Deadline: 10-Aug-2026
The 2026–27 First Nations Grants support self-determined projects that improve health, wellbeing, and social equity for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations communities in the City of Greater Geelong. The program funds initiatives aligned with Closing the Gap targets, cultural celebration, truth-telling, and First Nations-led decision-making.
Total funding available is $100,000, with individual grants up to $25,000. Eligible applicants include First Nations individuals, organisations, businesses, and community groups operating in Greater Geelong, including Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Overview of the First Nations Grants Program
The First Nations Grants program is a local government funding initiative designed to strengthen First Nations leadership, culture, and wellbeing outcomes in the City of Greater Geelong.
It supports projects that are:
- Community-led and self-determined
- Culturally safe and inclusive
- Focused on health and social equity
- Aligned with First Nations priorities and local wellbeing strategies
Purpose of the Grant Program
The program aims to improve outcomes for First Nations communities through targeted funding.
Core Objectives
- Increase health and social equity for First Nations peoples
- Support Wadawurrung cultural leadership and visibility
- Strengthen community participation and engagement
- Promote truth-telling about colonisation impacts
- Support reconciliation and cultural awareness
- Enable First Nations decision-making authority
Key Policy Alignment Areas
1. National Agreement on Closing the Gap
Projects must contribute to socio-economic targets such as:
- Health equality
- Education access
- Employment outcomes
- Cultural safety and inclusion
2. Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–29
Projects must align with five strategic pillars focused on:
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Community resilience
- Inclusion and participation
- Cultural connection
- Safe environments
3. Cultural Recognition and Truth-Telling
Programs should:
- Increase awareness of First Nations history
- Highlight impacts of colonisation
- Promote Wadawurrung cultural knowledge
- Encourage reconciliation activities
What the Grant Can Fund
The grant supports a wide range of community-driven initiatives.
Eligible Activities
- Arts and cultural expression projects
- Community development programs
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Community engagement activities
- Cultural awareness training and workshops
- NAIDOC Week events and celebrations
- Reconciliation events and public programs
- Establishing culturally safe community spaces
- Leadership and capacity-building programs
Expected Outcomes
- Improved community wellbeing
- Stronger cultural identity and pride
- Increased First Nations participation in decision-making
- Better community understanding of First Nations perspectives
- Enhanced social cohesion in Greater Geelong
Funding Details
Total Funding Pool
- $100,000 available in total
Grant Amount
- Up to $25,000 per project
Funding Characteristics
- Competitive selection process
- Partial funding may be provided
- Projects are generally funded only once
- Meeting eligibility does not guarantee approval
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is designed to prioritize First Nations leadership and local participation.
Eligible Applicants
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Organisations with an auspice arrangement
- Registered charitable organisations
- Businesses with relevant community purpose
- Sole traders with active ABN
- Early Years organisations (playgroups, kindergartens, childcare centres)
- Community groups (with appropriate governance)
Special Eligibility Conditions
- Applicants must be based in the City of Greater Geelong
- Wadawurrung Traditional Owners living outside Geelong may apply if delivering projects within Geelong
- Some applications must demonstrate at least 50% First Nations ownership or partnership
How the Grant Works
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a community-led project aligned with First Nations priorities
- Ensure eligibility and governance requirements are met
- Design a project with clear health, cultural, or wellbeing outcomes
- Align the proposal with Closing the Gap and local wellbeing strategy
- Prepare a budget (up to $25,000 request)
- Submit application within the funding round timeline
- Await assessment and possible funding decision
Assessment Focus Areas
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Cultural relevance and First Nations leadership
- Community impact and participation
- Alignment with Closing the Gap goals
- Feasibility and sustainability
- Strength of partnerships and governance
Why This Grant Matters
This funding program is important because it:
- Supports self-determination for First Nations communities
- Strengthens Wadawurrung cultural identity and visibility
- Improves health and social equity outcomes
- Encourages truth-telling and reconciliation
- Builds stronger, more inclusive local communities
- Enhances First Nations leadership in decision-making
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Application Errors
- Submitting projects without First Nations leadership or input
- Weak alignment with Closing the Gap targets
- Vague or unrealistic project outcomes
- Missing required partnership or auspice arrangements
- Poorly defined community benefit
Strategic Tips
- Co-design projects with First Nations communities
- Clearly define measurable health or wellbeing outcomes
- Include strong cultural components and local relevance
- Demonstrate genuine community engagement
- Ensure governance and ownership requirements are met
Key Concepts Explained
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners
The Wadawurrung are the Traditional Custodians of the lands including the Greater Geelong region, with ongoing cultural, spiritual, and historical connection to Country.
Closing the Gap Framework
A national policy framework aimed at reducing disadvantage and improving outcomes for First Nations Australians across health, education, employment, and wellbeing.
Self-Determined Projects
Initiatives designed and led by First Nations communities, ensuring control over priorities, design, and outcomes.
Cultural Safety
An environment where First Nations people feel respected, safe, and free from discrimination in cultural, social, and service settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who provides this grant?
The grant is provided by the City of Greater Geelong to support First Nations community initiatives.
2. What is the maximum funding amount?
Each project can receive up to $25,000 from a total pool of $100,000.
3. Who can apply?
First Nations individuals, organisations, businesses, and community groups based in or delivering projects in Greater Geelong.
4. Do projects need to be First Nations-led?
Yes. Strong First Nations ownership or partnership (often 50% or more) is required for many applications.
5. What types of projects are supported?
Cultural, health, wellbeing, education, reconciliation, and community engagement projects.
6. Is funding guaranteed?
No. Funding is competitive, and not all eligible applications will be funded.
7. Can applicants outside Geelong apply?
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners outside Geelong may apply if the project is delivered within the municipality.
Conclusion
The 2026–27 First Nations Grants program is a targeted funding initiative that strengthens First Nations leadership, cultural recognition, and community wellbeing in Greater Geelong. By supporting self-determined projects aligned with Closing the Gap and local wellbeing strategies, it promotes equity, reconciliation, and long-term community empowerment.
For more information, visit City of Greater Geelong.
