2023 NAIDOC Week Local Grants

Release Date:
Media release

The Australian Government is providing $1.6 million to support local communities and organisations with celebrating NAIDOC Week from 2 to 9 July.

The NAIDOC Local Grants enables communities to hold activities that recognise the histories, cultures, achievements and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Registered businesses, schools, local governments and community groups are all encouraged to apply for funding to run an activity that directly relates to the 2023 NAIDOC Week Theme: 'For our Elders'. Most grants awarded are between $200 and $1,000.

Some examples of the types of events funded by the NAIDOC Local Grants include:

  • language classes – for example, teaching an Acknowledgment of Country
  • arts based activities including painting, dancing, crafts, storytelling
  • family fun days
  • community cooking classes
  • Elders' activities
  • And NAIDOC-themed sporting activities or competitions

Organisations can apply for multiple activities in one application.

Successful grant recipients can share details of their event on the National NAIDOC Week website.

To apply for a NAIDOC Local Grant, visit GrantConnect, grants.gov.au, and submit an application before they close at 9pm AEDT on 17 February 2023.

For more information on the history of NAIDOC Week and to learn more about this year's theme visit the NAIDOC website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney:

"NAIDOC Week is the largest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise and celebrate First Nations excellence and achievement.

"The National NAIDOC Committee's selection of the theme 'For Our Elders' highlights the crucial role Elders have played across every generation and continue to play in First Nations communities and families today.

"They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones and I'm pleased NAIDOC Week 2023 will recognise our Elders and their contributions.

"I encourage all organisations to apply for a grant to support NAIDOC Week 2023 celebrations in your community."