Up to $150,000 to support First Nations individuals, groups, and organisations to pass on artistic and cultural knowledges from elders and practitioners to younger generations.
On this page you will find
What is the First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund?
Legacy: First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund supports First Nations individuals, groups, and organisations to pass on artistic and cultural knowledges from elders and established practitioners to younger generations through models that reflect their unique community contexts.
Administered by Creative Australia, this fund is part of the First Nations First industry development programs and contributes to the Australian Government’s Revive policy under Pillar 1: A place for every story and a story for every place. The fund promotes intergenerational learning, cultural revitalisation, and the continuation of creative and cultural practices.
First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund level of support
- Minimum grant amount: $50,000 per year
- Maximum grant amount: $150,000 over three years
- Project start date: Must commence on or after 1 October 2025
- Co-contribution requirement: Not required. However, in-kind support and confirmed partners may strengthen your application under viability assessment.
First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund important dates
- Applications close: Tuesday, 8 July 2025 at 3:00 pm AEST
- Earliest project start date: Wednesday, 1 October 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund objectives
- Ensure the continuation and transfer of First Nations cultural and artistic knowledge.
- Support community-appropriate mentoring and skill development models.
- Strengthen cultural integrity and self-determined creative practice.
- Build capacity and leadership among younger First Nations practitioners.
Projects and expenditure eligible for First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund support
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Mentoring and residencies for skills development.
- Intergenerational collaborations and cultural revitalisation.
- Community-engaged artistic and cultural activities.
- Creation of new artistic works.
- Practice-based research.
- Performances, exhibitions, and productions.
- Travel, publishing, and recording expenses.
- Hiring or accessing creative workspaces.
Ineligible expenditures include:
- Projects without First Nations artist or audience involvement.
- Projects with no clear artistic, creative, or cultural component.
- International activities outside Australia.
- Activities starting prior to 1 October 2025.
- Projects already funded by Creative Australia (e.g. Arts Projects grants).
- Activities failing to adhere to First Nations Cultural & Intellectual Property Protocols.
Other First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund support
Eligible applicants include:
- First Nations individuals aged 18+ and based in Australia.
- First Nations groups or collectives.
- First Nations organisations with:
- At least 51% First Nations board representation.
- A demonstrable history of working with First Nations artists or arts workers.
Applicants must not:
- Have overdue grant reports.
- Owe funds to Creative Australia.
- Be based outside Australia.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund assessment criteria
All applications will be assessed by the First Nations Industry Advisory Panel and moderated by Creative Australia staff. Applications will be judged on the following three criteria:
1. Quality
- Adherence to relevant cultural protocols.
- Depth of consultation and community engagement.
- Experience and credentials of involved artists and elders.
- Cultural integrity and artistic merit of proposed activities.
- Track record of artistic output.
2.Viability
- Clear rationale and timely relevance.
- Wellbeing considerations for participants.
- Support mechanisms for youth and emerging artists.
- Realistic timelines, budgeting, and planning.
- Confirmed partners and long-term sustainability.
- Budget clarity, including in-kind support.
3. Impact
- Expected benefits for artists, communities, and artforms.
- Extent of cultural and skill development.
- Evidence of meaningful community experiences.
- Contribution to a more inclusive and equitable sector.
- Plans for ongoing cultural sustainability post-project.
Note: No percentage weightings are publicly specified.
How do I get the First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund?
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.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund application
Prepare the following materials for your application:
- Project title and summary.
- Description of yourself/your organisation.
- Artistic background and cultural experience.
- Detailed project plan and timeline.
- Expected outcomes and community benefits.
- Complete budget (including income, expenses, and in-kind).
- Letters of support from community elders or partner organisations.
- CVs of key artists and collaborators.
- Examples of past work via accessible URLs (avoid password-protected links).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund
All applications are submitted through Creative Australia’s Application Management System.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
