Call for Community Strengthening First Nations Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The City of Greater Geelong offers Community Strengthening First Nations Grants to support initiatives that promote health, social equity, and cultural understanding for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations people in the region. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, supporting projects that align with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the City’s Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–29. Eligible projects include community engagement, cultural programs, Truth Telling initiatives, and activities that strengthen First Nations participation in decision-making.

Overview

The Community Strengthening First Nations Grants aim to empower Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and other First Nations people by funding projects that:

• Promote health, wellbeing, and social equity

• Increase respect and celebration of First Nations culture and perspectives

• Deepen understanding of the impacts of colonisation through Truth Telling

• Strengthen decision-making and participation in community initiatives

• Align with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap socio-economic targets

• Support the five pillars of the City’s Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–29

Funding Details

• Category 1 (Smaller projects): Up to $5,000

  • Shorter timeframe

  • Limited engagement or scope

• Category 2 (Larger projects): $5,001–$25,000

  • Comprehensive budgets

  • Detailed community consultation

  • Multiple partner involvement

Note: Each applicant can apply for only one category per round, but First Nations individuals or groups can participate as partners in multiple applications.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations

• Groups with an auspice

• Registered charities

• Early years services (playgroups, childcare centres)

• Businesses and sole traders with an active ABN

Location Requirement: Projects must be implemented within the greater Geelong municipality. Wadawurrung Traditional Owners living outside Geelong may apply if the project takes place in the region.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm eligibility for your organization and project scope

2. Determine grant category based on project size and engagement level

3. Develop a project plan including objectives, community engagement, outcomes, budget, and timeline

4. Submit application according to City of Greater Geelong guidelines

5. Implement project and report outcomes as required

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Alignment with Closing the Gap targets and the Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy

• Impact on health, social equity, and cultural understanding

• Engagement of First Nations communities and stakeholders

• Feasibility, budget clarity, and sustainability of the project

• Collaboration with partners or multiple organizations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for both categories in the same round

• Projects located outside Greater Geelong (unless led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners with local delivery)

• Inadequate community consultation or engagement plan

• Poorly defined budget or outcomes

• Ignoring the alignment with Closing the Gap targets or City strategy

Why This Program Matters

The Community Strengthening First Nations Grants:

• Support cultural preservation and awareness

• Empower local First Nations decision-making and participation

• Address health, wellbeing, and social equity priorities

• Strengthen community partnerships and collaboration

Conclusion

The City of Greater Geelong’s First Nations Grants provide a strategic opportunity to implement community-led, culturally meaningful projects that promote health, equity, and participation. By supporting initiatives that align with national and local strategies, the program ensures sustainable impact and stronger First Nations community engagement.

For more information, visit City of Greater Geelong.