RFAs: First Nations Clean Energy Projects – Pilot Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The Australian Government’s First Nations Clean Energy Projects Pilot Grants provide funding to help up to two First Nations organisations advance clean energy projects beyond the feasibility stage toward financial close. Grants range from $1 million to $10 million, with a total funding pool of up to $10 million over two financial years, supporting First Nations-led clean energy initiatives and helping address barriers to investment and project development. First Nations Clean Energy Projects Pilot Grants – Overview The First Nations Clean Energy Projects Pilot Grants are part of the Australian Government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy. The program provides targeted financial support to First Nations organisations developing clean energy projects that have progressed beyond feasibility but still require support to move toward financial close. The initiative aims to address barriers that can prevent First Nations-led clean energy projects from attracting investment and progressing to development. The pilot will also generate evidence and lessons that can be shared with the broader clean energy sector. Key Details

- Funding: $1 million to $10 million per grant

- Total funding pool: Up to $10 million

- Funding period: Two financial years

- Number of organisations supported: Up to two First Nations organisations

- Project stage: Beyond feasibility and progressing toward financial close

- Country: Australia

- Applicant type: Eligible First Nations organisations

- ABN requirement: Applicants must have an Australian Business Number

- Programme: First Nations Clean Energy Strategy

- Focus: Clean energy development, investment readiness and financial close

What Is the Program Designed to Achieve? The pilot grants aim to increase investment in First Nations-led clean energy projects by helping eligible organisations overcome barriers between feasibility and project financing.

The program seeks to:

- Advance First Nations clean energy projects toward financial close. - Address investment and development barriers. - Strengthen First Nations participation in the clean energy sector. - Support the development of viable clean energy initiatives. - Generate evidence about successful First Nations clean energy projects. - Identify factors that can encourage increased investment. - Share lessons learned with the broader clean energy sector. Why Support First Nations Clean Energy Projects? First Nations organisations can play an important role in Australia’s transition to clean energy. However, projects can face challenges when moving from feasibility studies into the more complex development and investment stages. The pilot grants are designed to provide targeted support during this critical stage, helping selected projects progress toward financial close and creating evidence that may help improve investment opportunities for similar First Nations-led initiatives. What Stage of Projects Can Be Supported? The grants are intended for clean energy projects that have already moved beyond the feasibility stage. The focus is on helping projects progress toward financial close. This means the funding is designed for projects that have demonstrated sufficient feasibility to move into more advanced development and investment activities rather than projects that are still at the initial idea or feasibility stage. Funding Available The program provides substantial financial support to selected First Nations organisations.

- Minimum grant: $1 million

- Maximum grant: $10 million

- Total funding pool: Up to $10 million

- Expected recipients: Up to two organisations

- Funding period: Two financial years

The maximum total program pool means that the available funding may be allocated across up to two successful organisations. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must be a First Nations organisation in Australia with an Australian Business Number (ABN). The organisation must fall within one of the eligible legal categories. Registered Land Councils Eligible applicants can include a registered land council that: - Represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; or - Manages land rights or native title. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations Applicants can be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. Companies Limited by Guarantee A company limited by guarantee may also qualify where it meets the program’s First Nations organisation requirements. Incorporated Trustees An incorporated trustee acting on behalf of a trust established for the benefit of First Nations peoples may be eligible. Not-for-Profit Associations and Cooperatives

Eligible applicants can also include:

- Not-for-profit incorporated associations. - Not-for-profit cooperatives. All applicants must have an ABN and satisfy the relevant First Nations organisation requirements. How the Pilot Grant Works Step 1 – Confirm Organisational Eligibility Check that your organisation is a First Nations organisation, has an ABN and falls within one of the eligible organisational structures. Step 2 – Assess Project Readiness Confirm that the proposed clean energy project has progressed beyond feasibility and is positioned to move toward financial close. Step 3 – Identify Development and Investment Barriers Clearly identify the barriers preventing the project from progressing and explain how grant funding can help overcome them. Step 4 – Develop the Project Proposal Prepare a strong proposal explaining the project, its development status, funding requirements, expected outcomes and pathway toward financial close. Step 5 – Determine the Funding Request Applicants can seek between $1 million and $10 million, depending on project requirements and eligibility. Step 6 – Submit the Application Submit the application and supporting information according to the program requirements. Step 7 – Advance the Project Successful applicants use t