Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Nillumbik Shire Council Reconciliation Grant provides up to $2,000 to support community-led projects that promote healing, inclusion, and connection through reconciliation-focused activities. Projects should celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, foster understanding, and address inequities, with funding available for activities during National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, or NAIDOC Week 2026.
The Reconciliation Grant from Nillumbik Shire Council supports initiatives that foster cultural recognition, social inclusion, and community healing. It encourages projects that promote truth-telling, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and address historical and ongoing inequities.
Grant Details
• Funding amount: Up to $2,000 per project
• Total grant pool: $10,000
• Project timeframe: Activities must be completed and funds spent by 30 June 2026
• Eligible timing: Projects delivered during or in recognition of National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, or NAIDOC Week 2026
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
• Not-for-profit incorporated organisations with strong ties to Nillumbik
• Community groups whose members live, work, study, volunteer, or participate in the area
• Unincorporated groups with an eligible incorporated organisation acting as auspice
Projects must align with:
• Nillumbik Reconciliation Charter strategic directions
• Nillumbik Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029
What the Grant Supports
The Reconciliation Grant focuses on projects that:
• Promote truth-telling and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Celebrate culture, achievements, and history
• Foster community connection and social inclusion
• Address inequities in health, education, and justice
• Take responsibility and ownership of past trauma and injustices
• Encourage access and participation for First Nations People
Eligible projects may include:
• Community events and cultural activities
• Art, performance, or storytelling initiatives
• Educational workshops and awareness campaigns
What the Grant Does Not Support
• Activities outside the Nillumbik municipal boundary
• Ongoing operational or core business costs
• Curriculum-based projects or school programs
• Fundraising-only initiatives
• Political or religious activities
• Fully ticketed events without free access
• Projects already fully funded by other sources
• Retrospective funding
• Organisations with outstanding debts or unacquitted grants
Compliance Requirements
Applicants must ensure:
• Public liability insurance is in place
• Required permits for Council land use are obtained
• Any previously awarded grants from Nillumbik Council are fully acquitted
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
• Verify your organisation or group meets incorporation or auspice requirements
• Ensure your project aligns with the Reconciliation Charter or Health and Wellbeing Plan
Step 2: Develop Your Project
• Design a project that promotes reconciliation, inclusion, and cultural recognition
• Plan timelines, deliverables, and public outcomes
• Ensure the project is feasible within the funding and timeframe
Step 3: Prepare Application
• Include a clear description of the project’s purpose, activities, and community impact
• Detail budget and resources required
• Ensure all compliance documents are ready, including insurance and permits
Step 4: Submit Application
• Submit your application by the Council’s official process
• Ensure all supporting documents are complete and accurate
Why This Grant Matters
The Reconciliation Grant supports:
• Strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community
• Acknowledging and addressing past injustices
• Cultural celebration and truth-telling
• Inclusive participation and community engagement in reconciliation activities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting projects outside Nillumbik boundaries
• Requesting funding for operational costs or pre-existing projects
• Missing insurance, permits, or previous grant acquittals
• Planning projects that exclude public access or are fully ticketed
• Applying retrospectively for activities already completed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit incorporated organisations or community groups with strong connections to Nillumbik; unincorporated groups can apply if auspiced.
How much funding can I request?
Up to $2,000 per project.
What activities are eligible?
Community-led reconciliation-focused activities during National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, or NAIDOC Week 2026.
Can schools or curriculum-based projects apply?
No, curriculum-based activities are not eligible.
What compliance requirements are needed?
Public liability insurance, permits for Council land, and all previous grants must be fully acquitted.
Can funding be used for operational or ongoing costs?
No. Funding must be for specific reconciliation-focused projects.
When must the project be completed?
All funded activities must be completed and expenses spent by 30 June 2026.
Conclusion
The Nillumbik Reconciliation Grant empowers local community groups to deliver projects that foster inclusion, cultural recognition, and healing. By funding initiatives during key reconciliation events, the grant strengthens community connections, supports First Nations participation, and contributes meaningfully to a more equitable and understanding society within the Nillumbik Shire.
For more information, visit Nillumbik Shire Council.
