Reconciliation in Australia — the journey toward a just and equitable relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians — is supported by grant funding from government, philanthropic, and community sources. This guide covers the key funding sources for reconciliation activities and Indigenous-led initiatives.
Reconciliation Australia is the national organisation driving reconciliation work in Australia.
Key programmes:
- Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) framework — organisations develop RAPs to formalise reconciliation commitments
- National Reconciliation Week (last week of May each year)
- Narragunnawali platform (schools and early learning)
- Research and advocacy
Reconciliation Australia does not directly fund community organisations but provides the framework within which reconciliation grants are positioned.
Federal — Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C):
- Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS): Funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities
- Closing the Gap initiatives: Health, education, employment, housing
- NIAA (National Indigenous Australians Agency): Broad Indigenous community investment
State and territory:
- Each state has specific Aboriginal affairs and reconciliation investment
- Closing the Gap: State government contribution to national Closing the Gap targets
- Cultural and arts: State cultural agencies fund Aboriginal arts and cultural expression
Paul Ramsay Foundation: Closing the Gap and systems-level reconciliation.
Ian Potter Foundation: First Nations culture, reconciliation, and community development.
Myer Foundation: Indigenous community-led organisations.
Perpetual: Indigenous-led organisations across Australia.
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR): Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations in rural and regional areas.
Community foundations: Many city and regional community foundations have Indigenous funding streams.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW): 27 May – 3 June. Reconciliation Australia and state organisations support events during National Reconciliation Week. Community grants for NRW events:
- State reconciliation councils
- Local councils
- Corporate-supported events
Organisations developing Reconciliation Action Plans may access support:
- Reconciliation Australia: RAP framework and guidance (not a cash grant)
- Corporate partners: Some corporations fund community organisations developing RAPs
- State government: Cultural competency and reconciliation capability grants
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural programmes attract specific funding:
- Australia Council for the Arts: First Nations arts and cultural expression
- Creative Australia: Indigenous creative sector
- State arts agencies: Aboriginal arts programmes
- Language revival: Endangered language documentation and teaching
Building the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations:
- NIAA: Organisational strengthening grants
- Philanthropy: Capacity building for First Nations organisations
- Pro bono services: Legal, financial, and governance support
Healing programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities:
- Healing Foundation: First Nations healing grants
- PM&C: Closing the Gap healing programmes
- Mental health funders: Trauma-informed Aboriginal mental health
NAIDOC Week (July): Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements. Local councils and organisations fund NAIDOC events.
Strong reconciliation applications demonstrate:
- Indigenous leadership: Is the programme designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
- Self-determination: Does the approach centre community decision-making?
- Cultural safety: Are cultural protocols observed and respected?
- Collaboration: Partnership with community-controlled organisations
- Outcomes for community: What will be better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
- Not performative: Substantive reconciliation activity, not tokenistic gestures
- Long-term commitment: Evidence of ongoing investment, not one-off events
Tahua's grants management platform helps organisations manage their grant applications for reconciliation and Indigenous community programmes, track funding relationships, and demonstrate the community-led outcomes that funders value.