Sector grants
See below for a range of potential grant opportunities available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services noting that some programs are State specific and won’t apply to all ACCHOs. Opportunities will vary over time. We aim to provide up to date and relevant grant opportunities which are available in the short to medium term.
See below for Tips and Tricks that can help you to write a successful grant proposal.
VIC – Community Food Relief Program -Local Grants – CLOSES Tues 19.8.25
The Community Food Relief Program – Local Grants supports local food relief and food security activities that help Victorians access healthy and culturally appropriate food.
The program aims to help meet increased demand for food relief, strengthen and expand initiatives in local communities and begin to address the related drivers of food insecurity.
Organisations eligible for funding, include:
- Neighbourhood houses
- Community and volunteer-led organisations (can include religious organisations and grassroots groups)
- Social enterprises
- Aboriginal entities
- Victorian local government entities, public health services, and peak bodies when acting as an auspice for a community group or groups, or as the lead applicant that will support and provide funding to other local community organisations.
By supporting organisations to deliver food relief where it’s needed most, the Community Food Relief Program will make a real difference to our communities.
QLD – Brotherhood of St Laurence (Hippy Program) – ALWAYS OPEN
Indigenous Health. Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters via Home Tutoring.
Eligibility criteria for HIPPY includes:
- date of birth (children who are turning 4yrs by the end of June) -catchment (live in Inala or surrounding suburbs) We also have a priority of access, 75% of our enrolled families have to meet one or more of these additional criteria, -hold a health care card -child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander -child resides in out of home care -no income or receiving government support as main source of income -single parent families -main language spoken at home is not English
QLD – Health and Wellbeing Queensland Grants Program – CLOSES THURS 29.7.25
The aim of the Community Grants is to encourage and support community-led projects across Queensland to improve health and wellbeing within the community. Successful projects will focus on achieving positive outcomes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, wellbeing and/or health equity for priority or at-risk populations in Queensland.
NT – Community Benefit Fund: gambling research grant – CLOSES SUN 31.8.25
The gambling research grant program supports research that will help prevent and reduce gambling harm in the NT.
Your research must provide the evidence base necessary to inform:
- community impacts
- regulatory actions and strategies.
Gambling research grants support research activities directed at the following themes:
- gambling monitoring and surveillance
- community effect
- gambling products
- evaluation.
NT – Nursing and midwifery scholarships – CLOSES TUES 12.8.25
NT Health, through the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (OCNMO), offers financial assistance to nurses and midwives undertaking further studies through post registration studies assistance.
The purpose of the studies assistance program is to offer financial support by reimbursing educational expenses directly related to an accredited course that leads to an academic qualification.
NSW – Infrastructure grants: community infrastructure – CLOSES Tues 21.7.25
The objective of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program is to fund the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure to deliver outcomes for disadvantaged NSW communities including regional, remote and drought-affected areas, culturally and linguistically diverse, disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and disaster-affected communities.
NSW – Infrastructure grants: disaster readiness – CLOSES Tues 21.7.25
The objective of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program is to fund the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure to deliver outcomes for disadvantaged NSW communities including regional, remote and drought-affected areas, culturally and linguistically diverse, disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and disaster-affected communities.
NSW – Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant – CLOSES Tues 30.9.25
The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant (EDAEG) supports Aboriginal people through the creation of training and employment opportunities. Promoting diversity, innovation and service responsiveness in the NSW workforce, the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant subsidises the salary, development and support costs of Aboriginal employees in public service agencies, local government authorities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
ACT – ACCO organisational capacity/capability building – CLOSES Fri 30.6.26
Funding to support Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Establishment and Expansion Fund (AEEF)
The AEEF aims to support new and existing ACT ACCOs to build organisational capacity and capability to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Canberra.
The AEEF is designed to support the growth and sustainability of new and existing ACT ACCOs, consistent with the ACT Government commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Priority Reform 2: Building the community-controlled sector and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028.
Who this is for: This grant is for new and existing ACCOs who provide culturally appropriate human services to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Applications opened: Mon 3 Mar 2025
National – Youpla Support Program Resolution Payments – CLOSES Tues 30.6.26
This grant opportunity was announced by the Australian Government 8.2.24 as its enduring resolution for people impacted by the collapse of the funeral insurance provider, the Youpla Group. The Youpla Group entered liquidation in March 2022, leaving many people without cover, inflicting significant cultural, emotional & financial harm on many First Nations people & communities. The Youpla Support Program will provide a Resolution Payment to Eligible Persons to help them recover from this harm.
