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: January 21, 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
ARTS & CULTURE
Arts Business: First Nations Development Fund First Nations individuals, groups, and First Nations‑led micro‑organisations (≤5 FTE), Australia‑based; individuals/groups must operate as sole traders or group partnerships. Business capacity‑building incl. governance, workforce dev, marketing, strategic planning, digital/e‑commerce; up to $50,000; access costs eligible; February 3rd, 2026
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT
Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) First Nations – Delivery Grant Opportunity – Round 3 ACCOs, First Nations RTOs/ACE providers, and First Nations peak bodies affiliated with the target community; legal capacity to enter a Commonwealth grant agreement. Funds co‑designed LLND training; typically $350k–$1m per year (single site) or up to $3m per year (multi‑site). February 9th, 2026
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. Ongoing, with applications assessed every six weeks.
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.
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Australian Bushland Program – New Indigenous Protected Areas Indigenous organisations/enterprises and eligible entities nationwide, with ABN and letters of support from Traditional Owner representative bodies; consortia allowed with eligible lead. Funds new IPA consultation toward dedication; eligible planning, governance and, post‑dedication, on‑ground conservation activities. March 11th, 2026
VICTORIA
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
VIC – Tiny Towns Fund (Round 3) Not-for-profits, co-operatives, Indigenous organisations; auspice allowed Up to $50K for community facility upgrades that enhance liveability, strengthen community connections, and attract visitors to regional Victoria and outer metropolitan interface areas. Eligible projects include upgrades to community halls, libraries, playgrounds, splash parks, bike trails, and public art installations. Co-contribution required. 4 February 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.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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
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
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.
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.
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

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
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
Rural Financial Counselling Service (2027-32) Grant Program Eligible farmers, fishers, foresters, and small rural enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship $104 million will be allocated over five years to support service delivery across the 12 service regions. Full program details will be available when applications open. Please note that these details are subject to change once the grant opportunity is published. The program is expected to open for applications between January and June 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
VICTORIA
DISASTER RECOVERY & RELIEF
VIC Recovery Measures for Fire-Affected Communities Primary producers, community orgs and councils in fire‑affected VIC; details via Rural Finance/CROs Up to $75k (producers), $75k (community orgs), $750k (councils) for clean‑up, reinstatement and public asset repairs. Varies
COMMUNITY GROUPS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
Energy Resilience Community Fund – Major Grants (Round Two) Councils, community/not‑for‑profits, social enterprises, and essential‑service small businesses within AusNet’s Victorian distribution area. Capital for community energy‑resilience assets (hubs, mobile generators, solar + storage, some community batteries). Funding up to $250,000. Next round expected to open late February 2026.
Energy Resilience Community Fund – Energy Resilience Grants (Round Four) Councils, community/not‑for‑profits, social enterprises, and essential‑service small businesses within AusNet’s Victorian distribution area. Fixed/mobile generators, solar + storage, backups for critical businesses, technician upskilling. Funding up to $50,000. Next round expected to open late February 2026.
Energy Resilience Community Fund – Energy Education & Literacy Grants (Round Four) Councils, community/not‑for‑profits, social enterprises, essential‑service small businesses within AusNet’s area. Resources, campaigns, forums, and short courses that improve outage preparedness and energy literacy. Funding up to $25,000. Next round expected to open late February 2026.
VIC – Tiny Towns Fund (Round 3) Not-for-profits, co-operatives, Indigenous organisations; auspice allowed Up to $50K for community facility upgrades that enhance liveability, strengthen community connections, and attract visitors to regional Victoria and outer metropolitan interface areas. Eligible projects include upgrades to community halls, libraries, playgrounds, splash parks, bike trails, and public art installations. Co-contribution required. 4 February 2026
VFA Recreational Fishing Grants Program – Small & Intermediate Grants Community groups, committees of management and incorporated angling clubs and associations. $5-$50K to finance projects aimed at enhancing Victorian public recreational fishing continuously Ongoing
VFA Recreational Fishing Grants Program – Large Grants Program Statutory bodies, government agencies, incorporated associations Infrastructure, habitat restoration, education; up to $100,000 28 February 2026
NEW SOUTH WALES
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Community Energy Activation Program (CEAP) NFPs and community energy groups with ABN, solvent, insured, delivering projects that benefit NSW energy consumers. Grants $150k–$600k for projects improving community energy guidance, participation and savings. Min 10% co‑contribution required. 16 Feb 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
Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant Local governments and incorporated NFP sport/active recreation/racing orgs with assets directly damaged in QRA‑activated LGAs Clean‑up, repair, restoration or replacement of disaster‑damaged facilities/equipment essential to re‑establish activities; $20,000–$1,000,000 (ex GST) per eligible site 6 Feb 2026, or earlier if funds are exhausted.

SOCIAL INCLUSION GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEDERAL
WOMEN IN STEM
Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grant (WISE) Round 5 Incorporated entities, PFROs, VET providers, not-for-profits; joint applications allowed Projects to reduce barriers for women in STEM; up to $2M; no co-contribution required. 18 February 2026
QUEENSLAND
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
Expand Together Grants (2026–27 Round 2) Multicultural organisations supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities in SA. Equipment purchases; expand/upgrade community facilities. Up to $100k. Matched funding required >$50k. 31 July 2026

View all available grant opportunities