2021-22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 17-Feb-22

The ACT Government is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021-22 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program (the Grants Program).

The Grants Program aligns with several Focus Areas under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 (the ACT Agreement). The ACT Agreement is a framework supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT to exercise self-determination. The ACT Agreement enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have the ability and resources to provide their own solutions, acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is central to the process of ensuring the long-term emotional and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Components

The Grants Program consists of three (3) components:

• Cultural grants: aim to support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Cultural Integrity, where a society supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the building of respectful, fair and sustainable communities.
• Leadership grants: aim to support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Community Leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision makers on issues that impact them and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes.
• Scholarship grants: aim to support the Agreement Significant Focus Area of Life Long Learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in lifelong learning and positive generational experiences.

Funding Information

• Total funding available for the 2021-22 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program is $220,000.00 (GST exclusive).
• The Grants Program is available to individuals and organisations across the ACT and Canberra Region.
• The Grants Program funding consists of the following:
  • Cultural grants: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).
  • Leadership grants: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).
  • Scholarship Grants: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive).

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals
  • To be considered eligible for a grant, Individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:
    • Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and identity.
    • Reside in the ACT – Proof of Residency is required.
    • Individuals applying for a Grant must be 18 years or older. Individuals under 18 years old must have a Parent/Guardian submit the application on their behalf.
    • Individuals applying for Leadership or Scholarship grants must reside in the ACT, however the course, conference or education program may be outside of the ACT.
    • Evidence of course enrolment and/or offer (requirement if the nature of the application is a course).
  • Confirmed have not received funding from another source for the same purpose (Applicants may apply for funding to supplement monies already provided to attend training, however the amount applied for must not exceed the course/program amount).
  • Confirmed have no overdue reporting obligations for any previous ACT Government grant including: evaluations, acquittal reports and audited financial statements’.
  • Individuals who have received a grant in the previous financial year or a previous application period, you are eligible to apply, however any previous grants must be acquitted. Priority will be given to new applicants in the respective assessment period.
• Organisations
  • The Grants Program is available to organisations across the ACT and Canberra Region. The Canberra Region includes the Australian Capital Territory and the Bombala, Boorowa, Cooma-Monaro, Eurobodalla, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Harden, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Snowy River, Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Young shires as defined in the current Canberra Region Local Industry Participation Policy.
  • Organisations applying for a grant do not have to be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisation. To be considered eligible for a grant, Organisations must meetthe following eligibility requirements:
    • Be a non-government, incorporated entity that is not-for-profit.
    • A not-for-profit Organisation not an incorporated entity, must be auspiced by an not-for-profit incorporated entity with an Australian Business Number (ABN) and/or Indigenous Incorporation Number (ICN).
  • An organisation must apply for one-off funding for a specific activity. Grants do not support recurrent or on-going activities.
  • Demonstrate that the program or activity will be of benefit to ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and must demonstrate a strong connection with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
  • Organisations based outside of the ACT must be proposing to undertake activities in the ACT or be able to demonstrate that the activity would be of benefit to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
  • Have no overdue reporting obligations for any previous ACT Government grant including: evaluations, acquittal reports and audited financial statements.
  • Have not received funding from another source to deliver or provide the same or similar project/program.

For more information, visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/atsia/recipients/2021-22-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-grants