1 Introduction
The ACT Government is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021-22 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program (the Grants Program).

The Grants Program aligns with several Focus Areas under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 (the ACT Agreement). The ACT Agreement is a framework supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT to exercise self-determination (s.27(2) of the ACT Human Rights Act). The ACT Agreement enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have the ability and resources to provide their own solutions, acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is central to the process of ensuring the long-term emotional and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

More information about the ACT Agreement can be found on the Strong FamiliesExternal Link website.

The Grants Program consists of three (3) components:

1. Cultural grants: aim to support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Cultural Integrity, where a society supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the building of respectful, fair and sustainable communities.
2. Leadership grants: aim to support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Community Leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision makers on issues that impact them and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes.
3. Scholarship grants: aim to support the Agreement Significant Focus Area of Life Long Learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in lifelong learning and positive generational experiences.

Please refer to Item 10 of the Guidelines for information about the Grant components (Cultural, Leadership, Scholarship).

The Grants Program can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community that have been impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Individuals and community organisations who propose to undertake activities to support community wellbeing and connection to culture are encouraged to apply.

2 Available Funding
Total funding available for the 2021-22 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program is $220,000.00 (GST exclusive).

The Grants Program is available to individuals and organisations across the ACT and Canberra Region.

The Grants Program funding consists of the following:

1. Cultural grants: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).
2. Leadership grants: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).
3. Scholarship Grants: Individuals can apply for up to $5,000.00 (GST exclusive).

3 Eligibility Requirements
The following section provides information required to apply for a grant. Lack of supporting evidence may deem your application ineligible.

Individuals and Organisations must submit a separate application for each Grant component. Applications combining Grant components will not be accepted.

3.1 Eligibility Requirements for Individuals
Prior to an assessment, a review will be undertaken to ensure your application is eligible. This means you must provide the required evidence outlined in these Guidelines.

To be considered eligible for a grant, Individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and identity.
2. Reside in the ACT – Proof of Residency is required.
3. Individuals applying for a Grant must be 18 years or older. Individuals under 18 years old must have a Parent/Guardian submit the application on their behalf.
4. Individuals applying for Leadership or Scholarship grants must reside in the ACT, however the course, conference or education program may be outside of the ACT.
5. Evidence of course enrolment and/or offer (requirement if the nature of the application is a course).
6. Confirmed have not received funding from another source for the same purpose (Applicants may apply for funding to supplement monies already provided to attend training, however the amount applied for must not exceed the course/program amount).
7. Confirmed have no overdue reporting obligations for any previous ACT Government grant including: evaluations, acquittal reports and audited financial statements’.
8. Individuals who have received a grant in the previous financial year or a previous application period, you are eligible to apply, however any previous grants must be acquitted. Priority will be given to new applicants in the respective assessment period.

3.2 Evidence required for Individuals

1 Proof of residency

You must provide a copy of an ACT or Canberra Region Drivers Licence or Proof of Identity Card (in colour) along with one (1) of the following documents:

1. Contract of purchase, current lease or rental document prepared by a real estate agency or ACT Government (a receipt only is not acceptable).
2. ACT Revenue Office rates notice (current).
3. Land tax valuation notice (current).
4. Utilities account relating to the applicant's nomin