10 tips for completing your NAIDOC local grant funding application

Funding is available under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) Culture and Capability Programme to help communities celebrate NAIDOC Week 2022.

The NAIDOC 2022 Local Grant Round is now open and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (the Agency) invites eligible applicants to apply.

The funding round aims to support activities being held during NAIDOC Week 2022, from 3–10 July, that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and continuing contributions to our country and society.

Consider these 10 tips to help you put together your application.

1. Think creatively about what you can apply for

Now is a great time to think about the types of activities you may run and how these activities can be adapted to meet government guidance aimed at reducing the risks associated with COVID-19, including requirements for social distancing.

COVID safe activities might include:

• Craft kits with material to create collages, colouring in, or do weaving
• Online exhibitions
• Online dance classes
• Create videos to share culture and stories
• Language class – teach acknowledgment of country
• Book club – compile a NAIDOC Week reading list - send books out
• Movie / discussion group
• Community cooking classes via video lessons
• Hold outdoor drive-in, movie under the stars or band

With careful planning, the following types of activities may be funded:

• Arts based activities, including painting, dancing, crafts, storytelling
• Family fun days
• Cultural activities
• Elders’ activities
• Bush tucker and other community cooking activities
• NAIDOC-themed sporting activities or competitions
• Activities which actively promote reconciliation
• Flag raising ceremonies with accompanying activities
• Activities which promote health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

2. Do your research

Before you start your application, you should read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and FAQ available at https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants. These documents will provide you with all of the information and guidance you need to apply for NAIDOC Local grant funding.

Applications can be made on GrantConnect.

Check out the NAIDOC Website. This has information about the history of NAIDOC Week and more, to help you understand the theme that could give you ideas for your event.  

3. Get your application in on time

Keep in mind the funding round will close on Tuesday 22 February at 9.00pm AEDT.

It’s best to prepare early and have your application ready to submit before the closing date and time. You must submit an application between the published opening and closing dates. Late applications may not be accepted.

Ideally activities funded under the NAIDOC 2022 Local Grants Round should occur during the scheduled NAIDOC Week from 3-10 July 2022 or sometime in July. We know sometimes, holding the event that week can be difficult (or you might be on school holidays) so applications are accepted for events between 27 June 2022 and 30 November 2022.

4. How much you can apply for

While there are no maximum or minimum amounts you can apply for under this grant round, the majority of grants are expected to be for amounts between $200 and $1,000, GST exclusive, with a small number of larger grants awarded for significant proposals.

5. Who can apply?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous legal entities may access NAIDOC funding. Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the IAS Grant Guidelines and the Application Form. Applications for funding will only be accepted from legal entities.

In general, Commonwealth and state and territory agencies and bodies (including government business enterprises) are not eligible to apply for NAIDOC grant funding. However, schools and correctional facilities are eligible. Commonwealth and state and territory agencies and bodies may apply on behalf of a school or correctional facility.

6. Can I apply for funding for multiple activities?

Yes, however all activities should be included on the one application. Each applicant must submit one application form for all NAIDOC activities for which they seek funding.  Each activity should be budgeted separately. For example, a Family Fun Day would be counted as one activity. However, a Family Fun Day, an Elder’s Luncheon, a Street March and a Children’s Disco would be counted as four activities.

7. Think about your selection criteria

To be compliant (and therefore eligible), you must address all criteria in your application. We will assess your application against each criterion. All criteria are of equal weighting.

We will also refer applications to our regional office for advice on proposed activities in their region.

The amount of detail and supporting evidence you provide in your application should be relative to the project size, complexity and grant amount you are asking for. 

8. You should align your proposal with the 2022 NAIDOC theme

The National NAIDOC Theme for 2022 is Get Up!, Stand Up!, Show Up!'.

This year’s theme draws our attention to the momentum for change we are seeing on a number of fronts. More than ever, Governments are working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and we are laying the groundwork for strong local and regional voices to inform future policies, programs and service delivery. More people are getting involved in a wide range of processes to improve justice and representation, and there is a collective will to walk our reconciliation journey together.

More information on the theme is available on the NAIDOC website.

9. How we assess your application

We first assess your application against the eligibility criteria. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, then it will proceed to the assessment stage where we consider the information provided in the Application Form, including your responses to the selection criteria.

In order to support a spread of projects across Australia, your application will be assessed against other applications from your NIAA region.

10. Does my event need to be COVID safe?

Yes. Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 across Australia, activities must be delivered according to relevant government and health advice.

Before commencing an event or activity, a COVID-19 Risk Management Plan should be in place to ensure the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is limited so elders and those with chronic health issues can be protected.

Examples of COVID safe practices include encouraging physical distancing for in-person events, ensuring there are enough facilities to wash hands, encouraging the use of registrations or QR codes for the event or holding an event online.

More information about COVID 19 risk management plans can be found in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. To ensure you have the latest government and health advice, visit australia.gov.au