Article by Avant Group - Grants for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations, Not‑for‑Profits and Social Enterprises

Grants for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations, Not‑for‑Profits and Social Enterprises

Posted: September 22, 2026

This page brings together the latest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grants, not‑for‑profit funding, and social inclusion programs available across Australia. Explore current federal and state grants supporting community projects, Indigenous‑led initiatives, charities, social enterprises, cultural programs, and inclusion outcomes — all in one place, updated as new opportunities open.

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEDERAL
ANY
Social Enterprise Development Initiative Grants (SEDI) First Nations Grant Indigenous-owned or controlled organisations operating a commercial or trading business model, with a measurable social impact. Annual revenue must be >$50K and trading revenue >$35K. Up to $120,000 for business and impact capability building services, plus internal costs up to 20 percent. $2.5 million totatl funding pool. Grant amount cannot exceed annual turnover. No matched funding requirement. Applications assessed on a rolling basis until early 2027.
Our Country Our Future (ILSC) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups; acquisition projects require an incorporated, Indigenous‑controlled entity; management projects require eligible land/water-right holders. Direct funding and support to acquire/manage/develop land or water-related interests; includes planning, infrastructure, on‑Country management and culture activities. No grant request cap. Co‑investment considered. Ongoing
Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program – Round 12 Owners and operators of aerodromes in remote or very remote areas of Australia with an ABN $5,000 to $4 million for airstrip safety, all-weather access, lighting and disability access upgrades 6 October 2026
FIRST NATIONS FILM & TELEVISION
First Nations Features Development Grant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers, producers, writer or writer/directors. Up to $30K, or up to $45K if a producer is attached to support First Nations filmmakers to develop an idea into a longer feature format. Ongoing, with applications assessed every six weeks.
First Nations TV Drama Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producer, writer or writer/directors. Up to $30K for one-offs, up to $45K if a producer is attached and up to $65K for a series to develop TV drama projects, including telemovies and series. Ongoing, with applications assessed every six weeks.
First Nations TV Documentary Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander key creatives i.e. writer, producer or director. Grants to develop documentary projects. Up to $30K for feature and series documentaries, up to $20K for one-hour TV documentaries and online series. Ongoing, with applications assessed every six weeks.
First Nations Features Production First Nations director and writers, experienced producers and key First Nations creatives. Funding to invest in outstanding low-budget feature films, no set maximum grant per applicant. Ongoing, with applications assessed every eight weeks.
First Nations TV Drama Production First Nations writers, directors and co-directors, experienced producers. Funding to invest in outstanding drama television projects by First Nations Australians. Funding supports production and post-production, no maximum grant amount. Applications by invitation only. Ongoing, with applications assessed every eight weeks.
First Nations Documentary Production Grant Documentary projects by First Nations Australians. Funding to complete a documentary project, no maximum grant funding. Post-production funding up to $100K considered. Applications by invitation only. Ongoing, with applications assessed every eight weeks.
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
AOD National Prevention, Early Intervention, Treatment and Workforce/System Enablers Companies, incorporated associations, cooperatives, Indigenous corporations, sole traders, partnerships and consortia delivering national AOD activities $129.7 million over three years across prevention, early intervention, treatment and workforce/system enabler streams 26 October 2026
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Place-based Treatment Accredited AOD treatment providers including companies, incorporated associations, cooperatives, Indigenous corporations and consortia $147 million pool over three years with no maximum grant amount for place-based AOD treatment services 26 October 2026
Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant 2026 NHMRC Administering Institutions applying for eligible clinical trials and cohort studies research projects. Supports clinical trials and cohort studies that improve health outcomes. Funding pool $75 million. No matched funding specified. 4 November 2026
Continuation of Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Response Measures Companies limited by guarantee, incorporated associations, cooperatives, Indigenous corporations, statutory entities and consortia $15.9 million across hepatitis B ($6.9m) and hepatitis C ($9.0m) streams with no maximum grant amount 28 September 2026
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – Place-Based Funding Companies, incorporated associations, cooperatives, Indigenous corporations, local governments, statutory entities and consortia Up to $1.7 million per annum (Stream 1) or $0.7 million per annum (Stream 2) for FASD diagnostic services and innovative models of care 26 October 2026
NHMRC Targeted Call for Research: Strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Pipeline NHMRC Administering Institutions with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Chief Investigator A $5 million pool for 1–5 year research projects strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce 4 November 2026
VICTORIA
ANY
Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund Victorian Aboriginal-led not-for-profit organisations and community groups with a DFFH service agreement or auspice arrangement $100,000 per Dhelk Dja region for Aboriginal-led family violence prevention, culture, leadership and community projects 28 September 2026
QUEENSLAND
FIRST NATIONS ENTREPRENEURS
First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program QLD Established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in QLD that are ready to scale. Grants up to $100K to pursue innovation and growth. Targeted funding for business strategic advisory services is also available. Applications open until February 4th, 2027.
