2025/26 Aboriginal &Torres Strait Islander Community Grants

3. Applicants for this grant program must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community groups that are:

• A not-for profit group/organisation. (Groups must be incorporated if applying for more than $2,000.) Not incorporated organisations/groups can apply for up to $2,000.

• Applicants must be either based in Darebin or be able to deliver activities within the City of Darebin area.

• A school. (Schools are also encouraged to partner with community groups in activities that benefit the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and communities.)

We can only accept applications from Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations (that are not Aboriginal Community-Controlled) provided they meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Under clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation is an organisation that delivers services, including land and resource management, that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people and is:

 incorporated under relevant legislation and not-for-profit

 controlled and operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

 connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services

 governed by a majority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governing body.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations (not an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation)

 Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that are not an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation must be:

 incorporated under relevant legislation and not-for-profit

 majority (51%) controlled and operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services

 able to demonstrate how the grant activities will be community-led and endorsed.

(Criteria sourced from the Department of Social Services.18.12.2023)

 4. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Only community groups and not-for-profit groups/ organisations can apply.

5. The main aim of this program is to support projects that reflect Council’s Strategic Objective: prioritise and respect the voices and aspirations of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Darebin. This grant program aims to support projects and activities for all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds to get active, socially connect and participate in community and cultural activities.

The focus areas of this grants program are:

• Promote active participation and wellbeing of Darebin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents especially women, young people, older adults, people with disability, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, low-income earners, people from LGBTIQA+ communities
• Build new and/or enhance inter-generational and intercultural partnerships and collaborations.
• Participation and social connection through art & cultural diversity.

6. How will the Grant Application be assessed?

Council assesses each application on its merits. Eligible applications will be assessed using the questions and criteria listed below. The percentage weightings are provided as a guide to the importance of each question in the assessment process:

Community need (25%)

Does the application support the priority groups?

Does the project address the community need?

Community benefit (25%)

Does the project benefit residents of Darebin?

Is there a clear link between the community need, the activities that will be delivered and the community benefit?

 Equity and Inclusion (30%)

Does the project focus on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander communities?

Does the project address issues of social exclusion or barriers to participation?

Budget and planning (20%)

Is the application well planned and achievable within the timeframe?

Does the budget reflect what is planned and what can be achieved?

8. A maximum of one application per applicant each financial year will be considered. (You can include more than one activity within this application.)

9. Closing date is Wednesday April 30 2025 at 11.59pm (end of day). Late applications cannot be accepted.

 WHAT IF I'M  STILL NOT SURE ABOUT THIS GRANT? 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your grant idea further, please contact  Stuart McFarlane  Senior  Aboriginal Partnerships Officer by email: stuart.mcfarlane@darebin.vic.gov.au  or  +613 84708366

Or Jennifer Worthington – Partnerships & Grants Officer  by email: darebingrants@darebin.vic.gov.au  or  +613 84708504