Location: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
Closes: Tues 30 June 2026
Agency: National Indigenous Australians Agency
National – Dementia, Ageing & Aged Care Grant – CLOSES Wed 20.8.25
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) – 2025 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity aims to support research that will help to improve quality of life for Australians as they age.
The objectives and outcomes of this grant opportunity align with the Roadmap and Implementation Plan for the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.
The objective of this grant opportunity is to provide grants of financial assistance to support medical research and medical innovation projects that conduct implementation research:
- focused on addressing inequalities in uptake of prevention activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; rural, regional and remote populations; and culturally and linguistically diverse populations
- to understand the barriers and enablers to, and impact of, the adoption of the key components of high-quality care for older Australians across in care settings and population groups (either by disease type, age group or other characteristic)
VIC – Men’s Shed Funding Program – CLOSES Thurs 17.7.25
Men’s sheds are a vital part of the Victorian community – creating opportunities for social connections and driving positive health and wellbeing outcomes for men.
The Victorian Government is continuing its $1 million annual investment in men’s sheds across the state.
Victorian men’s shed groups can apply for grants up to $100,000 towards:
- the construction of new men’s sheds, including the conversion of a building into a men’s shed
- the refurbishment, extension or upgrade of existing men’s sheds
- the purchase of major shed equipment for use in men’s sheds.
Applications that outline approaches that champion inclusiveness and accessibility in their communities will score highly on the merit assessment.
NT – Community Benefit Fund: vehicle gifts – ALWAYS OPEN
A global shortage of vehicles has affected NT Fleet’s turnover. This means longer wait times for gifted vehicles to become available.
In some cases, applicants may have to wait up to a year from the date they’re notified of being successful.
This section has information about the vehicle gift program.
The community benefit fund (CBF) receives funds from a levy on electronic gaming machines in licensed hotels.
Eligible organisations can apply to the program for the gifting of an ex-government vehicle.
This program aims to improve the capacity of not for profit organisations to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities to Territorians.
National – Strengthening Health Systems in community – CLOSES Tues 28.10.25
Together with other Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) Associate Members, NHMRC is inviting investigators to submit applications with a focus on implementation research addressing strategies for strengthening of health systems to improve equity in high quality care and health outcomes, and reduce the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and/or in underserved populations experiencing health disparities such as Indigenous Populations in high-income countries (HICs).
For NHMRC funding support in HICs, research must focus on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The objective of the 2025 NHMRC-GACD grant opportunity is to fund implementation research that will generate evidence about strategies to strengthen health systems in LMICs and/or for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
NT – Suicide Prevention Community Grant – ALWAYS Open
Suicide Prevention Community Grant
Suicide prevention grants are available to deliver community-led activities that raise awareness and help keep people safe.
You can get a grant of up to $10,000.
Activities for these community grants aim to promote the following:
- support protective connections and linkages through sport, culture, education and community
- reduce exposure to trauma (violence, sexual abuse, alcohol and drug use)
- develop skills in emotional resilience and manage strong feelings
- encourage help seeking
- work together to make communities safe and supportive
- learn what works when help is needed
- feel confident and sure about how to help.
These grants are made possible through a partnership with the Northern Territory (NT) Primary Health Network and the NT Government.
NT – Aboriginal Workforce Grants Program – ALWAYS OPEN
Aboriginal Workforce Grants Program
If you are a Northern Territory (NT) business or organisation, you can apply for funding for projects that support employment of Aboriginal people.
The Aboriginal Workforce Grants Program provides funding for projects that result in Aboriginal people:
- getting jobs
- developing careers within the workplace.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are an NT enterprise including:
- Aboriginal corporation
- private business
- industry body
- not-for-profit organisation
- other incorporated organisation.
What can be funded
To be eligible for funding, your project must include elements such as:
- structured mentoring through a professional service for career development
- workforce development – for example, support to carry out workplace practices, job design or tutoring
- wraparound services including:
- on-site mentoring and structured workplace support
- transport and/or accommodation where there is no alternative.
NSW – Cancer Quality Improvement Collaboration Grant – ALWAYS OPEN
This grant funding supports opportunities for quality improvement activities within Aboriginal Medical Services to contribute to a cancer system that is responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people.
National – Improving equity in health outcomes – CLOSES Tues 28.10.25
Together with other Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) Associate Members, NHMRC is inviting investigators to submit applications with a focus on implementation research addressing strategies for strengthening of health systems to improve equity in high quality care and health outcomes, and reduce the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and/or in underserved populations experiencing health disparities such as Indigenous Populations in high-income countries (HICs). For NHMRC funding support in HICs, research must focus on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
WA – Lotterywest Grants to Support WA Communities – ALWAYS OPEN
Lotterywest offers grants to NFPs & local government authorities. Lotterywest is the only lottery in Australia to directly support WA communities (and their inspiring projects) t to make WA an even better place to live.
