Up to $1 million to support projects that deliver cultural, social, or economic benefits and demonstrate innovative solutions for the benefit of Aboriginal community members.
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What is the Community Impact and Innovation Grants?
Aboriginal Investment NT’s Community Impact and Innovation Grants (CIIG) provide grant funding for medium-scale, Aboriginal community-led projects in the Northern Territory (NT). The grants aim to support projects that deliver cultural, social, or economic benefits and demonstrate innovative solutions for Aboriginal community members.
Community Impact and Innovation Grants level of support
The Community Impact and Innovation Grants (CIIG), provided by Aboriginal Investment NT, offer grant funding ranging from:
- A minimum of $300,000 to
- A maximum of $1 million (GST exclusive).
Co-contribution: Applicants are encouraged to include co-contributions (funding or other support) from government and other organisations to enhance project impact.
Community Impact and Innovation Grants important dates
- Applications Close: 1 March 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Community Impact and Innovation Grants objectives
The Community Impact and Innovation Grants aim to support Aboriginal community-led projects that create a cultural, social, or economic impact, demonstrate innovative solutions, or both. The key objective is to fund projects that benefit Aboriginal community members across the Northern Territory (NT), focusing on:
- Improving lives, solving community issues, advancing knowledge, or creating value.
- Incorporating cultural practices and knowledge in designing solutions.
- Encouraging new ideas, whether using technology or other innovative approaches.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Community Impact and Innovation Grants support
To be eligible for CIIG funding, projects must:
- Aim to achieve cultural, social, or economic impact, demonstrate innovative solutions, or both.
- Be delivered within NT borders.
- Use grant funding for costs required to complete the project, such as project-specific staffing or administration costs.
Projects Ineligible for Support
- Projects that only benefit an individual.
- Infrastructure projects without an existing legal right or permission to install the infrastructure or access the land.
- Vehicles that do not demonstrate a strong link to achieving project outcomes.
Other Community Impact and Innovation Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Community Impact and Innovation Grants support
Eligible applicants must be Traditional Owner organisations or Aboriginal community-controlled organisations that meet the following criteria:
- Incorporated under relevant legislation and operate as not-for-profit.
- Based in the NT (or cross-border Australian entities with cultural links to the NT by exception).
- Controlled by Aboriginal people, with a governing body that is at least 51% Aboriginal.
- Have organisational objectives that promote the wellbeing of Traditional Owners or Aboriginal communities and people.
Community Impact and Innovation Grants assessment criteria
Applications for CIIG will be assessed on the following key criteria:
- Opportunity and Outcomes (30%)
- Evidence of Aboriginal community need for the project.
- Strength of the impact or innovation the project will deliver.
- Opportunities for Aboriginal business development and employment.
- Project Design (20%)
- A clear and achievable plan for delivery.
- Engagement of Aboriginal community members in project planning.
- Value for Money (20%)
- Is the project good value for money considering cost, quality, purpose, intended outcomes, and overall community benefit?
- Capability (15%)
- Demonstrated ability to manage, deliver, monitor, and report on the project.
- Demonstrated governance and skills within the project team.
- Financial Health (10%)
- Demonstration of the organisation’s ability to maintain financial performance to sustain project outcomes over the long term.
- Other Funding (5%)
- Efforts made to secure funding from other sources.
How do I get the Community Impact and Innovation Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Aboriginal Investment NT encourages applicants to leverage CIIG funding alongside other funding sources to maximise project outcomes. Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships and co-contributions are preferred.
Information to prepare for the Community Impact and Innovation Grants application
Applicants are encouraged to gather all supporting documents before starting the application process. The required documents include:
- Formal itemised quotes for project expenses.
- Aboriginal Investment NT’s Common Grants Guidelines.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Community Impact and Innovation Grants
To apply for the Community Impact and Innovation Grant, visit the Aboriginal Investment NT website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Community Impact and Innovation Grants resources
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