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: August 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
Social Enterprise Development Initiative Grants (SEDI) First Nations Grant Indigenous-owned or controlled organisations operating a commercial or trading business model, with a measurable social impact. Annual revenue must be >$50K and trading revenue >$35K. Up to $120,000 for business and impact capability building services, plus internal costs up to 20 percent. Grant amount cannot exceed annual turnover. No matched funding requirement. Applications assessed on a rolling basis until early 2027.
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
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.
FIRST NATIONS MEDIA
Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program, Strengthening Community Broadcasting Grant Eligible Australian incorporated organisations, partnerships, government bodies and consortia delivering First Nations broadcasting or media activities. Equipment, minor repairs, software, training and organisational capability building. Most grants are expected to be $20,000 to $250,000. No fixed maximum applies. September 11th, 2026.
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
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.
COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLBEING
Strengthening Our Culture Funding Pool South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) with an active ABN $5,000 to $100,000 across four streams for culturally grounded projects that strengthen culture and support preventive health and wellbeing 28 August 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. Applications open until December 15th, 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
WE SWIM– Place-Based Partnerships Community organisations delivering swimming and water safety initiatives through local partnerships Funding up to $100k for swimming participation, water safety education and community capacity-building programs September 24 2026
WE SWIM Community Programs
Incorporated not-for-profit lead organisations applying on behalf of a partnership that includes a multicultural/settlement community organisation and a water safety or aquatic provider Up to $50,000 (excl. GST) per partnership for local water safety, swimming access and multicultural participation projects September 24 2026
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
WorkSafe Worker Consultation Grant Round 2026–27 Community groups, employers, and employer or employee representative organisations registered for GST and holding an ABN Up to $300,000 over 3 years for worker consultation, HSR capability, workplace engagement, education, research and safety culture initiatives 6 September 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
DEFENCE
Honouring our Veterans Grants Program Eligible incorporated organisations, charities, school parent associations, Independent and Catholic schools, past student associations, and local authorities delivering projects in Queensland. Community Grants up to $75,000. Minor Capital Works up to $75,000. Major Capital Works up to $250,000. Co-contribution applies depending on stream. September 4th, 2026
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.
GENDERED-BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION
QLD Safe Futures Grants Eligible Queensland not-for-profits, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, universities, state-run entities and local government authorities. Delivery grants up to $600,000 for community-led primary prevention initiatives. 8 February 2027 for Delivery grants.
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
NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (CEO Fund) – Expanding Quality Access Program Existing not-for-profit community preschools in NSW transitioning to long day care models Variable funding from a $100m pool for capital works, operations and transition support (15% loading for priority areas) November 30th, 2026
COMMUNITY & MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Stronger Together Project Grants 2027 NSW registered non-profit organisations, including incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee, cooperatives, DGR trusts and Aboriginal corporations $20,000 to $50,000 for grassroots multicultural projects that meet community needs and support community harmony 14 September 2026
SPORT & ACTIVE RECREATION
Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27 NSW incorporated associations, ASIC-registered companies, not-for-profits, registered charities and sole traders delivering organised running activities $5,000 to $100,000 for programs that improve safety, inclusion and participation in running for women, girls and gender-diverse people 14 September 2026
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ARTS & CULTURE
CreateSA Touring Support South Australian artists, organisations and producers Up to $50k to support touring, presentation and market development opportunities for South Australian creative work 28 September 2026
CreateSA Major Commission Grant South Australian independent artists, artist groups and arts and cultural organisations (funded and unfunded) with a commissioning partner $100,000 for the development, production and presentation of a major new work premiered in South Australia 28 September 2026
CreateSA Biennial Project South Australian independent artists, groups and unfunded arts and cultural organisations $50,000 per year for two years to seed, develop and create innovative new work across all art forms 28 September 2026
CreateSA Collaboration Grant SA independent groups, arts and cultural organisations, funded small-to-medium and major organisations, NPAPF companies and Statutory Authorities (individual artists ineligible) Up to $100,000 for collaborative creative development, art making and presentation across art forms 28 September 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION
SA sporting clubs, associations, councils, school councils and facility managers $5,000 to $750,000 for sport, recreation, trail and community infrastructure projects 4 September 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
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Early Childhood & Family Support
Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program WA incorporated not-for-profits, local governments and eligible auspiced community groups delivering family and early childhood initiatives $250,000 to $2 million for 24‑month family, parenting and early childhood capability-building and support programs 30 September 2026

SOCIAL INCLUSION GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEDERAL
ANY
Social Enterprise Development Initiative Grants (SEDI) Australian social enterprises and trading Indigenous owned or controlled organisations with direct social benefit, direct impact, trading revenue over $50,000, and beneficiaries primarily in Australia. Up to $120,000 for business and impact capability building services, plus internal costs up to 20 percent. Grant amount cannot exceed annual turnover. No matched funding requirement. Ongoing
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

View all available grant opportunities