Thanks to the generosity of our giving community and funding partners, the Rapid Response Referendum Grants Pool has distributed over $320,000 in just three weeks.

Overseen by our First Nations Advisory Group, the Grant Round has so far supported 30 organisations and community groups working to amplify First Nations voices advocating for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. View the list of organisations below.

Chris Croker, Australian Communities Foundation Director and First Nations Advisory Group member, said the breadth and diversity of applicants demonstrate the extensive work communities are undertaking towards Voice.

“From community consultations in Dubbo to information sessions in the Torres Strait and community campaigns in the East Kimberley, it is clear that First Nations leaders, friends and allies from across all walks of life are coming together in all corners of Australia.”

How you can help

We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest and, with all funds now allocated, have had to temporarily close the Grant Round. But there are many more organisations and groups wanting to activate projects around the country, many of which have already submitted strong expressions of interest.

With the release of the Referendum pamphlet this month and the campaigns ramping up, it is even more critical that community groups are able to mobilise around the work of Voice, Treaty and Truth in the months ahead. 

Contribute to the Rapid Response Referendum Grants Pool today so that, together, we can continue amplifying First Nations efforts towards Voice and add to the great work already enabled – see Grant Highlights below.

Interested in contributing to the Grants Pool? Contact us: grants@communityfoundation.org.au or call 03 9412 0412.

Grant highlights

Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place: “We have been promoting understanding and awareness of the pro-Voice case on the Mornington Peninsula for the last 8 months. The Rapid Response grant has enabled us to redouble our efforts in the crucial lead-up to the Referendum.” Read more

Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council: “The grant has given us the confidence to proceed with our campaign activities… We’ve had great feedback from participants and the information sessions have been a great way of tapping into community support for other aspects of the campaign.” Read more

Yes23 Community Facilitators Network: “Support from the ACF Rapid Response Grant Round has enabled us to reach more people. Our Referendum education sessions provide information in relevant languages and in a culturally respectful manner to people who would normally find information on the Referendum difficult to access.” Read more

Kol Halev: Jewish Voice for Yes: “With the quick turnaround from the Rapid Response Round, we were able to employ a Community Organiser, lock in our large launch events, and start planning a range of more targeted events throughout our community in support of a Yes vote.” Read more

Community Voices Say Yes on TV: Working in partnership with First Nations community media organisations, Channel 31 is developing a community television campaign in support of Voice. Read more

Grant recipients

Aboriginal Family Legal Services WA
Africause
Agency Projects
Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition
Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation
CASSE Australia
Climate And Health Alliance
Dubbo Local Aboriginal Land Council
Edmund Rice Community Services
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council
Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust
Melbourne Community Television Consortium
Melbourne International Film Festival
National Indigenous Intervention Network
Nungaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council
Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council
Port Phillip Citizens For Reconciliation
Shara Clarke Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre Limited
Southern Women’s Action Network
Stand Up: Jewish Commitment to a Better World
SUDD Foundation
Tearfund Australia
Wellsprings for Women
West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation
Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association
YES Uraidla

Thank you

Thank you to the funders who have helped make the RRR Grant Round possible through their contributions to the Grants Pool, including:

Australian Indigenous Persons Initiative Fund
Ballandry (Peter Griffin Family) Fund
Beeton Family Fund
Dorrie Alcock Memorial Fund
EM Horton Family Fund
Fiona Shields Fund
Firmly Planted
JRA Support Fund
Kapscalu Rejenerative Fund
Keith and Jeanette Ince Fund
O’Shea Thompson Family Fund
Oranges & Sardines Foundation
Tass Nyungar Fund