$115,000 in grants to support Indigenous Canberrans to undertake cultural learning, study and leadership training

Funding grants open for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the ACT.

More than $115,000 has been made available from the ACT Government to encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the nation’s capital to undertake cultural learning, study and leadership training.

Applications are now open for the second round of the 2017-18 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural, Leadership and Scholarship Grants.

Cultural, Leadership and Scholarship grants aim to facilitate programs or events to promote a wider understanding of the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT.

Under the Cultural program, individuals may apply for up to $3,000 and community organisations operating in the ACT may apply for up to $5,000 to assist in a program or event that will promote wider understanding of the cultures of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT.

Under the Scholarship program, individuals may apply for up to $5,000 to undertake study and training to develop their skills and enhance their employment prospects in the ACT.

Applicants can seek assistance for a range of equipment or other support to undertake courses as well as assistance with fees for courses from Certificate IV to university degrees.

Under the Leadership program, individuals may apply for up to $5,000 and community organisations operating in the ACT may apply for up to $10,000 to undertake learning activities that will enhance their leadership skills and abilities.

This grant supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT by enabling them to equip themselves to lead in their careers and on behalf of their communities.

All grant programs allow applicants to apply for IT equipment which is capped at $2000 (GST exclusive).

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith announced the opening of the applications on Friday (4 May) morning.

“The grants programs are another example of the ACT Government’s commitment to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18,” she said.

“Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to improve leadership skills and qualifications is part of sharing a positive vision for the future of our whole community.”

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Thursday 31 May 2018. More information can be found here.