Apply now for Community Quick Response Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2027

Aboriginal Investment NT is inviting applications for the Community Quick Response Grants, which support small, time-sensitive projects that strengthen Aboriginal culture, connection to Country, and community wellbeing across the Northern Territory. The grants are designed for projects that deliver clear and immediate benefits to Aboriginal communities in urban, regional, and remote areas. Funding can support cultural activities, community events, sporting and recreational activities, artistic and educational initiatives, and projects that promote social and emotional wellbeing. Applicants can receive between $1,000 and $20,000 per project, with up to $10,000 available for event sponsorship.

About the Community Quick Response Grants

The Community Quick Response Grants provide funding for small projects and activities that need timely financial support.

The programme aims to strengthen:

- Aboriginal connections to Country. - Cultural practices. - Aboriginal languages. - Heritage. - Community participation. - Social and emotional wellbeing. - Sporting and recreational participation. - Artistic and musical activities. - Educational and social activities. Projects can be delivered in urban, regional, and remote Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding of between $1,000 and $20,000 is available per project. For event sponsorship, applicants can request up to $10,000. A total of $1.5 million is available each financial year. Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis and grants will continue to be awarded until the available funding has been spent. What Projects Can Be Funded? The grants support a range of small, one-off activities that provide clear benefits to Aboriginal community members.

Eligible activities include:

- Cultural activities such as dance, music, art, and storytelling. - Community celebration days. - Community wellbeing sessions. - Equipment and materials for events or workshops. - Venue hire. - Transport costs for events. - Catering costs for events. - Sporting equipment. - Sporting uniforms. - Travel to sporting events within Northern Territory borders. - Sponsorship for events that align with the objectives of the grant programme. Cultural Activities Funding can support cultural activities that help strengthen Aboriginal cultural practice and community participation.

Examples include:

- Dance. - Music. - Art. - Storytelling. These activities can contribute to cultural connection, heritage, and community wellbeing. Community Events and Wellbeing Activities The grants can support community events such as celebration days and wellbeing sessions. Funding can also contribute to practical event expenses, including: - Venue hire. - Transport. - Catering. - Equipment. - Materials. Projects should provide a clear benefit to Aboriginal community members and align with at least one programme objective. Sporting and Recreational Activities Sporting and recreational participation is also supported.

Eligible costs can include:

- Sporting equipment. - Sporting uniforms. - Travel to sporting events within NT borders. The proposed activity must align with the objectives of the Community Quick Response Grants and provide a clear benefit to Aboriginal community members. Event Sponsorship The programme can also provide funding for eligible event sponsorship. Up to $10,000 is available for event sponsorship where the event aligns with the objectives of the grant programme. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet specific organisational eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants must be:

- Incorporated. - Not-for-profit Traditional Owner organisations or Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. - Based in the Northern Territory, or have strong operational and cultural links to the Northern Territory. - Governed and controlled by a majority-Aboriginal board. - Operated for the benefit of Aboriginal people. Applicants should ensure that their organisation meets all requirements before submitting an application. What Projects Are Eligible? Proposed projects must meet the programme’s requirements.

Eligible projects must:

- Be stand-alone, one-off events or activities. - Provide a clear benefit to Aboriginal community members. - Align with at least one programme objective. - Be delivered within Northern Territory borders. - Start within three weeks of applying. - Finish within six months of applying. The programme is intended for small and time-sensitive projects rather than ongoing activities. When Must Projects Start and Finish? Projects must start within three weeks of applying and be completed within six months of applying. This requirement reflects the quick-response nature of the funding and ensures that supported activities are delivered within a defined timeframe. Can Organisations Apply More Than Once? Yes. Applicants may apply for more than one grant during a financial year. However, previous grants must have been acquitted before an organisation can apply for another grant. How Are Applications Assessed? Applications are assessed against several factors, including: - Value for money. - Quality of the proposed project. - Intended outcomes. - Community benefit. The assessment considers whether the proposed activity provides meaningful benefits to Aboriginal communities and represents an appropriate use of grant funding. How Quickly Are Applications Assessed? Applicants are notified of the outcome within 20 working days of submission. As funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the available funding is exhausted, applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. First-Come, First-Served Funding The Community Quick Response Grants have a total allocation of $1.5 million each financial year. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and remains available until all funds have been spent. This means that meeting the eligibility requirements does not ne