First Peoples Tourism Grant

First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program

  • Up to $300,000 for each Victorian Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) available
  • Co-contribution is not mandatory, however total project value can be greater than the grant amount requested
  • Applications are open until April 10th, 2025

Through the First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program, Victoria’s 12 Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) can apply for up to $300,000 each.

The funding will support Victoria's Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to enhance their capability and capacity to engage in tourism-related economic development activities, enabling a strategic First Peoples-led approach to identifying and implementing priority tourism initiatives.

Key Requirements

The First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program will support Victorian Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to develop and strengthen First Peoples tourism products that represent culture and traditions, are respectful to family, community, culture and Country.

Projects will aim to strengthen First Peoples voices and engagement across the tourism industry

  • This is a targeted program and funding is only available to RAPs in Victoria
  • Each RAP is eligible to receive up to $300,000 (exclusive of GST).
  • Total project value can be greater than the grant amount requested, however co-contribution is not mandatory

What is eligible for funding?

Projects funded in the scoping and planning stage will support Registered Aboriginal Parties to identify tourism initiatives and opportunities.

This may include:
• master planning
• identification of the RAP’s role and aspirations within tourism
• mapping of cultural and geographical landscape
• identification of key locations and cultural tourism opportunities
• tourism products and experiences audit
• analysis of strengths, opportunities and challenges
• Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Aboriginal Knowledge (AK) protection strategies
• community and stakeholder engagement
• identification of opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

Projects funded in the implementation stage may focus on:
• product development
• business case development
• funding strategy development
• feasibility and operational viability studies
• tourism asset and equipment requirement assessments
• relevant technical investigations, plans and reports to progress initiatives
• strategic asset management plan
• storytelling projects
• placemaking, including wayfinding and interpretive signage
• tourism skills training and certification
• tourism marketing plans and website development

What companies are eligible for funding?

This is a targeted program and funding is only available to recognised Victorian Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).

Applicants must hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in Victoria.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

This is a non-competitive grant process, eligible project proposals that are deemed by the department to be of sufficient quality will receive funding.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a specialist government grants consultant, such as Avant Group to assist with eligibility checks and collation of relevant documentation.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documentation and provide tailored support to strengthen your grant submission.

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.