Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grant Program 2024-25 (Australia)

This program aims to support three of the Core Focus Areas from the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028. The first is Cultural Integrity, where a society supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the building of respectful, fair, and sustainable communities. The second is Community Leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision makers on issues that impact them and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes. Finally, Lifelong Learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in lifelong learning and positive generational experiences.

Categories

• The 2024-25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program has 3 specific funding categories:
  • Cultural Grants: Projects, activities or initiatives in this category can be aimed at any of the following:
    • Community Awareness
    • Collaboration
    • Cultural Milestones
    • Performances
  • Leadership Grants: Leadership Grants aim to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or Community Organisations to undertake learning activities that will enhance their leadership skills and abilities to better equip themselves to lead and engage within the ACT on behalf of their communities and/or organisations.
  • Scholarship Grants: The intention of the Scholarship Grants is to attend recognized training courses so that you can either gain employment, achieve a career change or a promotion in your current career.

Funding Information

• The total funding available under this Program is $220,000.
• Cultural Grants:
  • The maximum grant an individual can apply for is $5,000.
  • The maximum grant an organisation can apply for is $10,000.
• Leadership Grants:
  • The maximum grant that an individual can apply for is $5,000.
  • The maximum grant an organisation can apply for is $10,000.
• Scholarship Grants:
  • The maximum grant that an individual can apply for is $5,000.

Ineligible Activities

• The following will not be funded:
  • Projects that do not contribute to or meet the priority areas of this program
  • Projects that are not delivered primarily within the ACT or benefits the ACT community
  • Projects requiring ongoing funding to sustain the project or activity
  • General administration and operational costs such as salaries, memberships, subscription fees, communication and IT, stationery, rent, leasing, or utilities, machinery, vehicles, or large capital equipment of any kind
  • Costs of projects or activities that have already taken place, or item already purchased
  • Operational insurance costs specific to the project
  • Debt repayments of any kind, including personal loans, or HECS-HELP debt
  • Projects or activities already funded by the ACT Government or Australian Government or are better suited to other available funding opportunities
  • Travel or accommodation costs not specifically associated with the project
  • Projects which have a high component of administration costs (other than research)
  • Prize money or gifts
  • Activities that contain content that may offend or bring into disrepute the applicant organisation, The Community Services Directorate and/or the ACT Government
  • Activities that do not comply with public safety requirements or meet relevant Australian Government legislative requirements
  • Projects or activities which are deemed to be inappropriate or offensive.

Geographical Focus

• The Canberra Region is defined in the Canberra Region Local Industry Participation Policy as the area comprising the Australian Capital Territory and the New South Wales Member Councils including: Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals:
  • Individuals can apply if they:
    • Are over the age of 18 years old,
    • Reside in the ACT or surrounding regions or are connected to the ACT through education or work. A copy of an ACT or NSW Driver’s License or Proof of Identity Card, or proof of residency stating your current address must be provided.
    • Are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Organisations:
  • Organisations can apply if they:
    • Are a non-government, legally incorporated entity, or support by an incorporated auspicing organisation
    • Are a registered not-for-profit or a charitable organisation
    • Demonstrate that the program, project, or activity will be of benefit to ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and must demonstrate a strong connection the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community
    • Have no overdue acquittal obligations for any previous Community Services Directorate grant. All overdue acquittals must be completed prior to submitting an application
    • Have not received funding from another source to deliver or provide the same or similar project/program
    • Have an appropriate insurance cover held by the organisation implementing a funded project. This may include Public Liability of no less than $10 million, Personal Accident, Volunteer Cover and or Directors Professional Indemnity. Evidence of insurance may be required as a condition of the grant.
• Eligible applicants can only apply once in the 2024-25 round but can apply across the 3 categories.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Profit making groups, education institutions, government entities and registered political parties are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit ACT Government.