, Arts and Public Spaces, and Knowledge. These
areas align with Hasanah's long-term commitment to nation-building and are grounded in the core
values of Accountability, Respect, Trust, and Innovation.

Hasanah operates through a network of local champions, including civil society organizations,
social enterprises, government agencies, and communities, to ensure cohesive, impactful initiatives.
The local ecosystem approach strengthens community ownership, leadership, and relevance of
solutions. Hasanah’s initiatives have catalysed transformative social impact, with a focus on
sustainable, long-term outcomes.

Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) is a grant by Hasanah, in collaboration with the Ministry of
Finance, designed to support Malaysian artists and creatives by providing a platform to express,
share, and bring their work to life.

Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address challenges in the arts sector, ArtsFAS has
since become a consistent arts grant, dedicated to nurturing arts, culture, and heritage. It promotes
an inclusive cultural landscape, benefiting people of all ages and backgrounds.

The grant supports a wide range of projects that celebrate Malaysian arts, heritage, and culture
including exhibitions, performances, workshops, and digital content. By supporting artists and
organizations, ArtsFAS helps sustain creative practices, strengthens the arts ecosystem, and
contributes to Malaysia’s growing creative economy.

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Grant Application Guidelines

1.1 PRIORITIES WITHIN HASANAH’S IMPACT AREAS

As part of our refreshed strategy and Theory of Change for 2020-2030, we have refocused the
priorities to drive deeper interventions in each of our Impact Areas. As such, proposals that align to
these sets of priorities will see a greater chance of success, therefore, we encourage you to read the
details to ensure relevance of your proposal to what we are seeking for in this 2025 grant cycle.

To guide your application, we have included below the objective as well as the scope of projects
that we may support for Arts and Public Spaces pillar under this year’s grant cycle.

ARTS & PUBLIC SPACES

Objective 2:
Creating platform for creative economy through Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS)- Supporting
local artists and artisans across various art forms

Types of projects supported under this objective:

 Program that strengthens the creative economy by supporting local artists and
artisans across various art forms, fostering sustainable livelihoods through arts and
public spaces initiatives.
 Initiatives that nurture the growth of emerging art practitioners and contribute to a
sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem.

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Grant Application Guidelines

1.2 GUIDING RULES

The following section sets out the criteria for the submission, selection and implementation of
the initiatives supported by Hasanah:

1.2.1. Eligible Applicant

NO SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
1 Applicant interested in a. Legal Registration
applying must satisfy all the The applicant must be a registered entity under one of
following criteria (a)-(d): the following:

i. Registrar of Societies Act 1966

ii. Companies Act 1965 (Sole Proprietorship,
Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP), Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd))
iii. Trustees (Incorporation) Act 1952
iv. Registered Social Enterprise with the Ministry of
Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives
Development (MECD)
v. Trade Licensing Ordinance (Sabah)
vi. Profession and Trade Licensing Ordinance
(Sarawak)

b. Minimum Operational History

Officially registered and active for at least One (1) year
prior to applying for Hasanah’s grant award. If the
organisation was previously operating under a different
name, the applicant must provide supporting
documentation to verify the organisation continuity. The
latest financial statement is also required as part of the
application.
c. Project Readiness
Able to demonstrate organisational capacity, operational
structure, and readiness to immediately implement the
proposed project upon grant approval.

2 Additional Applicant i. Multiple Applications:

Guideline An organisation may participate as a co-applicant in
other applications while submitting its own.

ii. Eligibility of Social Enterprises:

Social enterprises defined as registered
organisations or companies whose primary mission

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NO SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
is to advance a social cause while maintaining a
sustainable revenue stream are eligible to apply.

iii. Public Institutions & Consultancies:

Public institutions and consultancy firms may
apply, but only as co-applicants, partnering with a
civil society organisation (CSO) that will act as the
core applicant.

iv. Repeat Applications:

Organisations that have previously received
Hasanah grants are eligible to apply again,
provided:

a. The proposed initiative is different from

previously funded projects, or
b. It represents a clear, scalable continuation of a
successfully completed earlier project, with a
defined strategy for expansion or deeper impact.

1.2.2 Eligible Projects

Types of art forms eligible to apply under ArtsFAS are segmented into six (6) art categories as below
description. Activities should have an element of traditional arts* in their application and it can be
infused or contemporary to suit today current times.

