Grants for Indigenous Organisations in Australia
Grants specifically available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities across Australia - NIAA programs, state, and foundation funding.
Find grants matched to your indigenous organisation - free to try.
Find Grants FreeNIAA and federal indigenous grant programs
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) administers the largest portfolio of grants specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Programs cover community development, land and sea management, cultural safety, economic development, housing, and social services. The IAS (Indigenous Advancement Strategy) grants are the primary federal vehicle - they fund organisations delivering services to indigenous communities.
State and territory indigenous programs
Each Australian state and territory runs indigenous-specific programs alongside federal funding. Examples include NSW's AANSW grants, Victoria's First Peoples programs through DFFH, Queensland's Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships programs, and the Northern Territory's Land Councils and Department of Territory Families. State programs often focus on cultural programs, language preservation, land management, and community services.
Foundation grants for indigenous organisations
Foundations including the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, the Yalari Foundation, the Uluru Statement Foundation, and the Vincent Laneway Foundation support indigenous organisations and communities. The Paul Ramsay Foundation and Ian Potter Foundation also include indigenous programs. Foundation grants can fund activities outside IAS priority areas including arts, sport, health, and economic empowerment.
Eligibility for indigenous grants
Programs funded through NIAA and state indigenous departments typically require: the organisation to be controlled by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people; demonstrated community endorsement; appropriate governance; and alignment with program outcome areas. Not all programs require full ATSI ownership - some fund organisations delivering services to indigenous communities regardless of governance structure. Always check each program's specific guidelines.
Find indigenous funding opportunities
Grant Finder Pro includes indigenous-specific programs from federal and state sources in its matching database. Select 'indigenous organisation' as your organisation type and enter your state to see programs most likely to match your profile. Free to try - no account needed.