Grants up to $100,000 to support the return of First Nations peoples’ ancestral remains and secret sacred objects from the collections of eight major museums.
On this page you will find
What is the Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants?
The Indigenous Repatriation Program – Museum Grants 2025–26 is a dedicated initiative by the Australian Government designed to support the return of First Nations peoples’ ancestral remains and secret sacred objects from the collections of eight major museums. This grant enables eligible museums to work in direct partnership with First Nations communities, ensuring that repatriation is carried out in a culturally respectful and collaborative manner.
Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants level of support
Funding is available on a non-competitive, closed basis to the eight eligible museums.
Grants:
- Minimum: $10,000
- Maximum: $100,000
- Total pool: $800,000
Co-contributions:
- No co-contribution is required for this grant.
Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants important dates
- Close Date & Time: 30 May 2025, 11:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
- Grant Activity Timeframe: Activities must be undertaken within the 2025–2026 financial year.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants objectives
The primary objectives of the grant are to:
- Identify the origins of First Nations ancestral remains and secret sacred objects held in the eligible museums’ collections.
- Empower First Nations communities to actively participate in the repatriation process.
- Repatriate these important cultural items back to their communities of origin.
- Facilitate discussions with custodians to ensure culturally appropriate storage and access arrangements.
- Support the engagement and/or employment of First Nations people to provide essential cultural advice and assistance throughout the repatriation process.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants support
The grant supports projects that are directly linked to the repatriation process. Eligible projects may cover:
- Costs associated with facilitating the participation of First Nations communities, including travel and accommodation for Elders or community representatives to inspect or collect ancestral remains and objects.
- Travel, per diems, and accommodation expenses for museum staff when conducting community consultations.
- Preparation costs for safely readying ancestral remains and objects for return.
- Ceremonial costs associated with the repatriation process.
- Employment costs for engaging First Nations personnel or expert consultants where these expenses are directly attributable to achieving measurable repatriation outcomes.
Ineligible Expenditure:
- Purchase of assets
- International travel
- Infrastructure costs, including expenses for keeping places, landscaping, excavation work, burial sites, storage facilities, and the ongoing running costs of storage facilities.
Other Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants support
The following eight Australian museums are eligible to receive funding under this grant:
- The Australian Museum
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Museums Victoria
- National Museum of Australia
- Queensland Museum
- South Australian Museum
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
- Western Australian Museum
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be evaluated against the following criteria:
- Programme Alignment and Repatriation Plan (40%): Clarity and feasibility of the proposed repatriation process, including how well the project identifies the origins of ancestral remains and objects.
- Community Engagement (30%): Evidence of genuine and meaningful consultation and partnership with First Nations communities, including adherence to cultural protocols.
- Work Plan and Budget (30%): Cost-effectiveness, clarity of the work plan, and the ability to achieve measurable outcomes through a well-structured budget.
Note: The above percentages are indicative and may be adjusted during final evaluations.
How do I get the Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants?
- 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 Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants application
Before applying, gather the following information:
- A detailed overview of the current repatriation initiatives and how the proposed project will build on these efforts.
- Documentation of engagement with relevant First Nations communities, including evidence of consultation and cultural protocol adherence.
- A comprehensive work plan outlining the steps involved in repatriation, key milestones, and measurable outcomes.
- A detailed project budget, including all cost estimates related to travel, accommodation, ceremonial events, and personnel engagement.
- Any additional supporting information that highlights your museum’s capacity to manage the repatriation process effectively.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants
Eligible museums will receive notification and access details to the online application portal from the Office for the Arts.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Indigenous Repatriation Program Museum Grants resources
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