At least $1 million has been raised so far, with 2000 first-time arts donors participating in the event, according to the federal funding body.
Two-thirds of participants have yet to report their results.
"We're deeply grateful for the generosity Australians have shown in getting behind this new national movement," it said in a statement.
"For many participants, this was their first time fundraising, and the experience has provided valuable learning, confidence and new approaches to attract long-term support."
The Australian Design Centre in Sydney is one organisation that found the day was not so successful.
The centre needs $350,000 to keep its doors open each year, after missing out on the longer-term state and federal funding it has relied on.
It received a total of $85 in donations after securing a $5000 Creative Australia grant to participate in AusArt Day.
"Every dollar is important, but that's a very small return on that investment," the centre's executive director Lisa Cahill said.
"Although donors are generous, what the centre really needs is reliable and ongoing government funding."
West Australian music initiative Regional Sounds hoped to raise $20,000 for a new recording booth but reached seven per cent of its target with $1490.
Lobby group Save Our Arts said AusArt Day was well-intentioned but was no replacement for ongoing government funding.
"We want to bake in permanent government funding as a bedrock and see reform introduced for the sector so it isn't living hand-to-mouth," campaign director David Latham said.
"The creative sector has a vital economic function and irreplaceable cultural function. It shouldn't be getting around with the arse hanging out the back of its pants."
Some of the nation's largest arts organisations, such as institutional galleries and elite performing arts companies, did not participate.
Speaking ahead of AusArt Day, Creative Australia board member Alex Dimos said there was incredible enthusiasm around the initiative.
"The amount of arts organisations that are participating in this day, that's quite encouraging, and in terms of what I see from my giving lens, I think it's an exciting time."
Some organisations did hit their AusArt Day donation targets, including Victoria's Green Music Australia, The National, and Nexus Arts; NSW's River City Voices, Shopfront Arts and The Ella Foundation; WA's Theatre 180; and in Queensland, Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts and BlakDance.
In South Australia, the state government promised to match private donations for Country Arts SA and the State Opera, which raised a total of $1.6 million.
Creative Australia, which allocated $286 million in arts funding in 2024/25, has not yet said whether AusArt Day will be an ongoing event.
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