Local Grants now open for 50th National NAIDOC Week celebrations
The Albanese Labor Government is providing up to $3 million to support local communities and organisations across Australia to celebrate a milestone National NAIDOC Week, from 6 to 13 July 2025.
This year’s National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations, and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
Applications for the 2025 NAIDOC Local Grants are now open, with funding available across three streams: educational institutions ($1,250 - $2,000), small scale grants (up to $10,000), and large scale grants ($10,001 - $25,000).
The Local Grants enable communities to hold activities and events that recognise the histories, cultures, achievements and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
First Nations communities, registered businesses, schools and local governments are encouraged to apply for funding to run NAIDOC Week activities or events.
These grants are intended to provide support towards grassroots and community-led initiatives.
Applications can be submitted through GrantConnect. Applications close at 3pm AEDT on Thursday 20 February 2025.
For more information on NAIDOC Week, visit About National NAIDOC Week.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“National NAIDOC Week continues to be Australia’s largest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and this year we celebrate a milestone 50 years of honoring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience, through a week of activities
“The National NAIDOC Committee’s selection of this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, highlights the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I encourage First Nations communities and organisations to apply for a grant to support their NAIDOC Week celebrations this year.”
Quotes attributable to National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Aunty (Professor) Lynette Riley:
“Over the decades, NAIDOC Week has grown into a powerful national celebration that continues to honour and elevate Indigenous voices, culture and resilience 50 years on.
“Guided by the wisdom of our Elders and the groundwork laid by our forebears, each NAIDOC Week reinforces our vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look toward the next 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with excitement and confidence, while ensuring that NAIDOC remains a movement grounded in community-led vision and integrity.”
Quotes attributable to National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Steven Satour:
“This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone but a movement that endures, grows, and evolves - driven by the unwavering strength of our communities, the shared vision of our people, and the enduring legacy we pass on to those who will shape our future.
“Together, we walk forward, honoring where we've come from and looking boldly to the next generation who will carry NAIDOC and their communities into the future.
“As we commemorate this 50-year legacy, we also look forward, honouring our next generations who will carry the torch, shaping the future with courage, insight, and deep respect for our roots.”