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: May 27, 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
ANY
Our Country Our Future (ILSC) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups; acquisition projects require an incorporated, Indigenous‑controlled entity; management projects require eligible land/water-right holders. Direct funding and support to acquire/manage/develop land or water-related interests; includes planning, infrastructure, on‑Country management and culture activities. No grant request cap. Co‑investment considered. 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.
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
First Nations Clean Energy Program – Advice Grants First Nations organisations or groups seeking to build capability to engage in clean energy development opportunities. Competitive grants from $5,000 to $80,000 to fund advisory, engagement and capacity‑building activities related to clean energy projects. September 3rd, 2026
VICTORIA
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
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
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.
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Queensland Destination Events Fund (QDEF) Businesses operating major events in Queensland. Grants from $15K-$100K depending on stream for QLD-based events. Destination Signature Event Stream, $15K-$40 per year up to 6 years, Destination Significant Event Stream, $25K-$100K per year, up to 6 years, Destination Indigenous Event Stream $15K-$40K one-off grant. NEW Destination Kickstarter Event stream, supports development of new events in first year of operation. Grant up to $25K per year for two years. Round 2: Closes Oct 2026 for events held Apr 2027-June 2028.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ARTS & CULTURE
Aboriginal & 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.
TASMANIA
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Sector Strengthening Program for VET 2026 Tasmanian-based ACCOs that are not-for-profit, can provide 2024–25 financials, hold $20m liability insurance, and meet child safety provisions Capacity and capability-building projects linked to VET, including planning, partnerships, workforce development, and resources. Grants $2,000 to $200,000. June 17th, 2026
NORTHERN TERRITORY
ANY
Collective Impact Initiatives Aboriginal communities in NT. EOI submitted by an Aboriginal person, group, or organisation on behalf of the whole community. Large-scale, multi-project community initiatives with support. Funding up to $15 million per large community, smaller communities at least $2 million. Round 2 will open early August, 2026
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.

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
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
Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026 ABN holders that are incorporated entities, incorporated associations, incorporated not-for-profits, PFROs, eligible VET providers, or eligible Aboriginal corporations. Collaborative partnership required. Funds hands-on community STEM maker activities for under 18s. Grants $20,000–$100,000, up to 80% of eligible costs with at least 20% cash and or in-kind contribution. June 17th, 2026
DEFENCE
Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program 2026-27 Eligible entity types include companies, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, local government, persons and more; unincorporated associations only for Community Grants. Funds commemorative projects: Community Grants up to $10,000; Major Grants $10,001–$150,000 (incl. new memorials or additions). 29 July 2026
VICTORIA
ANY
Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) Victorian volunteer emergency service organisations Up to $250,000 (ex GST) with 2:1 matched funding 11/6/2026
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
VFA Recreational Fishing Grants Program – Small & Intermediate Grants Community groups, committees of management and incorporated angling clubs and associations. $5K-$50K to finance projects aimed at enhancing Victorian public recreational fishing continuously Ongoing
Community Development Fund – Round 3 Eligible Victorian councils, community and not-for-profit organisations Up to $2.5 million per town or community. Supports implementation of opportunities identified by eligible Victorian forestry transition communities that help communities transition to new and sustainable industries, create economic growth and future jobs, and build community capability and resilience. 30 June 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
VIC Regional Events Fund – Round 6 Eligible organisations include councils, not‑for‑profits, Regional Tourism Boards, Visitor Economy Partnerships and private entities delivering public benefit in regional Victoria. Supports major one‑off or ongoing events in regional Victoria. No maximum grant funding request. Requires early consultation with Visit Victoria to be invited to apply. Stream 1: Ongoing
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
EDUCATION & TRAINING
QLD Skilling Queenslanders for Work – Community Foundation Skills Queensland not for profit organisations, including Adult Community Education providers, delivering foundation skills training to people with low literacy, numeracy or digital skills. Funding up to $135,600 to deliver customised foundation skills training supporting pathways to further training or employment. Ongoing, until all funds are exhausted.
NEW SOUTH WALES
EDUCATION & TRAINING
NSW Start Strong for Long Day Care Program Eligible NSW long day care services meeting approval, CCS admin, and program delivery requirements. Funding is allocation-based; providers are not required to apply. Four funding streams including fee relief. Fee relief up to $2,563 (4YO+) and $769 (3YO) per eligible child per year; other rates apply. Program Payment rates are not stated here. Program runs until December 31st, 2026
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ANIMAL WELFARE
WA Animal Welfare Grant Program Round 6 NFPs, charities, individuals, vets, Aboriginal corporations and local governments delivering animal welfare services in WA Up to $50,000 (GST excl.) for animal welfare, rescue, rehabilitation and low-cost veterinary services. No matched funding required. June 1 2026
TASMANIA
EDUCATION & TRAINING
TAS 2026 Workforce Participation and Training Program Eligible not for profit community organisations employers and training providers operating in Tasmania Supports workforce participation projects addressing employment barriers. Funding up to $200,000 per annum. No mandatory co contribution identified June 18th, 2026

SOCIAL INCLUSION GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEDERAL
ANY
Disability Advocacy Support Program – Service Delivery Not-for-profit, ACNC registered, eligible entity type, mission to advance disability rights, compliance requirements apply. Funds predominantly in-person individual disability advocacy across defined service areas. No maximum grant amount specified. July 16 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION
AFL Breaking New Ground Program Schools, councils, developers, community clubs/leagues, umpiring orgs, other sports bodies, state agencies and landowners (with landowner support where applicable). Funds from $50K-$250K planning/scoping and/or infrastructure delivery for accessible, fit-for-purpose football facilities. Projects that increase accessibility and inclusion, particularly for women and girls encouraged. Co-contribution not mandatory. Ongoing
MULTI-CULTURAL & MULTI-FAITH COMMUNITIES
Infrastructure for Multicultural Communities Grant Program Not-for-profit organisations that support culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Grants up to $1.5 million to support the construction, upgrade or extension of infrastructure that enables multicultural communities to connect, gather and participate in community life. 12 November 2026 (Batch 2)
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
VICTORIA
COMMUNITY
VIC Men’s Shed Funding Program (2026–27) Applicants must operate an eligible men’s shed located in Victoria, have a valid ABN, meet program objectives, demonstrate community need and accessibility, and have no outstanding reports from previous rounds. Grants of up to $100,000 per project for construction, refurbishment or upgrade of men’s sheds and major equipment purchases. 20% co‑contribution required, up to 50% may be in‑kind, remainder cash. June 4th 2026

View all available grant opportunities