RFAs: Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2027

The Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Establishment and Expansion Fund (AEEF) supports Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in the Australian Capital Territory to strengthen organisational capacity, governance, service delivery, and community leadership. The 2026–27 program provides a total funding pool of $1,276,000, with grants available across four stages of organisational development. What Is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Establishment and Expansion Fund? The Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Establishment and Expansion Fund is an ACT Government funding program designed to strengthen the Aboriginal community-controlled sector and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Canberra. The fund supports ACT-based ACCOs that deliver human services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It is designed to help organisations build the systems, leadership, governance, partnerships, and capabilities needed to provide culturally appropriate and community-led services. The AEEF aligns with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, particularly Priority Reform 2: Building the community-controlled sector. The program also supports the priorities of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019–2028, including: - Aboriginal community leadership - Economic participation - Inclusive communities - Stronger community-controlled services - Culturally appropriate service delivery What Does the AEEF Support? The fund supports activities that strengthen the organisational capacity and capability of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations.

Projects may focus on:

- Community-controlled leadership and decision-making - Development of culturally appropriate human services - Embedding Aboriginal culture within organisational practices - Building on existing community capacity - Strengthening governance and organisational systems - Developing effective leadership structures - Establishing trusting partnerships and collaborations - Developing sustainable organisational capacity - Expanding or improving human service delivery - Implementing community development approaches The program recognises that ACCOs may be at different stages of organisational development. Funding is therefore available through four stages, ranging from initial start-up through to organisational growth and expansion. How Much Funding Is Available? The 2026–27 AEEF Grant Program has a total funding pool of $1,276,000. Funding is available across four organisational development stages:

- Start Up: Grants of up to $15,000

- Establishment: Grants of up to $150,000

- Development: Grants of up to $150,000

- Growth: Grants of up to $120,000

The four-stage model allows eligible organisations to seek support that reflects their current organisational needs and level of development. AEEF Funding Stages Explained Start Up The Start Up stage provides grants of up to $15,000. This level of funding is intended for organisations that are at the early stages of establishing their operations and need support to build foundational organisational capacity. Potential activities may include establishing basic governance, organisational systems, planning processes, or other activities necessary to support the development of a community-controlled organisation. Establishment The Establishment stage provides grants of up to $150,000. This stage is intended to help ACCOs strengthen their organisational foundations and establish effective systems for delivering culturally appropriate human services. Projects may focus on governance, organisational capability, leadership, service development, partnerships, and community engagement. Development The Development stage provides grants of up to $150,000. This funding stream is designed for organisations seeking to further develop their capabilities, improve service delivery, strengthen governance, or respond to identified community needs. Activities should contribute to sustainable organisational development and stronger outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Growth The Growth stage provides grants of up to $120,000. This stage supports ACCOs that are ready to expand their organisational capacity, services, partnerships, or community impact. Growth-focused projects should demonstrate how additional capacity will strengthen culturally appropriate services and improve outcomes for the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants are ACT human service delivery Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) that meet the requirements of Clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The program also allows applications from ACCO-led partnerships and collaborations where the relevant eligibility requirements are satisfied.

Applicants must generally:

- Be established to provide culturally appropriate human services to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. - Operate in the Australian Capital Territory. - Have established governance structures in the ACT. - Meet the relevant requirements for an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. - Demonstrate a connection to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. - Use the funding to strengthen organisational capacity, capability, service delivery, or community outcomes. Who Is Not Eligible? The following applicants are not eligible for AEEF funding: - Individuals - Businesses - For-profit entities - Government agencies - Educational institutions - Organisations operating licensed premises - Organisations operating gaming machines Applicants should carefully assess their organisational structure and purpose before preparing an application. What Types of Projects Are Suitable? The AEEF is focused on organisational strengthening rather than general-purpose funding. Suitable