The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs today announced the recipients of the 2024-25 Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Establishment and Expansion Fund (AEEF) Grant Program, with $823,000 awarded to ten local organisations to support capability and capacity building activities.

The funding represents a vital investment in the long-term wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Canberra.

By supporting the growth and sustainability of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), the AEEF directly contributes to building a strong, culturally grounded human services sector that is led by and designed for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“This is the first year of the AEEF Grant Program, and applicants really embraced the opportunity to seek an alternative funding source to support their organisational aspirations,” Minister Orr said.

“These grants are not just a financial kick-start – they are a mechanism for empowering community leadership, strengthening governance, and enhancing service delivery that reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

By investing in ACCOs to build organisational capacity and capability, we collectively work to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.

“I am very pleased to see the range of community-led projects that sought support for establishment costs, service delivery vehicles, evaluation and monitoring systems, specialised equipment, professional development and volunteer and Board capability building activities.”

The tiered funding model – ranging from start-up grants of up to $15,000 to growth grants of up to $150,000, provides flexible support tailored to the stage and scale of each organisation.

“This approach acknowledges the diversity of ACCOs in the ACT and enables targeted investment in areas such as governance, strategic planning, workforce development, infrastructure, and service expansion.

"Whether an organisation is just beginning or seeking to deepen its impact, the AEEF offers a pathway to sustainability and resilience.”

The AEEF Grant Program exists to support new and existing ACT ACCOs to build organisational capacity and capability to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Canberra consistent with the ACT Government commitments to build the community-controlled sector under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement. The AEEF Grant Program does not fund ongoing service delivery.

The full list of grant recipients can be found on the ACT Government website.

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