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Homegrown – Queensland’s Destination Events Fund (QDEF) Round 2 Businesses operating major events in Queensland. Grants from $15K-$100K depending on stream for QLD-based events. Destination Signature Event Stream, $15K-$40 per year up to 6 years, Destination Significant Event Stream, $25K-$100K per year, up to 6 years, Destination Indigenous Event Stream $15K-$40K one-off grant. NEW Destination Kickstarter Event stream, supports development of new events in first year of operation. Grant up to $25K per year for two years. Round 2: Closes 6 Oct 2026 for events held Apr 2027-June 2028.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ARTS & CULTURE
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Grants – Projects SA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and art workers. Grants up to $25,000 to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and art workers create, develop and present new works across all art forms. Applications open until February 4th, 2027.
COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLBEING
Strengthening Our Culture Funding Pool South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) with an active ABN $5,000 to $100,000 across four streams for culturally grounded projects that strengthen culture and support preventive health and wellbeing 28 August 2026
NORTHERN TERRITORY
ANY
Barkly Local Community Projects Fund Aboriginal corporations, incorporated associations, cooperatives and companies operating in the Barkly region Up to $50,000 for community and culture projects, Aboriginal leadership development or community safety initiatives 9 November 2026
Collective Impact Initiatives Aboriginal communities in NT. EOI submitted by an Aboriginal person, group, or organisation on behalf of the whole community. Large-scale, multi-project community initiatives with support. Funding up to $15 million per large community, smaller communities at least $2 million. Applications open until December 15th, 2026
FIRST NATIONS START-UP & SMEs
Aboriginal InvestmeNT Business Start-Up & Growth Grants – Round 3 Majority Aboriginal-owned businesses in the start-up or growth stage, with operations based in the NT. Grants from $100K-$150K for NT Aboriginal businesses to increase size, scale and maturity. Several business expenses can be funded including staff wages, business and admin costs, trading stock and consumables, fit-out costs and more. Ongoing until funding pool is exhausted for the financial year.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT & CHARITY GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEDERAL
ANY
Balnaves Foundation Grants Eligible Australian DGR‑1 charities working in education, medicine or the arts supporting youth, disadvantaged or Indigenous communities. Multi‑year funding of $150k–$250k per annum; supports innovative, high‑impact projects. No co‑contribution specified. Ongoing
Bupa Foundation Community Grants 2026 ACNC-registered not-for-profits and charities in Australia or New Zealand, and government schools $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 one-off grants for projects preventing and controlling disease 16 October 2026
2027 National Integrity Capability Enhancement (NICE) Grant Program ASC-recognised NSOs and NSODs, plus invited organisations including ASAPD, Combat Institute of Australia and OWIA Up to $100,000 per organisation from a $2.36 million pool for integrity capability and NIF implementation 2 October 2026
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Community Child Care Fund (CCF) Special Circumstances Grant Approved child care providers in disadvantaged, vulnerable, limited‑supply areas impacted by unforeseen events. Short‑term supplementary funding for continuity of child care operations. Amount is case‑by‑case; no maximum grant. Ongoing
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
Promoting Stillbirth Education and Awareness Activities Universities, RTOs, ACCHSs, NACCHO, women’s health services, charities and not-for-profits, PHNs and Local Hospital Networks $3.3 million over two years with no maximum grant amount for stillbirth education and awareness activities 2 November 2026
VICTORIA
COMMUNITY GROUPS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
WorkSafe Worker Consultation Grant Round 2026–27 Community groups, employers, and employer or employee representative organisations registered for GST and holding an ABN Up to $300,000 over 3 years for worker consultation, HSR capability, workplace engagement, education, research and safety culture initiatives 6 September 2026
EMPLOYMENT & WORKFORCE
