Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The Community Impact and Innovation Grants (CIIG) provide medium-scale funding to Aboriginal community-led organisations in the Northern Territory to deliver projects with clear cultural, social, and economic benefits. With grants ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000, the program supports innovative, community-driven initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal wellbeing and deliver measurable impact within NT communities.
Overview of the CIIG Program
The Community Impact and Innovation Grants (CIIG) program supports Aboriginal community-led projects across the Northern Territory that deliver strong cultural, social, and/or economic outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians.
The program is designed to fund initiatives that are community-driven, locally delivered, and capable of producing measurable and lasting benefits. CIIG places a strong emphasis on innovation, value for money, and projects that respond directly to community-identified needs.
Key Objectives of the CIIG Program
The CIIG program aims to:
Support Aboriginal-led initiatives that improve community wellbeing
Deliver tangible cultural, social, and economic outcomes
Encourage innovative solutions to long-standing community challenges
Ensure projects are delivered entirely within the Northern Territory
Strengthen Aboriginal governance, leadership, and self-determination
Maximise impact through co-contributions and partnerships
Funding Amount and Scale
How Much Funding Is Available?
CIIG offers medium-scale grants with the following parameters:
Minimum grant amount: $300,000 (GST exclusive)
Maximum grant amount: $1,000,000 per applicant
Funding may be used to support the full delivery of an approved project, including eligible staffing and administration costs that are directly required for project completion.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Eligible projects must be Aboriginal community-led and demonstrate a clear connection between proposed activities and intended outcomes.
Supported projects typically:
Deliver measurable cultural, social, and/or economic benefits
Address identified community priorities
Demonstrate innovative or creative approaches
Build local capacity and community strength
Operate entirely within Northern Territory borders
Projects may include new initiatives or expansions of existing community-led activities, provided they align with CIIG priorities and demonstrate strong impact.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Organisations
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Be an incorporated organisation
Be not-for-profit
Be controlled by Aboriginal people
Have majority Aboriginal governance
Be connected to Northern Territory communities
Have a purpose focused on improving Aboriginal wellbeing
Eligible organisation types include:
Traditional Owner organisations
Aboriginal community-controlled organisations
Organisations must be able to demonstrate strong governance, financial management, and community accountability.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Organisations that do not meet Aboriginal control and governance requirements are not eligible.
Projects delivered outside the Northern Territory are not eligible.
Eligible Costs and Use of Funds
CIIG funding can be used for:
Project delivery costs
Project-specific staffing
Administration costs directly required to complete the project
Operational expenses linked to approved activities
Funding must be clearly tied to project outcomes and completion. General organisational overheads unrelated to the project are not supported.
Co-Contributions and Partnerships
Co-contributions from government agencies, philanthropic bodies, or other organisations are strongly encouraged.
Co-contributions help to:
Increase value for money
Strengthen project delivery
Extend project reach and sustainability
Enhance overall community impact
Applicants should clearly outline any confirmed or proposed co-contributions in their application.
How Applications Are Assessed
CIIG is a competitive funding program.
Applications are assessed against other submissions based on:
Strength of cultural, social, and/or economic impact
Community benefit and relevance
Innovation and effectiveness of the proposed approach
Organisational capacity and governance
Value for money
Evidence of community support
Only projects with the highest potential benefit for Aboriginal Territorians will be funded.
Required Supporting Documentation
Applicants must submit complete supporting documentation, which may include:
Identification for authorised signatories
Confirmation of Aboriginality (if not already certified through ORIC, NTIBN, or Supply Nation)
Organisation bank account details
Evidence of land access, such as a Section 19 lease or ILUA (if applicable)
Quotes in line with required cost thresholds
Relevant insurances and clearances
Community letters of support demonstrating local endorsement and engagement
Incomplete applications or missing documentation may be deemed ineligible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a project without clear community benefit or outcomes
Failing to demonstrate Aboriginal control and governance
Proposing activities outside the Northern Territory
Underestimating staffing or administration needs
Missing required documentation or community support letters
Not clearly linking costs to project outcomes
Why the CIIG Program Matters
The CIIG program plays a critical role in:
Empowering Aboriginal communities to lead their own development
Supporting culturally grounded and locally driven solutions
Encouraging innovation while respecting community knowledge
Delivering long-term social and economic benefits
Strengthening Aboriginal governance and self-determination
By funding Aboriginal-led projects at scale, CIIG helps create sustainable and meaningful change across NT communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main purpose of the CIIG program?
The program funds Aboriginal community-led projects that deliver strong cultural, social, and/or economic benefits in the Northern Territory.
2. How much funding can one organisation receive?
Organisations can apply for between $300,000 and $1,000,000 per project.
3. Can funding be used for staffing and administration?
Yes. Project-specific staffing and administration costs required to complete the project are eligible.
4. Do projects need to be delivered in the Northern Territory?
Yes. All funded activities must take place within NT borders.
5. Are co-contributions mandatory?
No, but co-contributions are strongly encouraged as they strengthen project impact and value for money.
6. Who can apply for CIIG funding?
Eligible applicants include incorporated, not-for-profit Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and Traditional Owner organisations with majority Aboriginal governance.
7. Are community letters of support required?
Yes. Letters of support are required to demonstrate local backing and community engagement.
Conclusion
The Community Impact and Innovation Grants (CIIG) provide a significant opportunity for Aboriginal community-led organisations in the Northern Territory to deliver high-impact, innovative projects at scale. By prioritising Aboriginal leadership, cultural strength, and measurable outcomes, the CIIG program supports sustainable development and meaningful change for Aboriginal Territorians.
For more information, visit Avant Group.