Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have access to a wide range of grants designed to support cultural, educational, and business initiatives. These funding programs aim to empower Indigenous Australians by fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for future generations. Whether you’re starting a business, delivering community projects, or seeking educational support, understanding the available grants is the first step toward success.
FEDERAL GRANTS
| NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM | ELIGIBILITY | WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT | CLOSING DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE | |||
| Future Drought Fund: Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Program | First Nations businesses or organisations. | Grants up to $1M to deliver community-driven projects that build resilience to dry times and climate change. | Applications open until 16 Dec 2025. |
| Rural Financial Counselling Service (2027-32) Grant Program | Eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small rural enterprises who are experiencing, or are at risk, of financial hardship. | Funding pool of $104M to help transition out of immediate financial crisis. | Applications will open between January-June 2026. |
| ANY | |||
| Indigenous Advancement Strategy | Australian organisations | Funding for organisations to undertake projects or activities which promote equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians. Funding amount varies. | Ongoing |
| NATIVE TITLE-HOLDING CORPORATIONS | |||
| Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Capacity Building Grant | PBCs and other parties, such as native title representative bodies and service providers. | Total $114.8M funding pool to assist PBCs to grow organisational capacity and generate economic benefits from their land. | Applications open until June 30th, 2026. |
| 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 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. |
NEW SOUTH WALES GRANTS
| NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM | ELIGIBILITY | WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT | CLOSING DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS & CULTURE | |||
| Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) Caring for Country | Aboriginal-owned businesses located within or operating in the CPCP area. | Grants up to $25,000 to increase capabilities and help Aboriginal-owned businesses become tender-ready. | December 31st, 2025. |
QUEENSLAND GRANTS
| NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM | ELIGIBILITY | WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT | CLOSING DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANY | |||
| 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. |
SOUTH AUSTRALIA GRANTS
| NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM | ELIGIBILITY | WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT | CLOSING DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS & CULTURE | |||
| Aboriginal and 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. |
WESTERN AUSTRALIA GRANTS
| NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM | ELIGIBILITY | WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT | CLOSING DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| NATURAL DISASTER RECOVERY | |||
| Aboriginal and Local Business Participation in Recovery Program WA | Aboriginal-owned small businesses and sole traders impacted by the Fitzroy Valley flooding from 28 December 2022 onwards. | Service and training grants up to $25K, equipment and asset grants up to $100K. | Applications open until 31st March, 2026. |
NORTHERN TERRITORY GRANTS
| NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM | ELIGIBILITY | WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT | CLOSING DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANY | |||
| 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. |
| TOURISM & HOSPITALITY | |||
| NT Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program – Round 9 | Aboriginal-owned & Aboriginal majority-owned businesses in the NT. | Grants from $10K-$30K for cultural tourism experiences and product development. Non-competitive. | March 6th, 2026 or until funds are fully allocated |
| NT Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant | Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations located in the NT. | Grants from $10K-$30K for feasibility and business planning for Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations. | March 6th, 2026 or until funds are fully allocated |
| NT Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program | Businesses that are at least 50% Aboriginal owned, located and operating in the NT. | Grants from $10K-$100K to assist in the creation of Aboriginal cultural experiences and tourism products in Joint Managed Parks. | March 6th, 2026 or until funds are fully allocated |