Search Grants & Funding

Our Country Our Future (OCOF) is the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation's (ILSC) chief funding program for facilitating the return and management of Country to First Nations peoples.

They partner with eligible First Nations groups across Australia and across a range of sectors.

Direct funding is offered for:

• purchasing, managing and/or developing land or water-related interests
• planning and capability building projects to support purchasing, managing and/or developing land or water-related interests

Advice and capability support is also available, including in developing partnerships, markets and other opportunities.

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is a program for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women from high school through to higher education, tertiary pathways and graduate employment, who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The Academy engages and mentors young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women in who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

There is no cost to schools, students, parents/carers and no additional workloads are expected for busy teachers. The Academy is delivered by over 85% Indigenous staff, with the support of exemplary and Child Safe screened STEM Professional mentors and industry leaders.

The Academy is open to young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island women living in Australia. Intakes are dependent on scheduled year cohorts, but they highly encourage potential applicants to email the Academy outside of these schedules, as the program may adapt to new locations and ages depending on demand, year on year.

Eligibility requirements:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander female or female identifying.
• In Year 9 or above from 2024 onwards.
• Passing English, Maths and Science.
• Registered for school or homeschooling in their Australian state or territory.
• Demonstrated interest in STEM subjects and topics.
• Young women registered for school, boarding school or homeschooling.
• An expressed interest in STEM, and eagerness to enrol in STEM subjects as applicable.

CORENA provides interest-free loans to help fund climate projects anywhere in Australia in cases where the up-front capital cost is a barrier. Their team can also offer independent technical advice to overcome barriers to implementing cost-effective climate projects.

They welcome project loan applications from non-profits, community organisations and social enterprises and will also consider businesses or cooperatives with a social or environmental purpose.

Note that projects which are cost effective and ‘pay for themselves’ in a reasonable time (with the loan repayments to them covered by the savings made on bills) are favoured.

Examples of Eligible Projects

Renewable Energy

• Solar panels
• Batteries

Energy Efficiency

• Energy audits
• Heating and cooling
• Lighting retrofits
• Energy monitoring

Getting Off Gas

• Heat pump hot water systems
• Induction stovetops
• Heat pump space heating

Electric Vehicles

• Cars & buses
• Delivery vehicles

CORENA encourages you to look at your energy use as a whole and apply for a combination of the above projects, potentially over a number of years, with the aim of becoming an all electric organisation.

If you have another project that reduces carbon emissions but is not listed above, they will also be happy to consider it, they love to support innovative ideas.

This grant program provides funding to build new or upgrade existing preschools on at least 50 non-government school sites, at both independent and Catholic schools in NSW.

Grants under the program are to be directed towards non-government schools that:

• provide primary education (that is, primary schools and composite (K-12) schools)
• are located in high-growth areas, with consideration of socio-economic status, student demographics and classification as a school for a specific purpose.

To be eligible for funding under the program, a non-government school must:

• be registered for funding assistance under the Education Act 1990 (NSW) (the Act)
• not operate on a ‘for profit’ basis within the meaning of section 83C of the Act
• be affiliated with one of the two grant authorities to the satisfaction of the relevant grant authority
• either own the land or have a lease on the land and/or buildings for a period commensurate with the period in which the grant may be required to be repaid if the school no longer provides education services.

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund offers flexible support to emerging independent games practitioners as well as established gamemakers who are interested in exploring creative and artistic experimentation within their practice.

It can fund the creation of a prototype or the completion and release of a micro-scale game. The program will run as a series of rounds from financial year 2023/24 until financial year 2026/27.

For games that are already developed to the point of having a playable prototype, consider instead applying for the Games Production Fund.

Given the scale of funding available and the obligation for teams to compensate themselves fairly under Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade, this program is aimed at teams of smaller sizes, although larger teams are still eligible to apply.

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund offers flexible support to emerging independent games practitioners as well as established gamemakers who are interested in exploring creative and artistic experimentation within their practice.

It can fund the creation of a prototype or the completion and release of a micro-scale game. The program will run as a series of rounds from financial year 2023/24 until financial year 2026/27.

For games that are already developed to the point of having a playable prototype, consider instead applying for the Games Production Fund.

Given the scale of funding available and the obligation for teams to compensate themselves fairly under Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade, this program is aimed at teams of smaller sizes, although larger teams are still eligible to apply.

The Games Production Fund offers flexible support to Australian independent gamemakers and games studios. The grant is aimed at projects that already have an early-stage prototype. 

The program allows Screen Australia to respond to the varied needs of gamemakers at different career stages, providing direct funding that will assist studios in meeting their goals and establishing themselves in the international games landscape.

