Cultural Grants open to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and connection

Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to
support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW is offering grants between $1,000 and $20,000 to support the
continuation of living cultures – helping communities share knowledge, strengthen identity, and
celebrate connection to country, culture and community.

The Cultural Grants Program 2025-2026 will be an open, rolling program where Aboriginal
organisations can apply at any time until the $1.5 million in funding is allocated or the program
closes on 31 March 2026.

Last year’s Cultural Grants Program supported more than 70 Aboriginal community
organisations and groups across NSW to lead local events and initiatives that keep culture
strong.

Past funded initiatives have included:

• Darkinjung Waters INC who support health and welbeing actvities to hold a culture camp
  for the community to come together to celebrate Aboriginal culture
• Country King Browns Rugby League Football Club to empower Aboriginal girls by
  fostering resilience and cultural connection through mental health workshops, cultural
  activities and a Yarn Up with Elders.

Aboriginal organisations interested in applying can receive support from their local Aboriginal Affairs NSW Regional Team here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-
agencies/aboriginal-affairs-nsw/our-regional-teams

Aboriginal Affairs NSW held a free online Cultural Grants Community Information Session on
Wednesday 12 November, a recording of the session is available here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/t54ocep3u5ry2snvgotgv/Cultural-Grants-Program-
Community-Information-Session-
recording.mp4?rlkey=umapbcuyvemw9wyhkvpdtg0mo&e=1&st=f604nuc7&dl=0 p4

For more information on how to apply for a Cultural Grant visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/2026-
cultural-grants

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Cultural Grants support Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to share, strengthen
and celebrate culture in ways that are meaningful to them.”

“The NSW Government is proud to support community-driven events that bring people together,
pass on knowledge, and strengthen connections to Country and culture.

“This program is about celebrating the diversity, creativity and resilience of Aboriginal peoples
and cultures, now and into the future.”