Up to $500,000 to support leadership, governance, advocacy and collaboration in First Nations-led organisations that have not previously received funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the First Nations Targeted Grant Round?
The First Nations Targeted Grant Round (FNTGR) is an initiative of the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) designed to support the self-determination of regional and remote First Nations communities in Tasmania, the Torres Strait Islands, regional and remote Queensland, regional and remote South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The FNTGR strengthens leadership, governance, advocacy and collaboration in First Nations-led organisations that have not previously received funding from PRF.
There are two application stages:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Stage: Applicants submit an Expression of Interest via the online portal Giving Data.
- Application Stage: Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit a full application including budget, objectives, activities and governance.
First Nations Targeted Grant Round level of support
- Minimum and maximum amount of funding: Applicants can request between $50,000 and $500,000 for projects that run for one to three years.
- Co-contribution requirements: There is no co-contribution required under this grant.
Applicants are encouraged to size their request appropriately, ensuring it aligns with the rule that funding sought must be less than 20% of the organisation’s annual income for FY24.
First Nations Targeted Grant Round important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
First Nations Targeted Grant Round objectives
The FNTGR aims to:
1. Create immediate benefit for communities and organisations.
2. Increase capacity and improve funding stability (particularly for smaller First Nations-led organisations).
3. Contribute to First Nations self-determination by:
- Enabling communities to fund what they need.
- Strengthening governance and advocacy.
- Supporting and promoting initiatives that value culture and centre First Nations worldviews.
4. Remove barriers to achieve broader outcomes.
5. Be responsive to cultural priorities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for First Nations Targeted Grant Round support
Eligible projects focus on building capacity and capability around leadership, governance, advocacy, and/or collaboration in First Nations communities. Examples of how grant funds can be used include:
- Salaries (aligned with “pay what it costs” principles).
- Operational costs (overheads, rent).
- Governance and capability building (for both organisations and communities).
- Leadership training (for both organisations and communities).
- Supporting networks and collaboration.
- Travel expenses (bringing leadership together for meetings/training).
- Data collection, analysis, and other measurement activities.
- Digital infrastructure and other small-scale assets (limited to 5% of total funding).
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- Private or personal benefit.
- Promoting or opposing political parties or candidates.
- Retrospective funding (work already done).
- Development or launch of entirely new programs.
- Purchasing medical devices/equipment or physical infrastructure.
- Academic research, postgraduate study, or conferences.
- Third-party evaluations of programs.
Other First Nations Targeted Grant Round important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for First Nations Targeted Grant Round support
To qualify, an organisation must:
1. Be First Nations-led.
2. Be based in or working in:
- Tasmania
- Torres Strait Islands
- Northern Territory
- Regional and Remote Queensland
- Regional and Remote South Australia
3. Be ACNC or ORIC registered (not-for-profit).
4. Seek funding for an existing community initiative building capacity/capability in leadership, governance, advocacy, and/or collaboration.
5. Request an amount less than 20% of the organisation’s annual income (FY24).
6. Not have received prior funding from PRF.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
First Nations Targeted Grant Round assessment criteria
EOIs and full applications will be reviewed with particular attention to:
1. Alignment with PRF strategy, especially where projects address the intersections of:
- People (children, young people, First Nations communities)
- Place (under-resourced communities)
- Conditions (environmental or social factors that enable or prevent thriving)
2. Potential to shift conditions to create positive impacts for people experiencing disadvantage.
3. Demonstrated capability and connections of First Nations leadership and organisations.
How do I get the First Nations Targeted Grant Round?
Check your eligibility: Ensure you’re an eligible organisation and that your project fits the program objectives and requirements.
Develop your project scope: Confirm costs, gather quotes, and identify any required approvals.
Compile your supporting documentation: Examples include a work plan and a detailed project budget.
Information to prepare for the First Nations Targeted Grant Round application
- A clear outline of project objectives, timeframes, and outcomes.
- Budget breakdown, ensuring it adheres to the “pay what it costs” principle and remains below the 20% income threshold.
- Governance and leadership framework, demonstrating community involvement and decision-making structures.
- Monitoring and evaluation plans (how you’ll measure progress and success).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the First Nations Targeted Grant Round
Submit an EOI via the Giving Data portal.
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 Targeted Grant Round resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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