Applicants must contextualise the milestone they are working towards and how this funding will help them achieve it in their applications. Significant milestones include: 

• Completion/release of a game
• Early Access release of a game
• Completion of a demo (to release at a digital event, or present at a physical event)
• Creating a vertical slice that is of global competitive quality and enables a team to access the international funding and pitching ecosystem
• Developing an early-stage prototype to a quality suitable for submission to an accolade signifying cultural impact, such as a notable award, showcase, festival, gallery or museum exhibit opportunity
• Any other goal, as defined by the applicant

The program will run as a series of rounds from financial year 2023/24 until financial year 2026/27.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be a company at the time of application. 

Other business structures, including sole traders and public companies, are not eligible. 

Sole traders are instead encouraged to consider applying for the Emerging Gamemakers Fund if they otherwise meet the criteria of that program. 

All applicants and projects must also meet the eligibility criteria under Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade. 

The Games Production Fund offers flexible support to Australian independent gamemakers and games studios. The grant is aimed at projects that already have an early-stage prototype. 

The program allows Screen Australia to respond to the varied needs of gamemakers at different career stages, providing direct funding that will assist studios in meeting their goals and establishing themselves in the international games landscape.

Applicants must contextualise the milestone they are working towards and how this funding will help them achieve it in their applications. Significant milestones include: 

• Completion/release of a game
• Early Access release of a game
• Completion of a demo (to release at a digital event, or present at a physical event)
• Creating a vertical slice that is of global competitive quality and enables a team to access the international funding and pitching ecosystem
• Developing an early-stage prototype to a quality suitable for submission to an accolade signifying cultural impact, such as a notable award, showcase, festival, gallery or museum exhibit opportunity
• Any other goal, as defined by the applicant

The program will run as a series of rounds from financial year 2023/24 until financial year 2026/27.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be a company at the time of application. 

Other business structures, including sole traders and public companies, are not eligible. 

Sole traders are instead encouraged to consider applying for the Emerging Gamemakers Fund if they otherwise meet the criteria of that program. 

All applicants and projects must also meet the eligibility criteria under Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade. 

CAGES Foundation Economic Development Grants exist to assist First Nations businesses and enterprises to attract investment and build revenue whilst supporting sustainable communities.

These grants are separate to any financial impact investment that the investment committee of CAGES Foundation may make from the foundation’s corpus.

Economic Development Guidelines:

• Preference for Aboriginal Community Controlled or led organisation
• Organisations that are working toward breaking down systemic barriers and creating opportunities that exist for First Nations businesses
• Funding might include:
  • Core operating expenses, including salaries, communications and business development costs.
  • Developing internal investment products within Aboriginal controlled non-government organisations.
• Any activity must be community endorsed
• All organisations must have DGR1 tax status.

All partnerships start with a conversation. There are no grant rounds. Opportunities are limited due to the long-term nature of our existing partnerships.

The Breaking New Ground Program aims to assist schools, local governments, developers, community Australian football clubs, umpiring organisations and other landowners to better develop sporting infrastructure accessible to AFL programming and activities in communities across Australia.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Develop increased supply through the construction of new ovals, especially in growing communities.
• Increase the AFL facility network in areas of need, by maximising the carrying capacity and accessibility of new places to play and the quality/functionality of supporting infrastructure.
• Provide inclusive and accessible facilities that cater for the diversity of participants, particularly females, who wish to participate in our game.
• Enable planning and project partnerships to form with a range of government and non-government bodies to result in an improved quantity, quality and welcoming venue network for Australian football.
• Develop venues to support the sport’s complete talent pathway, umpiring, staff and people working and volunteering within the game.

Who Can Apply?

Schools (private and public), Developers, Local Government Authorities, AFL affiliated leagues and community clubs, umpiring organisations, other sports bodies, State Government Authorities and private landowners.

If applicable, applicants must have written support of the landowners or land managers as part of their submission.

Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) is proud to announce our first large grant round in this focus area with a total funding pool of $100,000.

Grant applications should be between $5,000 to $20,000 (maximum) over two years (if applicable) – no GST is payable.

Funding considerations

Projects must aim to support sexuality, sex and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, South Sea Islander (ATSSSI) people in at least one of the following areas:

• Enhancing cultural engagement and development,
• Enhancing support for community connection,
• Reducing social isolation,
• Improving health and/or health literacy,
• Supporting links to LGBTQIA+ services and supports,
• Improving LGBTQIA+ inclusive and culturally appropriate practices in services.

