NT Community Impact and Innovation Grants

  • Applications open February 2nd, 2026.
  • Per‑applicant cap: Funding up to $1,000,000 is available. (minimum $300,000, GST exclusive).
  • Applications close: April 30th, 2026

Aboriginal Investment NT’s Community Impact and Innovation Grants (CIIG) provide medium scale funding for Aboriginal community led projects in the Northern Territory that deliver clear cultural, social and/or economic impact and/or demonstrate innovation for the benefit of Aboriginal community members. Projects must be delivered within NT borders and may request support for the costs required to complete the project, including project specific staffing and administration. Grants are competitive, with applications assessed against specific criteria and against other applications received to ensure funding achieves the highest potential benefits for Aboriginal Territorians.

Key Requirements

  • Impact and/or innovation focus — Projects must show strong cultural, social and/or economic impact and/or an innovative solution benefiting Aboriginal community members.
  • Delivered within NT borders — Activities must occur in the Northern Territory and be clearly linked to the proposed outcomes.
  • Eligible costs — CIIG can fund the costs required to complete the project, including project‑specific staffing/administration.
  • Competitive assessment — Applications are assessed against criteria and other submissions (impact, design, value for money, capability, financial health, other funding).
  • Supporting documentation — Provide ID for authorised persons, confirmation of Aboriginality (if not ORIC/NTIBN/Supply Nation certified), bank details, land access evidence (e.g., Section 19 lease, ILUA), quotes (1–3 based on thresholds), insurance/clearances, and community letters of support.
  • Co‑contributions encouraged — Additional funding or support from other sources is encouraged to enhance project outcomes.

What is eligible for funding?

CIIG can fund project costs required to complete the approved project, including project‑specific staffing and administration, provided activities are delivered within NT borders and clearly contribute to the stated impact/innovation outcomes for Aboriginal community members. Co‑contributions from government or other organisations are encouraged to strengthen delivery and value for money.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities:

  • Traditional Owner organisations (incorporated, not‑for‑profit, controlled by Aboriginal people, majority‑Aboriginal governance).
  • Aboriginal community‑controlled organisations meeting the same governance and not‑for‑profit requirements.

Additional considerations:

  • Must be connected to NT communities who will benefit and have organisational purposes aimed at Aboriginal wellbeing.
  • Must meet supporting documents checklist (ID, bank details, Aboriginality, land access, quotes, insurances/permits, and letters of support).

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.