Lotterywest grants provide funds across 5 priority areas:
- Inclusive thriving community
- Connected cultural experiences
- Protected sustainable ecosystems
- Smart innovative society
- Active healthy people
SA – Funding for Organisations to Improve Indigenous outcomes – ALWAYS OPEN
Indigenous Advancement Strategy
The Indigenous Advancement Strategy provides funding for organisations to help them undertake projects or activities which promote equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
NT – Employment Training Projects Where Skills Shortages – ALWAYS OPEN
Pre-employment Training Program NT
This program provides funding for training providers running training employment projects that may fulfil a skills shortage.
NT – Grants for Seniors Month events – applications opened Mar 2025
Your event must:
- celebrate older people and their continuing contribution
- encourage older people to live healthy and active lifestyles all year round
- demonstrate that older age can be a time of learning and adventure.
- Applications open in March.
- You can apply on the GrantsNT website.
Applications open March 2025. Senior Month runs in August in the NT.
NT – Community Benefit Fund: gambling ameliorations grants – ALWAYS OPEN
Gambling amelioration grants provide funding to support the promotion of community awareness and education in respect of problem gambling.
Funding can also include counselling, rehabilitation and support services for problem gamblers and their families.
Your organisation must be not-for-profit and have a physical presence in the NT.
You must be an NT based non-profit community organisation.
You must also be incorporated under one of the following:
- the Associations Act (NT)
- the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth)
- the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Commonwealth)
- any other Act of Parliament.
NT – Health Aboriginal Scholarship Scheme – ALWAYS OPEN
If you’re an Aboriginal student in your first year of an undergraduate health degree, you can apply for the Northern Territory (NT) Health Aboriginal Scholarship Scheme.
Five scholarships worth up to $5,000 each are available to eligible students who are studying:
- any bachelor degree within the field of health or
- a bachelor degree that has a pathway leading to a health occupation such as a registered nurse, midwife or pharmacist.
NT – Aboriginal Responsive Skilling Grants – ALWAYS OPEN
Aboriginal Responsive Skilling Grants funding for regional and remote communities to train workers for projects in the community. This funding may cover the entire cost of training for people looking for work, or up to 50% of the cost for training existing workers.
By the time you have finished the training, the participants will have the following:
- increased or improved work skills
- better employment pathways or opportunities
- nationally recognised qualifications.
National – Incorporating Patient Data in Health Technology – CLOSES Wed 23.7.25
Financial assistance grants to support medical research & medical innovation projects that develop:
- consumer-informed approaches to generating and/or incorporating:
- consumer/patient data across the health technology assessment lifecycle of (1) medicines or vaccines; or (2) medical devices
- (3) patient reported outcomes into the assessment of the long-term safety & efficacy and/or the material safety & biocompatibility of implantable devices.
- (4) scalable approaches to evaluating the long-term effectiveness of highly specialised therapies emerging medicines, or medicine-related health technologies, including the incorporation of patient reported outcomes
Location: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
Closes: Wed 23 July 2025
Grant Type: Research
Agency: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
National – Mental Health & Climate Change Research – CLOSES Wed 23.7.25
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Global Health Initiative grants:
- aim: to develop knowledge & tools for addressing threats to Australia’s national health security from regional & global challenges
- objective: financial assistance to support medical research & medical innovation projects that, through co-design with consumers & health services, develop scalable & sustainable interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on Australians’ mental health
- intended outcome: to improve the health & wellbeing of Australians by addressing the mental health impacts of climate change
Location: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
Closes: Wed 23 July 2025
Grant Type: Research
Agency: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
National – Disaster Recovery Quick Response Grants – ALWAYS OPEN
Assists any Indigenous corporation whose property has been directly affected by a declared natural disaster, such as a flood, bushfire, or cyclone. The funding can be used for immediate clean up of property, work to make property safe & purchase plant & equipment to assist with recovery efforts.
Locations: National
Opens: Always open
Grant Type: Health
Max. Grant: $20,000
Eligibility: Indigenous corporations (incorporated) may be eligible for assistance through the program if:
- Their property is within a State or Territory declared natural disaster area.
- They require immediate assistance to make their property safe to access.
Agency: Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation
National – Rural Procedural Grants Program – ALWAYS OPEN
This program aims to support procedural GPs who work in rural & remote areas to:
- improve or extend current skill levels
- ensure they have the skills to provide high-quality services
- comply with the professional development requirements of their GP college.
