NSW Closing the Gap Socio-Economic Outcome 17: Digital Inclusion Hub

Grant amount: Up to $250,000
Delivery duration: Up to 18 months
Applications close: May 15 2026

The Closing the Gap Socio-Economic Outcome 17: Digital Inclusion Hub grant supports Aboriginal-led Digital Inclusion Hubs in New South Wales. The objective is to establish place-based digital community hubs and deliver digital skills uplift programs that improve digital access and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW.

Digital Inclusion Hubs are intended to help close the digital divide by addressing one or more of the four targets under Socio-Economic Outcome 17: access, affordability, ability and media participation. Funding of up to $250,000 (GST inclusive) is available for up to 18 months.

Applications are invited from eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) located in NSW, particularly those working closely with their communities and able to deliver the hub within the timeframe, including data collection and reporting requirements.

Key Requirements

Establish an Aboriginal-led, place-based Digital Inclusion Hub in NSW that delivers digital community hub services and digital skills uplift programs aligned to Socio-Economic Outcome 17.
Address one or more digital inclusion targets (access, affordability, ability and/or media participation) and clearly describe how the proposal will close the digital gap in the local community.
Demonstrate community need and local readiness, including how the applicant understands local digital needs and will deliver services that respond to them.
Deliver within the required timeframe (up to 18 months) and outline how a dedicated digital mentor will be engaged (if required).
Commit to measurement, data collection and reporting, including capturing qualitative and quantitative data and describing how success and outcomes will be evaluated.
Include at least one reference (from a community member, government agency, or non-government organisation; written or verbal)
Manage risk, demonstrate cultural capability and inclusion, including meeting diverse accessibility needs (e.g., LGBTQSB+ people, people with disability, seniors and other groups with diverse needs).

What is eligible for funding?

Establishing a place-based Digital Inclusion Hub in selected metropolitan, regional or remote NSW locations.
Delivering digital skills uplift programs tailored to local community needs.
Promoting digital education and awareness using culturally relevant content and delivery.
Empowering local digital mentors to lead and sustain community engagement.
Proposing other initiatives outside the four targets where they support the community to close the digital divide (as described in the guidance)

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants are Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) located in NSW, meeting the Clause 44 definition in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (incorporated, not-for-profit; controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people; connected to the community; governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body).

Other key eligibility considerations stated:

The ACCO should work in the community where the Digital Inclusion Hub will be established.
The ACCO must be able to deliver within the timeframe, including reporting requirements.
The NSW grant page states applicants must not currently be receiving funding to deliver a Digital Inclusion Hub.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

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.

This grant is open

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