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Grant Application Guidelines

Categories Sub-categories
Performing Arts 1. Dance: Includes classical, contemporary, folk, and experimental
Creative dance forms.
expressions through 2. Theatre: Live performances such as drama, musicals, or experimental
live performances stage art.
3. Music: Traditional, classical, and modern music performances,
including vocal and instrumental.
4. Vocal: Solo or group singing, including classical, cultural, choir, A
Cappella, contemporary, pop, or experimental styles
5. Multimedia Performance: Combines live art with digital technology,
projections, or virtual elements.
Storytelling/ Oral 1. Content Creation: Crafting visual narratives through videos and
traditions films to share stories, cultural heritage, or creative expressions.
Sharing narratives, 2. Folklore and Legends: Sharing traditional stories, myths, and
cultural knowledge, legends unique to specific cultures.
and traditions 3. Spoken Word and Poetry: Performance-based poetry and narrative
storytelling.
4. Historical Narratives: Oral recounting of historical events or cultural
heritage.
5. Indigenous Storytelling: Traditional stories passed down by
indigenous communities, often tied to their cultural practices.
Visual Arts 1. Fine Arts Paintings: Includes oil, acrylic, watercolour, mixed media
Artistic expressions or digital painting.
that are primarily 2. Sculpture: 3D art forms using materials like clay, stones, metal,
visual in form recyclable materials, etc.
3. Photography: Fine art, documentary, or experimental photography
4. Mixed Media and Installations: Combining various materials or
creating immersive visual experiences.
5. Digital Art and Immersive: Art projects using VR, AR, or projection
mapping to create engaging, interactive environments.
Heritage Art, 1. Traditional Food: Traditional food practices, recipes, and culinary
Craft & Culture techniques passed down through generations
Practices and 2. Traditional Crafts: Woodwork, pottery, basket weaving, and other
creations rooted in handmade crafts
cultural traditions 3. Traditional arts: Ways of making art that have been passed down for
many years in a certain culture. It's how people have always done it.
4. Heritage arts: Art forms that tell stories about a place’s history and
culture. They help us remember the past.
Textile 1. Traditional Textile: Fabrics made using age-old techniques,
reflecting cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
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The art and craft of 2. Heritage Motifs and Patterns: Using motifs and patterns to tell
textile/ fabric stories on textiles/fabrics.
creation
Art for Public 1. Festivals and Exhibitions: Large-scale events showcasing art,
Spaces culture, and performances.
Organized spaces or 2. Workshops and Masterclasses: Hands-on learning sessions led by
events for experts in various disciplines.
showcasing and 3. Competitions and Awards: Recognizing and promoting talents in
engaging with art specific fields.
4. Collaborative Platforms: Networking spaces for artists, performers,
and organizations to connect and showcase their work.
5. Public Installation & Mural

Examples of previously supported projects are available on the ArtsFAS website and the eligibility
of the project as per table: -

No Descriptions Requirements
1. Project Eligibility a. Audience Engagement: Projects should actively
Criteria engage the public, either through participation,
interaction, or experiential learning.
b. Community Involvement & Outreach: Initiatives
that involve local communities, foster collaboration,
and extend reach to underserved groups are highly
encouraged.
c. Cultural and Economic Impact: Projects should
contribute to the preservation, promotion, and
evolution of Malaysia’s cultural identity, while
creating meaningful livelihood opportunities and
strengthening the creative economy.
d. Sustainability: Projects that show potential for long-
term impact, continuity beyond the grant period, or
capacity-building for future initiatives are preferred.
e. Educational Component: Projects that include a
knowledge-sharing element, where practitioners
showcase their skills and craft to the public, are
encouraged.
f. Diversity Representation: Projects that reflect
Malaysia’s multicultural diversity and promote
inclusivity are highly valued.
g. Contemporary Interpretation: Creative
reinterpretations of traditional art forms or heritage
elements using modern formats or approaches are
welcome.
2. Non-Eligible Initiatives: a. Direct donations or grants to individuals.

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b. Sponsorships for individual participation in courses,

workshops, seminars, or conferences.
c. Initiatives unrelated to Hasanah’s Impact Areas (e.g.
general healthcare projects).
d. Politically affiliated projects or campaigns.
e. Initiatives centred primarily on:
i. Construction or commercial property
acquisition/renovation.
ii. Equipment purchases for commercial purposes.
iii. Charitable donations or profit-driven ventures.
iv. Projects already funded by a Hasanah grant prior
to the signing of a new contract.
v. Faith-based activities.
3. Non-Eligible Costs: a. Customs duties, import taxes, or related charges.
Hasanah will only fund b. Land or building purchases, or leases.
eligible, reasonable, and c. Fines, penalties, or legal expenses.
cost-effective expenses. d. Bank charges, guarantee fees, and similar financial
The following costs are costs.
not eligible: e. Currency exchange losses or conversion fees.
f. Contributions in kind.
g. Depreciation costs.
h. Debts and debt servicing.
i. Provisions for future losses or liabilities.
j. Loans or credits to third parties.
k. Salary costs for personnel of national or public
administrations.

1.2 HOW TO APPLY

For a step-by-step guide on how to apply using our online grant portal, please click on the link
available on ArtsFAS Grants page at https://artsfas.org/artsfas-2025/ . The flowchart below depicts
ArtsFAS grant application process. Proposals can be received on an ongoing basis starting from 5
May 2025 until 30 June 2025.

