The Australian Government is inviting applications via a one-off ad hoc process to apply to deliver services under the Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund – Darwin Linkage and Outreach Program ending 30 June 2026.

The Fund is a $38.6 million (GST exclusive) program for First Nations people, organisations and communities to co-design, trial and evaluate projects aimed at contributing to Closing the Gap Targets 12 (out-of-home care) and 13 (family violence) and improve the evidence base for the Australian Government and First Nations people.

• Target 12: By 2031, reduce the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 45%, and/or:

• Target 13: By 2031, the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children is reduced at least by 50%, as progress towards zero.

All trial projects will be subject to an evaluation. The objective of the evaluation is to collect evidence and assess trial outcomes. All trial projects will also contribute to an overarching evaluation of the Fund.