ABC Future Fund

We are dedicated to strengthening Indigenous communities through on-country engagement, economic empowerment, and community-led initiatives. Through our Future Fund, we provide small grants and opportunities to grassroots Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, fostering self-determination and driving economic empowerment for sustainable futures.

How it works

We are a registered public fund, managed by ABC Foundation Ltd, dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in alignment with our strategic plan. Our vision is to strengthen remote and regional communities across Australia.

Supported by philanthropic and corporate donations, the Future Fund operates nationally with a focus on regional impact. Bi-annual grants are awarded to eligible organisations implementing projects under the On-Country Development and Care guidelines. This selective application process aligns with our strategic priorities and emphasises measurable social outcomes.

Tax-deductible donations to the Future Fund empower us to continue supporting community-led projects,
which make a direct impact by supporting:
• Empowering Future Generations
• Closing the Gap through Community-Led Solutions
• Building on Local Skills in Communities
• Supporting Pathways to Community Economic Development
• Strengthening Remote and Regional Communities
• Enabling and Championing Grassroot Initiatives
• Supporting Women, Children and their families
• Preserving language and culture.

Apply for a grant

Organisations must submit their proposals through an online expression of interest platform. Once applications are received, the ABC Foundation grants team facilitates a thorough review process, considering each proposal's feasibility, alignment with funding priorities, and potential impact on Indigenous communities.

The next Future Fund Management Committee meeting is scheduled for 24th October 2025.
Applications must be submitted by 26th September 2025 to be considered.

APPLY FOR EVENT/ACTIVITY GRANT FUNDING(UNDER $2,500)

APPLY TO BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER(LARGE FUNDING AND ON-COUNTRY SUPPORT)

Small Event / Activity Grant

(up to $2,500)

Eligibility: Open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations where over 50% of the workforce ownership/management and over 50% of grant beneficiaries are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Focus Areas: On-Country Education, On-Country Care, and On-Country Research & Development. These programs should align with the ABC Foundation's strategic priorities and have a measurable, lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
Purpose: Provides one-off funding for small-scale community events or activities that bring people together and create positive local impact.
Application Timing: Available year-round with project funding depending on the availability of the Future Fund. The ABC management committee reviews applications 2-3 times per year.
Existing ABC On-Country Community partners do not have to complete an application and can work direct with their Business Partnerships Manager.

Larger Grant Funding

For On-Country Programs

Eligibility: To apply for larger grants, organisations must become an ABC On-Country Community Partner. This status is awarded to organisations with a proven capacity to deliver long-term projects and meet the criteria.
Focus Areas: On-Country Education, On-Country Care, and On-Country Research & Development. These programs should align with the ABC Foundation's strategic priorities and have a measurable, lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
Benefits of Partnership: Once your organisation becomes a Community Partner, you can access priority funding and long-term support to implement ongoing programs.
Application Timing: Available year-round, with project funding depending on the availability of the Future Fund.

Small Event/Activity Grants: These are for short-term, local events or initiatives. Applications are submitted online and reviewed multiple times a year by the ABC management committee. Applications must be submitted 28 days prior to the next ABC Management Committee meeting.
*Organisations that are not currently an ABC On-Country Community Partner can still apply for this grant funding.
Community Partners: For larger, ongoing projects, becoming a Community Partner gives your organisation access to more significant funding opportunities and ongoing support from ABC Foundation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All applicants must be an Aboriginal organisation with an ABN and the organisation must be able to demonstrate an alignment to ABC Foundation vision and strategic priorities in remote areas across Australia.
More than 50% of the workforce ownership/management AND more than 50% of grant beneficiaries are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
The organisation must have a core focus that is in line with the ABC Foundation programs; organised, conducted or promoted for the relief of poverty, sickness, destitution, helplessness, suffering, misfortune, disability or distress. With either a social or environmental focus.

*No funding will be provided to individuals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Community Partnership Opportunity

Successful Community Partnership grant funding is allocated to programs within these 3 categories.

Photo of 2 girls looking at gum leaves in the Ranger 4 Life program

ON-COUNTRY EDUCATION

Life education designed to empower young people within a two-way learning environment, providing alternative education programs, transition support and On-Country curriculum-based resources.

GO TO PROGRAMS

ON-COUNTRY CARE

Working together to offer tailored support and On-Country emergency relief services, increasing access to country, providing healthy food and offering programs in looking after country.

GO TO PROGRAMS

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Collaborative support for research and training, providing innovation and leadership in skill development, capability building and the transfer of traditional ecological knowledge.

GO TO PROGRAMS

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ABC Future Fund

How it works

Apply for a grant

Small Event / Activity Grant

Larger Grant Funding