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First Nations Referendum Grants

RAPID RESPONSE GRANT ROUND

Amplifying First Nations voices for a resounding Yes

The First Nations Rapid Response Referendum Grants Round supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to campaign and organise for a resounding Yes in the upcoming Referendum and elevate the voices and leadership of First Nations advocates. 

KEY DETAILS


As part of our ongoing efforts to amplify community voices in support of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, Australian Communities Foundation is pleased to announce the next iteration of our Rapid Response Referendum (RRR) Grants program in partnership with GetUp: the First Nations RRR Grant Round.

Who? One-off grants of between $500 and $2,000 are available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations, community groups and individuals undertaking initiatives that support community to come together and get access to information, resources and support to take action for a resounding Yes in the upcoming Referendum.

When? Grants are intended to meet immediate needs and fulfill resourcing gaps as they arise in the coming weeks. We will be quickly distributing all available funds, and encourage eligible organisations to apply as soon as possible.

How? Eligible organisations are invited to submit a short expression of interest (EOI).

Before you apply: Read the guidelines below or download here. The EOI form can be previewed here.



Guidelines

Priorities

All funded initiatives must elevate and amplify First Nations voices and leadership, and enable greater accessibility of information and resources relating to efforts mobilising for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the upcoming Referendum.

The First Nations RRR Grant Round will prioritise initiatives that:

  • are led by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may not otherwise have the capacity to participate in the campaign.

  • complement and strengthen existing or ongoing initiatives in their geographic area and/or engage their intended audience.

Geography

The First Nations RRR Grant Round supports initiatives all over the country. Organisations, individuals and community groups from rural and remote areas are strongly encouraged to apply, and to factor in any additional expenses associated with conducting activities in these locations when making their submission.

Eligibility

Funding is available to formal and informal not-for-profit entities, including community groups and individuals.

 

Use of funds

Funding can be used for any activities that contribute to the goals of the First Nations RRR Grant Round. These include but are not limited to: 

  • Events, rallies, convenings 
  • Information sessions 
  • Dissemination of information 
  • Activation of public spaces 
  • Production of materials 
  • Collaboration with other groups 
  • Operational costs associated with carrying out the above 

Funding cannot be used for: 

  • Non-charitable, partisan, retrospective, or illegal activities 
  • Dissemination of discriminatory or divisive messaging / materials 
  • Costs not associated with the delivery of aligned activities 

Grant values and timeframes

  • One-off grants of between $500 and $2,000 are available.

  • Once funds are fully expended, recipients will be asked to submit a short acquittal report.

  • It is expected that all funds will be expended prior to the referendum date.

Additional information

Australian Communities Foundation’s First Nations Advisory Group has developed a simple and culturally appropriate application process, including clear guidelines and a transparent decision-making framework. 

For more information on ACF’s broader Voices for Impact program of work, head to communityfoundation.org.au/voices-for-impact

Australian Communities Foundation wishes to thank the funders who made the First Nations Referendum Rapid Response Grant Round possible through their contributions:

  • Dusseldorp Forum
  • Reichstein Foundation 

If you or someone you know might be able to contribute to this pool of funds, we’d love to hear from you – contact us below. So far we’ve raised $25k and our goal is to be able to distribute $50k in small one-off grants over the coming weeks.

 

 

 

 

Apply now

Eligible groups can submit an expression of interest by clicking ‘Apply’ below. Funding decisions and distributions are made fortnightly on a rolling basis by ACF in partnership with First Nations advisors during the period/s that the fund is active.

 

To apply online you will need to register to the Australian Communities Foundation Grants Portal. If you already have an account through Australian Communities Foundation, please use your existing username and password. Make sure to note your username and password to enable you to save and continue the form at a later date and access the Portal for subsequent steps.

Apply



Our principles of practice

EFFICIENCY

The application process is designed to get funds where they are needed as quickly and easily as possible for those doing the work.

SOLIDARITY

This grant round is a show of solidarity between ACF, GetUp! and those campaigning for Voice, Treaty and Truth.

COMMITMENT

We are committed to supporting First Nations justice and self-determination, including constitutional recognition of First Peoples, and we will fund on that basis.