Request for Applications: Reconciliation Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 31-May-2027

The Nillumbik Reconciliation Grant provides up to $2,000 per financial year to eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups in Nillumbik for projects that promote truth-telling, recognition, cultural celebration, inclusion, and participation for First Nations People. The total grant pool is $10,000, and funded activities must take place within the Nillumbik municipal area and be completed by 30 June 2027. The grant supports community-led reconciliation activities that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, strengthen community connections, address misunderstanding and division, and contribute to a more inclusive community. What Is the Nillumbik Reconciliation Grant? The Reconciliation Grant is offered by Nillumbik Shire Council to support community initiatives that contribute to reconciliation and healing for First Nations People. The programme recognises the importance of: Truth-telling. Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Activities that encourage respectful relationships. Projects may also be organised during or in recognition of significant reconciliation and First Nations events. Can Projects Be Held During NAIDOC Week or Reconciliation Week? Yes. Eligible activities may be delivered during, or in recognition of: National Sorry Day. National Reconciliation Week. NAIDOC Week. Applicants should ensure that the proposed activity has a clear reconciliation purpose rather than simply using an event as a fundraising or entertainment opportunity. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must meet the grant’s organisational and geographic requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit incorporated organisations. Eligible community groups. Organisations or groups connected to Nillumbik. Groups applying through an eligible not-for-profit auspice. Applicants must live, work, study, volunteer, or participate in activities in Nillumbik, or otherwise meet the Council’s eligibility requirements. Groups that are not incorporated may be able to apply through an eligible auspice organisation. What Is an Auspice Organisation? An auspice is an eligible organisation that formally supports an applicant that does not itself meet the required legal or organisational structure. The auspicing organisation generally takes responsibility for administering the grant and meeting relevant funding obligations. Applicants using an auspice should confirm that the proposed auspice meets Council’s requirements before applying. How Much Funding Is Available?

Successful applicants can receive:

Up to $2,000 per financial year

The total grant pool is:

$10,000 Funding can support one or more eligible reconciliation activities or projects, provided they meet the programme requirements. When Must the Funding Be Used? All grant funding must be spent by: 30 June 2027 Applicants should therefore propose activities that can be realistically planned, delivered, and acquitted within the funding period. What Strategic Plans Must Projects Align With? Projects must align with at least one relevant Nillumbik strategic framework.

Eligible applicants: Not-for-profit incorporated organisations and eligible community groups

Auspice: Permitted where requirements are met

Focus: First Nations reconciliation, truth-telling, recognition, celebration, inclusion, and participation

Relevant events: National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week

Strategic alignment: Nillumbik Reconciliation Charter and/or Nillumbik Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029

Spending deadline: 30 June 2027

Insurance: Public liability insurance required

Geographic requirement: Activities must be within Nillumbik

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Nillumbik Reconciliation Grant? The Nillumbik Reconciliation Grant provides funding for community-led projects that promote truth-telling, recognition, cultural celebration, inclusion, and participation for First Nations People within Nillumbik. How much funding can an applicant receive? Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 per financial year, with a total grant pool of $10,000. Who can apply for the grant? Eligible applicants include not-for-profit incorporated organisations and community groups that meet Nillumbik’s geographic requirements. Eligible groups may also apply through an approved auspice. Can activities be held during NAIDOC Week? Yes. Eligible reconciliation activities may be delivered during or in recognition of NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week, or National Sorry Day. Can a project take place outside Nillumbik? No. Projects outside the Nillumbik municipal boundary are not eligible for funding. Can the grant fund a fundraising event? No. Fundraising-only activities are excluded. Applicants should demonstrate a direct reconciliation, inclusion, community connection, or First Nations participation outcome. What strategic documents should the project align with? Projects must align with the Nillumbik Reconciliation Charter and/or the Nillumbik Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029. Conclusion The Nillumbik Reconciliation Grant provides small but targeted funding for community-led initiatives that strengthen First Nations recognition, truth-telling, cultural celebration, inclusion, and community connection. With grants of up to $2,000, the programme can help local not-for-profit organisations and community groups deliver meaningful reconciliation activities, including initiatives connected to National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week. Applicants should ensure their project is based within Nillumbik, aligns with Council’s reconciliation and wellbeing priorities, meets insurance requirements, and uses the funding by 30 June 2027.