Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) is opening new opportunities for First Nations communities in Tasmania, the Northern Territory, the Torres Strait, regional and remote Queensland, and regional and remote South Australia as part of its First Nations Targeted Grant Round.
The grants, valued up to $500,000 each, are designed to support regional and remote First Nations peoples' and communities’ self-determination, empowering First Nations-led organisations to strengthen their impact.
The geographic areas have been carefully selected to increase access to philanthropy for First Nations-led organisations which might not have previously received or applied for PRF funding.
“We are excited to offer funding to initiatives which reflects the rich culture, knowledge, and values of First Nations communities,” said Michelle Steele, PRF’s Chief First Nations Officer.
“Through these grants, we want to strengthen the capacity of organisations embedded in and led by their communities. We recognise the unique perspectives and knowledge within these communities, making them best placed to understand local families’ and communities’ needs to thrive, and to help lead systemic change.”
Since 2016, PRF has provided $220 million to organisations working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, two thirds of which has been awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other First Nations-led organisations, in which majority of their Board and leadership team members identify as First Nations Australians.
“This new funding, available exclusively to First Nations-led organisations,” continues Ms Steele, “builds on PRF’s commitment to prioritise self-determination in our grant making.”
Grants will be awarded to ACCOs and First Nations-led organisations to:
- Create immediate benefit for community and their organisations
- Increase their capacity and improve funding stability (especially smaller organisations)
- Contribute to First Nations self-determination by:
- Enabling communities to fund what they need
- Contributing to activities which strengthen governance and advocacy
- Supporting and promoting activities which value culture and centre First Nations worldviews
- Remove barriers to achieve broader outcomes
- Be more responsive to cultural priorities.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for these grants open 12 March and close at 5:00 PM (AEST) on April 7, 2025.
Need support?
- Organisations with further questions, or who require support with their EOI, can contact Thirriwirri via email at info@thirriwirri.org.
- Register to join our online information session on 26 March 2025. The session will also be recorded and made available here. We encourage all interested applicants to register.
