Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grant Program 2020/21

Deadline: 15-Feb-21

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government is pleased to announce the opening of the 2020-21 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program (the Grants Program) to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community that have been impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Individuals and community organisations who propose to undertake activities which support community wellbeing and connection to culture as we enter the recovery period are encouraged to apply.

The Grants Program aligns with several Focus Areas under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 (the Agreement).

Program Components

The Grants Program consists of three (3) components which are:

Cultural: aim to support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Cultural Integrity, to continue to build a society that supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the building of respectful, fair and sustainable communities.
Leadership: 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: aim to support the Agreement Significant Focus Area of Lifelong 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 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: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).
- Leadership: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).
- Scholarship: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive).

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered eligible for a grant, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Reside in the ACT – Proof of Residency is required (however for leadership or scholarship grants, the course, conference or education program may be outside the ACT;
- Proof of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent;
- Evidence of course enrolment and/or offer;
- Confirmation that funding has not been received 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);
- Confirmation that they have no overdue reporting obligations for any previous ACT Government grants including evaluations, acquittal reports and audited financial statements;
- Only one application per project per grant component can be applied for;
- Priority will be given to new applicants, however previous grant recipients are eligible to apply provided there are no overdue reporting obligations (see bullet point no. 5); and
- Grant applicants must be 18 years or older. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian submit an application on their behalf.
Lack of supporting evidence may deem your application ineligible.