Aboriginal Affairs NSW Cultural Grants Program

About this grant

This program provides funding to Aboriginal community organisations across NSW to celebrate Aboriginal culture and hold key cultural events and activities.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Eligible nsw aboriginal owned and controlled organisations.
• Funding can be used for projects that meet the objectives of the cultural grants program. the following are the types of activities that may be funded, where they are aligned with the program objectives:
• Women’s or men’s gathering on country
• Delivery of a culture and wellbeing camp for aboriginal youth
• Creation of a digital installation showing aboriginal history of the local community
• Statewide music or cultural festival
• Hosting a series of online workshops.
• Small community-based aboriginal-owned and controlled organisations are able to access this fund.
• Applicants must:
• Be an eligible aboriginal-owned and controlled organisation
• Deliver a service to aboriginal communities within nsw
• Have public liability insurance of at least $10 million per claim, or be willing to purchase it as part of the project budget.
• Eligible organisations are:
• Registered aboriginal and/or torres strait islander corporations
• Companies incorporated in australia
• Local aboriginal land councils
• Incorporated trustees on behalf of a trust
• Unincorporated aboriginal community groups with an eligible auspice
• Aboriginal businesss or sole traders whose primary business activity relates to cultural expression or revitalisation (noting projects must not be profit-making in nature).
• Funding for nsw businesses to assess installing a heat pump
• Funding for nt-based tour operators
• Quick response funding for nsw contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals

What the funding covers

• Funding between $1K to $20K.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/aboriginal-affairs-nsw-cultural-grants-program for application details

Application tips