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Grant Application Guidelines

ArtsFAS Application Process

Note: the timeline is subject to further changes and the discretion of Hasanah

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Grant Application Guidelines

No Step Descriptions Requirements

Step 1: Eligibility
1. Determine applicant a. Copy of Registered with ROS,
Assessment
eligibility via the Hasanah ROC, Trustees (Incorporation)
grant portal once the grant Act 1952, Trade Licensing
cycle opens. Ordinance (Sabah), or Profession
and Trade Licensing Ordinance
(Sarawak).
b. Minimum 1 year’s registration. If
previously under a different
name, evidence of operations for
at least 1 years required.
c. Copy of latest 3 months bank
statement.
d. Grants Team will review
eligibility and notify via email
with login credentials if
successful.
Step 2: Creating an
2. Organisation Profile
Register an account on the a. Profile includes organisation
Hasanah grant portal and details and company profile/
create your organisation portfolio with previous project
profile. information.
b. Step-by-step instructions
provided on the portal
c. Profile can be updated anytime.
Step 3: Completing
3. the Application Form
Complete and submit the a. Application must be in English or
Application Form and Bahasa Malaysia.
required documents. b. Required documents:
i. Pitch Deck
ii. Implementation Plan
iii. Budget Breakdown

Applicants may request further clarification during the application process. Questions may be sent
by email to [email protected] no later than five working days before the deadline.

To ensure equal treatment of applicants, ArtsFAS committee cannot give a prior opinion on the
eligibility of applicants or a proposal. For a step-by-step guide on how to apply using our online
grant portal, please click on the link available on the “ArtsFAS 2025” page on the ArtsFAS website.

1.3 REVIEW AND SELECTION OF APPLICANTS

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Grant applications will be reviewed by the ArtsFAS Committee and
deliberated during the ArtsFAS Committee review meeting.

All applicants will be assessed on:

 Relevance and alignment of projects to Arts & Public Spaces pillar, specifically our
2025 priorities as stipulated in item 1.1
 Costs and budgets
 Delivery and implementation capacity and capability

1.4 NOTIFICATION OF HASANAH’S DECISION

Only shortlisted applications will be informed for the team to conduct Due diligence exercise.
Finding from Due Diligence and recommendations will be deliberated at the ArtsFAS
Committee Review Meeting. Following the decision to award a grant, applicants will be offered
a contract based on ArtsFAS Grant Agreement.

1.5 FUND DISBURSEMENT

Following the decision to award a grant, applicants will be offered a contract, based on Hasanah’s
Grant Agreement template, which will include the partners’ proposal, work plan, and reporting
schedules.

Hasanah's team will be in touch with you to discuss the grant disbursements according to the
project timeline, expected deliverables, and tranches.

1.6 MONITORING AND REPORTING

All progress updates and final report submissions must be submitted online to a portal using the
templates provided by Hasanah.

1.7 LEGAL TERMS & DISCLAIMER

Hasanah provides this Grant Guideline for informational purposes only, and the following legal
provisions apply:

1.7.1 No Guarantee of Grant Award

Meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting complete documentation, or being invited to

proceed to due diligence does not constitute a guarantee that a grant will be awarded.
Hasanah retains full discretion in the evaluation and approval of all applications, including
the right to reject any application without assigning any reason.

1.7.2 Right to Amend, Suspend, or Cancel

Hasanah reserves the right to amend, suspend, or cancel the ArtsFAS 2025 programme, in
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whole or in part, at any time and without prior notice. This includes
changes to the eligibility requirements, scope of support, deadlines, funding availability,
review process, or terms of the grant.

1.7.3 Discretion in Evaluation

All decisions made by Hasanah regarding eligibility, evaluation scores, due diligence
findings, and final approvals are final and non-contestable. Hasanah shall not be held liable
for any costs incurred by applicants in preparing or submitting grant applications,
participating in the due diligence process, or in any other related engagement.

1.7.4 Risk and Compliance

Applicants are encouraged to conduct risk assessments as part of their proposal development.
This includes identifying and mitigating operational, financial, environmental, legal, or
reputational risks. Hasanah will not be liable for any losses arising from factors including but
not limited to:

i. Changes in governmental policies;

ii. Environmental conditions;
iii. Economic disruptions or force majeure events;
iv. Non-compliance by grantees with legal or regulatory obligations.

1.7.5 Accuracy of Information

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of all information and
supporting documents submitted to Hasanah. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or
withholding of material facts may result in immediate disqualification or termination of the
grant agreement, if awarded.

1.7.6 Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

All application materials will be treated with confidentiality. However, by submitting an

application, applicants acknowledge and agree that Hasanah may internally share proposals
with its evaluation committees, partners, and funding agencies. Intellectual property rights in
all project proposals remain with the applicant, except where otherwise stipulated in a separate
agreement.

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