Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) is pleased to announce the recipients of $6 million in new funding to organisations working to grow opportunities for First Nations communities in the Northern Territory, the Torres Strait, Tasmania, regional and remote South Australia and regional and remote Queensland.
Each grant of up to $500,000 in the $6 million funding package is designed to empower First Nations-led organisations to strengthen their impact in communities and catalyse opportunities for self-determination.
The grants will support a wide range of First Nations-led projects, including improving service delivery and community wellbeing, enabling community-led land and Country management initiatives, strengthening governance and leadership, building organisational capacity, and workforce development. Funding will also back youth mentoring and cultural programs, and will go towards upgrades that support food security and local economic participation.
“The solutions to many of Australia’s most complex challenges already exist within First Nations communities. They are found in the knowledge systems, leadership traditions and deep connections to people and Country that have sustained communities for millennia,” said Michelle Steele, Chief First Nations Officer, PRF.
“First Nations-led organisations show us what’s possible when decision-making sits closer to community. Whether strengthening culture, creating opportunities for young people, caring for Country or building local economies, these organisations are drawing on generations of knowledge and experience to shape stronger futures for their communities.”
Since 2016, PRF has provided almost $250 million to organisations working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, three quarters of which has been awarded to First Nations-led organisations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good is among the recipients for its Good Vibrations project, which supports First Nations communities in Cairns by mentoring young First Nations leaders to serve community-led organisations.
“Sustained investment in this work means we can continue walking alongside our young people. It means providing the safe spaces, connection, and opportunities they’ve been asking for. This funding helps us keep showing up, strengthening culture, and backing the next generation of leaders to thrive and lead in their own community,” said Merrissa Nona, Chief Executive Officer, Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good.
First Nations Targeted Grant recipients
Akeyulerre Aboriginal Corporation
Akeyulerre Cultural Governance: Growing Governance and Leadership for Our People
To ensure the continued self-determination of the Arrernte people by strengthening the governance, leadership and operational capacity of the Akeyulerre Aboriginal Corporation.
Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation
Creating independence and empowerment through strong Yolngu governance
To develop a culturally integrated governance framework to support the self-determination of First Nations people of the Arafura Swamp region of Arnhem land.
Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good
Good Vibrations - Peer Supports
To support First Nations communities in Cairns by mentoring young First Nations leaders to serve community-led organisations.
Gunawuna Jungai
Doomadgee Collective Impact
Support Gunawuna Jungai to assist local service providers to better meet the needs of the Doomadgee community.
Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
Bama Futures Project
To support the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people to achieve self-determination by strengthening financial and leadership sustainability of Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.
Jika Kangka Gununamanda Limited
MI Youth Strong Empowerment Initiative (MI YSEI)
To train the Youth Advisory Group and others on Mornington Island in culturally grounded leadership and governance.
Living Knowledge Network (Firesticks Alliance)
Autonomous Community Strategy
To strengthen local economies, leadership, and community wellbeing in First Nations communities in Tasmania and North Queensland by growing community autonomy, through place-specific land management knowledge, practices and solutions.
Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC
Building Governance & Leadership Capacity for Mer Gedkem Le TSI Corporation
To support Meriam people to manage their lands and waters by ensuring that they have the skills, structures, and leadership necessary to make informed and independent decisions.
Milindji Aboriginal Corporation
Milindji: strongteam-strong future
To improve outcomes for the First Nations people in Gapuwiyak through increasing the Corporation’s (MAC) Director, staff and member access to professional development opportunities.
Murin Association Incorporated
Thamarrurr Homelands Governance
To create a Homelands Governance Committee to support self-determination for First Nations people living on Thamarrurr Homelands.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Governance
To increase self-determined health outcomes for Indigenous people by empowering the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to provide governance, leadership and mentoring to future leaders within the Community Controlled Health Service Delivery space.
Papunya Tjupi Art Centre Aboriginal Corporation
Enhancement of Youth men's Centre
To support the First Nations community of the Papunya Tjupi Art Centre towards self-determination through supporting localised management of artistic output and increasing opportunities for men to creatively engage with Country through music and sculpture.
Umoona Community Council (UCC)
Leadership program for community growth
To increase service delivery and community wellbeing in Coober Pedy and Umoona by building financial sustainability and employment opportunities.
Wik Projects
Wik Tribal Council Capacity Building in Support of IPA Implementation
To support Wik and Waya Traditional Owners to build capability and capacity for successful self-determined management of the Wik Indigenous Protected Area and its people, by building the Wik Tribal Council's leadership capability, and community engagement.
Weetapoona Aborginal Corporation
Resourcing for implementation of weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation Strategic Plan
To support weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) to employ a General Manager to deliver their Strategic and Master Plans, enhancing the organisation’s operational capability and supporting long-term success.
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