Types of projects with a duration of up to two years may include, but not limited to any of the following:

• Community development
• Education and training initiatives
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Applied, community-led research with tangible outcomes in the field
• Events including arts and cultural events or conferences

LGBTQIA+ focused means that projects must be specifically focused on people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression and/or sex characteristics.

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, South Sea Islander (ATSSSI) focused means that projects must be specifically focused on people who self-identify in these groups as the sole or majority purpose (i.e. at least 50% of beneficiaries).

Location

Projects that support people in rural and regional locations are strongly encouraged. Projects may cross state and territory borders.

The Farm Business Transition Program funding may be used for a range of activities, including planning, professional and technical advice, application of research and development innovations extension activities, and investment in on-farm infrastructure and improvements. These activities are intended to support the adoption of alternative farming systems and practices.

Grant funding of up to $75,000 (GST exclusive) over both rounds, per eligible applicant is available.

Costs incurred before a grant agreement is executed or the agreed activity start date are ineligible.

Applicants are required to provide 1:1 cash co-contribution, matching the dollar value of the grant funding approved. In-kind contributions will not be accepted as matched funding.

You must demonstrate a connection to the live sheep export by sea trade since 1 July 2020.

Applicants from Round 1:

Applicants awarded the maximum grant of $75,000 (GST exclusive) in Round 1 are not eligible to apply for further funding under Round 2.

Applicants awarded less than the maximum grant of $75,000 (GST exclusive) under Round 1 may apply under Round 2 for up to the remaining balance of the grant funding for different grant activities.

Applicants who were unsuccessful in Round 1 may apply in Round 2 for the same project or a different project.

Funding for this program is provided under the Phase Out of Live Sheep Exports by Sea - transition assistance initiative.

The Future2 annual Make the Difference! grants program aims to support community-led initiatives that build stronger financial futures for Australians in need.

Since 2007, the Make the Difference! Grants Program has awarded over $1.9 million to more than 180 grassroots programs across Australia. Focus is on supporting grassroots initiatives where funding makes a significant and lasting difference for Australians in need.

To be considered, applications must align with at least one of the following categories:

Financial Wellbeing for Young Australians
Financial literacy and education programs for people under 25.

Financial Wellbeing for Australians in Need
Initiatives supporting individuals experiencing hardship, including those affected by mental health challenges, social isolation, domestic violence, homelessness, or poverty, as well as First Nations peoples and people from refugee or migrant backgrounds.

Financial Wellbeing for Women
Programs that strengthen financial literacy, independence, and security for disadvantaged women.

Financial Wellbeing for Regional and Remote Communities
Programs that improve access to financial education and capability in regional and remote Australia.

Sporting Schools offers grant opportunities for primary schools, and targeted grant opportunities for secondary schools in relation to year 7 and 8 students. Grants support the delivery of sport-based programs to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life. Sporting Schools has partnered with more than 35 national sporting organisations (NSOs) and national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSODs) to facilitate delivery of Sporting Schools programs.

The objectives of Sporting Schools are to:

• engage primary school students in free, high-quality sport programs at school
• engage secondary school students (Years 7-8) in free, high-quality sport programs at school, particularly inactive students, girls, and students attending schools in disadvantaged areas
• establish partnerships between sporting organisations and schools to promote involvement in sport outside of school
• develop the capability of schools and teachers to provide students with positive sport experiences
• build the capability of coaches and the sport workforce
• support life-long involvement in sport and physical activity to enhance health and wellbeing.

The Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Hubs Program will establish 7 Drought Resilience Hubs (Hubs) across Australia, with the vision to build drought resilience across the drought cycle by connecting farmers and communities to regional experts, innovations, new practices and services.

The objectives of the program are:

• to facilitate the delivery of place-based extension and adoption activities with a realistic prospect of impact
• strong collaboration across the 7 Hubs, with Australian, state and territory governments, Research and Development Corporations and other relevant bodies
• robust governance frameworks that enable efficient, effective delivery with strong transparency and accountability mechanisms to build stakeholder trust.

The outcomes of the program are:

• increased farmer and community understanding of drought-resilient practices, innovations and services
• increased adoption of drought-resilient practices by farmers and regional and rural communities
• improved analysis and understanding by Hubs, Hub partners and government policymakers of drought-resilient extension and adoption gaps in the service region and identification of place-based solutions
• improved collaborative planning and delivery of drought-resilient activities between Hubs, state and territory governments, Research and Development Corporations, and industry/community stakeholders
• improved linkages between farmers and communities’ research needs and experts and researchers to support co-designed research solutions.