This helps ensure people in rural & remote areas have access to highly skilled health professionals. Helps cover the cost of professional development for procedural general practitioners (GPs) who work in rural & remote areas. The RPGP provides grants of up to $32,000 to rural GPs and locums who provide procedural services. This helps with the cost of attending continuing professional development activities, to maintain or increase their procedural & emergency medicine skills (including emergency mental health).
Locations: National
Opens: Always open
Grant Type: Health
Max. Grant: $32,000
Co-contribution: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be a GP working in a MMM 3-7 region. Please see section 6 of the Guidelines.
Agency: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
QLD – Mental Awareness Foundation Grants – ALWAYS OPEN
Supports those making a difference in the area of mental health.
Opens: Always open
Grant Type: Mental Health
Max. Grant: $300,000 per year for 3 years
Eligibility: Must be a registered charity based in Queensland.
Agency: Mental Awareness Foundation
WA – BHP WA Community Grants Program – ALWAYS OPEN
The BHP WA Community Grants program enables positive community, environmental & economic development initiatives in BHP’s host communities that their operatives, employees & their families call home.
Locations: WA only
Opens/Closes:Refer Agency’s website
Grant Type: Community
Max. Grant: $20,000
Eligibility: WA Community Grants program supporting Port Hedland, Newman, Kalgoorlie, Kambalda, Leinster, Leonora, Wiluna & Kwinana.
Agency:BHP
NT – Aboriginal Investment Corporation – CLOSES TBC
Grants are to promote self-determination & economic self-sufficiency of Aboriginal people living in the NT & promote their social &cultural wellbeing. The NTAIC Grants Program aims to ensure:
- funding is provided to Aboriginal people in the NT.
- NTAIC Grants maximise strategic opportunities & drive economic, social & cultural outcomes.
There are two streams – General Grants & Innovation Grants.
Locations: NT
Opens: “Mid 2024”
Closes: TBC
Grant Type: Various
Max. Grant: General Grants – $500,000 per year (up to $1.5m over three years).
Innovation Grants – $10m
Co-contribution: Not specified
Eligibility: Indigenous Organisations in the NT
Agency: NTAIC
NT, QLD, SA, WA – Agency Collaborates – Community Initiated – CLOSES Tues 30.12.25
Grants that address a need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, developed with the target community or group who will be impacted by the activity. This funding can be used where a need has been identified in the community & there are no other current funding avenues available.
Location: NT, QLD, SA, WA
Closes: Tues 30 December 2025
Grant Type: NIAA
Agency: National Indigenous Australians Agency
National – Cancer Patient Care Program – CLOSES Fri 1.8.25
This grant opportunity seeks to ensure all Australian’s living with cancer have access to high-quality & culturally safe support throughout their cancer experience. This grant opportunity will prioritise activities that focus on increasing equity across tumour types a&/or priority populations. The Cancer Patient Support Program will support, one-off, time-limited activities that provide national leadership on emerging priorities across the cancer control continuum.
Location: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
Closes: Fri 1 August 2025
Grant Type: Health
Agency: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Tips and tricks
Writing a successful grant proposal often requires a strategic approach which communicates your organisation’s mission, needs, and goals in a clear and compelling way. To help you write a winning grant proposal, here are some tips and tricks to consider:
- Understand the funder’s priorities: Research the funder’s priorities, goals, and outcomes to ensure your project aligns with them. Review their previous grant awards and current guidelines to understand what they’re looking for. Consider whether it’s worth investing time and energy by applying for grants which may not be in alignment with what your project wants to do.
- Develop a compelling narrative: Tell a story that connects your organisation’s mission and goals to the funder’s priorities. Use data, statistics, and examples to support your narrative and make it convincing. However, be careful to ensure you still answer the questions.
- Focus on outcomes and impact: Show how your project will make a difference and achieve specific outcomes. Include metrics and evaluation plans to demonstrate the impact of your work.
- Craft a clear and concise budget: Develop a detailed budget that is easy to understand and aligns with the funder’s requirements. Clearly articulate how the funds will be used and how they align with your project goals.
- Build strong partnerships: Build partnerships with other organisations and stakeholders to strengthen your proposal and increase your chances of success. Highlight the strengths and expertise of your partners and how they will contribute to the success of your project.
- Avoid common pitfalls: Avoid common pitfalls such as vague language, insufficient details, lack of clarity around outcomes, and unrealistic budgets. Make sure you comprehend what each question is asking and address this in your response. Have others review and provide feedback on your proposal before submission.
By following these fundamental points, you’ll be well on your way to writing a successful grant proposal that stands out from the rest. Remember, the key is to communicate your organisation’s mission and goals in a clear and compelling way that resonates with the funder’s priorities and demonstrates the impact of your work.