Return to Work Innovation Trials Organisations registered for GST with an ABN leading a consortium, excluding Victorian Government departments, Comcare-insured organisations, sole traders and WorkCover Agents Up to $1.25 million per Trial over two years to test and scale return to work innovations 27 November 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Regional Events Fund Round 8 Eligible organisations include councils, not‑for‑profits, Regional Tourism Boards, Visitor Economy Partnerships and private entities delivering public benefit in regional Victoria. Supports major one‑off or ongoing events in regional Victoria. No maximum grant funding request. Requires early consultation with Visit Victoria to be invited to apply. Current round closes 21 September 2026
QUEENSLAND
DISASTER RECOVERY & RELIEF
Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – North Queensland Monsoon Trough (Primary Producers) Primary producers with ABN, in defined QLD LGAs, direct disaster damage; evidence required; intend to re‑establish. Clean‑up and reinstatement costs; equipment, repairs, debris removal, livestock/crop recovery; up to $75,000 (initial $10k, subsequent $65k) January 6th, 2027
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Community Work Skills 2026-27 Queensland not-for-profits registered for GST, including community organisations, peak bodies, councils and registered training organisations. Tailored training, learner support and employment assistance. Maximum funding per applicant is UNKNOWN. No mandatory co-contribution is specified. 22 October 2026
QLD Skilling Queenslanders for Work – Community Foundation Skills Queensland not for profit organisations, including Adult Community Education providers, delivering foundation skills training to people with low literacy, numeracy or digital skills. Funding up to $135,600 to deliver customised foundation skills training supporting pathways to further training or employment. Ongoing, until all funds are exhausted.
MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES
Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants Program Queensland-based eligible not-for-profits, local governments, State School P&C Associations, legislated charitable institutions and Queensland universities with an active ABN. Up to $100,000 for eligible multicultural community or youth connection projects. A financial contribution is required, but no minimum amount is specified. 4 October 2026
GENDERED-BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION
QLD Safe Futures Grants Eligible Queensland not-for-profits, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, universities, state-run entities and local government authorities. Delivery grants up to $600,000 for community-led primary prevention initiatives. 8 February 2027 for Delivery grants.
NEW SOUTH WALES
EDUCATION & TRAINING
NSW Start Strong for Long Day Care Program Eligible NSW long day care services meeting approval, CCS admin, and program delivery requirements. Funding is allocation-based; providers are not required to apply. Four funding streams including fee relief. Fee relief up to $2,563 (4YO+) and $769 (3YO) per eligible child per year; other rates apply. Program Payment rates are not stated here. Program runs until December 31st, 2026
NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (CEO Fund) – Expanding Quality Access Program Existing not-for-profit community preschools in NSW transitioning to long day care models Variable funding from a $100m pool for capital works, operations and transition support (15% loading for priority areas) November 30th, 2026
NORTHERN TERRITORY
ANY
Multicultural Grants Program NT-based incorporated not-for-profit and charitable multicultural community organisations, and auspiced unincorporated groups Up to $20,000 (MGP Celebrate) or up to $2,000 (MGP Quick Response) for cultural events, activities and festivals 30 September 2026
TASMANIA
ANY
Tasmanian Community Fund – Community Action Grant Tasmanian incorporated not-for-profits, not-for-profit companies, councils and auspiced unincorporated groups $5,000 to $15,000 (Small) or $15,001 to $50,000 (Standard) for community-led projects 15 November 2026
Tasmanian Community Fund – Major Initiative Grant Tasmanian incorporated not-for-profits, not-for-profit companies, councils, eligible school associations and auspiced unincorporated groups $100,000 to $1.5 million across three tiers for large-scale collaborative community initiatives 15 November 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION
Tasmanian Active Infrastructure Grants Program 2026-27 Tasmanian incorporated not-for-profit sport and active recreation organisations and local government authorities with an ABN $60,000 to $100,000 (Tier 1) or up to $500,000 (Tier 2) for sport and recreation facility upgrades 2 November 2026
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ANY
Sport Development Pathways Grant Program CITS-recognised State Sporting Associations that have completed a Pathways Health Check and action plan Up to $75,000 in year one and $50,000 in years two and three, totalling $175,000 19 October 2026
Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program WA incorporated not-for-profits, local governments and eligible auspiced community groups delivering family and early childhood initiatives $250,000 to $2 million for 24-month family, parenting and early childhood capability-building and support programs 30 September 2026
ARTS & CULTURE
Heritage Grants Program 2026-27 Private owners of State Registered places, ACNC-registered not-for-profits, businesses with an ABN and WA local governments Up to $100,000 for conservation works or up to $30,000 for community heritage education and interpretation projects 2 November 2026

SOCIAL INCLUSION GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEDERAL
ANY
Social Enterprise Development Initiative Grants (SEDI) Australian social enterprises and trading Indigenous owned or controlled organisations with direct social benefit, direct impact, trading revenue over $50,000, and beneficiaries primarily in Australia. Up to $120,000 for business and impact capability building services, plus internal costs up to 20 percent. Grant amount cannot exceed annual turnover. No matched funding requirement. Ongoing
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION
AFL Breaking New Ground Program Schools, councils, developers, community clubs/leagues, umpiring orgs, other sports bodies, state agencies and landowners (with landowner support where applicable). Funds from $50K-$250K planning/scoping and/or infrastructure delivery for accessible, fit-for-purpose football facilities. Projects that increase accessibility and inclusion, particularly for women and girls encouraged. Co-contribution not mandatory. Ongoing
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
Mental Health Adults and Older People Grant Incorporated organisations, companies limited by guarantee, incorporated trustees, ACNC-registered charities and consortia delivering services in the ACT Approximately $3.5 million per year across five years for mental health and psychosocial support services 14 October 2026
MULTI-CULTURAL & MULTI-FAITH COMMUNITIES
Infrastructure for Multicultural Communities Grant Program Not-for-profit organisations that support culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Total program funding up to $41.6 million. Three streams: Stream 1 amenity projects $20,000–$100,000; Stream 2 small-to-medium $100,001–$500,000; Stream 3 larger infrastructure $500,001–$1.5 million. 12 November 2026 (Batch 2)
NORTHERN TERRITORY
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Territory Events Program 2026-27 NT incorporated not-for-profits, councils, registered businesses, event companies, and sporting, cultural and arts organisations Up to $500,000 across Major Events, Tourism Enablers, Community and Lifestyle and Activation Fund streams 9 October 2026
QUEENSLAND
ANY
Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants Program Queensland incorporated not-for-profit and multicultural community organisations with an active ABN Funding for projects that build community capacity, support inclusion and strengthen multicultural communities 4 October 2026
FEMALE FOUNDERS
QLD Female Founders Co-Investment Fund Businesses founded by women in Queensland Grants ranging from $50K to $200K, matched at a 1:3 ratio, for securing new early-stage investments as part of a capital raise June 30th 2027 (or until all funds are allocated)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES
Multicultural Community Fund (SA) ABN holders that are local councils, incorporated NFP multicultural organisations, or public companies limited by guarantee with a primary purpose of supporting multicultural communities Capital projects for multicultural community infrastructure, including new builds, major upgrades/extensions, and owned outdoor spaces. Minimum project value $100K and must co-contribute. Ongoing
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ANY
Arts Activities in Regional Communities WA regional local governments, organisations, groups and individuals. Planning grants are limited to regional local governments. Up to $60,000 for Creative Projects or $50,000 for Creative and Cultural Planning. Matched funding requirement UNKNOWN. 1 October 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION
Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) WA local governments, State Government agencies, statutory authorities, and community groups partnering with an eligible authority Up to $750,000 covering 75 per cent of project costs for boating facility planning and construction 31 October 2026
VICTORIA
ARTS & CULTURE
Musical Theatre Development Fund Victorian-based organisations and consortia with an ABN, formal governance and capacity to contract $1 million to establish and administer a fund developing new Victorian musical theatre works 11 October 2026

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