Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund: 2026–27 funding round

Status:Open, closes 28 September 2026

Who can apply:Not-for-profit groups, first peoples

Funding:$0 – $100,000

The Victorian Government is providing $1.1 million for the 2026-27 Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund (CIF). This is to support community led projects that educate, prevent, reduce, and respond to family violence in Aboriginal communities across Victoria.

Projects funded through CIF address the five Strategic Priorities of the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families 10 Year Agreement (2018-2028).

The Community Initiatives Fund supports projects that:

• are Aboriginal led, including Aboriginal led partnerships
• are consistent with the goals and objectives of Action Groups
• strengthen the capacity of local Aboriginal organisations to address family violence
• will provide an ongoing or long-term benefit to the community
• complement existing local community projects or initiatives
• demonstrate partnerships with other government or non-government initiatives
• align with the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families 10 Year Agreement (2018–2028).

The Community Initiatives Fund aims to support:

• Aboriginal self-determination
• community groups or activities that encourage positive decision-making, leadership skills and sharing knowledge
• innovative Aboriginal-led prevention and early intervention initiatives to address family violence
• delivering positive outcomes which will benefit the Aboriginal community in addressing family violence
• inclusion of all Aboriginal people across Victoria.

The following funding expectations will apply to all projects that receive CIF funding:

• provide an alcohol, drug and smoke free environment
• provide a culturally safe environment free from violence
• volunteers and staff hold current Working with Children’s Checks
• hold appropriate insurance cover, including public liability
• have a positive working relationship with the Dhelk Dja Action Group.

The application process:

• Contact your local Regional Coordinator to express your interest
• Outline your project proposal for the Aboriginal CIF
• The Regional Coordinator will provide the relevant information on specific regional processes
• The Regional Coordinator will provide you with a copy of:
  • Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families 10 Year Agreement 2018–2028
  • Dhelk Dja Regional Action Group Plan.

Find out more information here