Federal Government 2026 NAIDOC Local Grants
The Federal Government 2026 NAIDOC Local Grants aims to assist with the cost of activities being held during NAIDOC Week 2026 (5-12 July 2026)
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC (which is the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is held in July to celebrate our First Nations’ histories, cultures, achievements and continuing contributions to Australia.
Whilst I firmly believe that all Australians should be learning more about our First Nations people and cultures every day, NAIDOC Week is a significant opportunity learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. FYI the image in this post is from the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival where I spent part of the 2023 Naidoc Week
And given the importance of learning about our First Nations people and cultures and in closing the gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians, the Federal Government provides funding to assist under the NAIDOC Local Grants Program.
So if you are thinking about holding an event or celebration for the 2026 NAIDOC Week, then this grant may be for you
Funding Available
There are three funding Categories for this grant opportunity:
- Educational Institutions – funding up to $1,500 ex GST
- Small Scale Grants – funding of $10,000 ex GST or less.
- Larger Scale Grants – competitive funding of between $10,001 to $25,000 for activities / events which may be delivered in multiple communities or locations
Who is Eligible for the 2026 NAIDOC Local Grants
The activity or event must support the Australian Government’s commitment to celebrate, support, and raise awareness of First Nations histories and cultures within the wider community. An activity or event being run by a non-First Nations organisation must have support from the local First Nations community.
To be eligible you must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN), (note can be a sole trader, but will need a letter of support)
- have an account with an Australian financial institution
- be financially viable and have other sources of co-contribution funding
Eligible grant activities
Your grant activity can include:
- activities that promote heathy outcomes for First Nations people
- arts based activities, including painting, dancing, crafts and storytelling
- family fun days
- cultural activities
- Elders activities
- bush tucker and other community cooking activities
- NAIDOC themed sporting activities or competitions, and
- activities that actively promote reconciliation.
Learn More
Click here to learn more
Applications close 19 February 2026
Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.
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Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052
