Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program

Status:: Closed
Who can apply:: Not-for-profit groups
Funding:: $50,000 - $1,600,000

The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program provides grants for Aboriginal organisations to build, renovate, repair, refurbish, or expand facilities. By doing so, it supports Aboriginal Victorians to lead self-determined and culturally rich lives.

The program aims to:

enhance safety, responsiveness, and service delivery
strengthen connectedness to culture and Country
improve community health and well-being
increase functionality, sustainability, and accessibility of buildings
enhance education and economic opportunities.

Program administration

The Department of Government Services administers the program on behalf of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. A project control group consisting of representatives from both Departments oversees the Program.

Before you apply, please contact ACIP@ecodev.vic.gov.au to discuss your project proposal.

Guidelines

Category 1: Repairs and minor works (up to $300,000 plus GST)
Funding for maintenance and minor building works that will support Aboriginal organisations.
Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- repair or replace permanent fixtures and fittings
- undertake cosmetic works, including repairs, painting, replacing carpets/flooring
- improve communal spaces such as kitchens, general amenities, meeting rooms, outdoor spaces
- improve the environmental performance of the building, for example, the installation of solar panels
- improve the safety or accessibility of the building.
Successful projects in Category 1 must begin within 6 months of funding agreements. They must be completed within 18 months.
Apply now
Category 2: Capital works and upgrades ($300,000–$1.6 million plus GST)
Funding to support Aboriginal organisations to build, redevelop, refurbish or expand infrastructure.

Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- expand existing community facilities
- undertake works to improve facility use, layout or accessibility
- renovate and/or remodel a facility to enhance community use
- create culturally appropriate spaces for communities to gather
- improve existing facilities to support service delivery needs
- construct new purpose-built facilities.
Successful projects under Category 2 must begin within 18 months of funding agreements. They must be completed within 3 years.
Apply now
Category 3: Project planning (up to $200,000 plus GST)
Funding to develop one of two infrastructure planning phases.
- Option 1 - To prepare a feasibility study to ensure an infrastructure proposal is viable, meets the needs of the organisation and the communities it serves. This study should assess and develop costs for the proposal. It may also include the development of concept designs.
- Option 2 - To complete design activities to refine the concept designs and/or progress the design of the proposal until the tender stage.
Grant funding might be used to:
- hire a new staff member or supplement the salary of an existing staff member. They will contribute to specific components of the project
- engage a range of experts to progress the designs, or, hire a quantity surveyor to develop ideas and solutions. Experts can include (but are not limited to):
  - architectural, building, Building Code Australia (including Disability Discrimination Act), town planning advice, geotechnical and soil testing.
Apply now
Please note:
- Organisations may only submit 1 application per funding round.
- Organisations may only apply under 1 category per funding round.
- Organisations may only apply for 1 Project Planning option per funding round.
- An application should relate to 1 project site only, unless a strong rationale, such as a financial savings or building efficiency can be demonstrated.
Repairs and minor work
Capital works and upgrades
Project planning
Please read the guidelines for further details on the application process, including eligibility, assessment criteria, and essential supporting documents.
Building the Aboriginal community-controlled sector is a key priority area of the following Victorian Government initiatives:
The Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan
The Victorian Infrastructure Strategy 2021-2051
The Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018-2023.
Self-determination requires a transformation of the relationship between government and Aboriginal communities. This means supporting Aboriginal organisations to determine how, when, and why to develop community infrastructure.
By investing in infrastructure, we can help Aboriginal communities:
build a stronger economy and resources to grow
use their knowledge to create new and better services
preserve and celebrate their culture and connection to the land
empower Aboriginal groups and help them thrive.
Information provided to DGS and DPC in Program applications will be used to assist DGS and DPC to assess eligibility and suitability for the Program and to prepare funding agreements. Any personal information that is provided will be handled in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and other applicable laws.
DGS or DPC, its officers, employees, agents and sub-contractors may use and disclose any of the information provided with the application to Victorian Government departments or agencies, Victorian Government bodies, non-government organisations and/or the Commonwealth, states or territories for any purpose in connection with the administration of the Program.
Successful applications may also be the subject of media releases and disclosure as otherwise provided in the ‘Terms and Conditions’ of the Funding Agreement.
You may access a copy of DPC’s Privacy Policy in relation to the management of personal information collected by contacting 1300 366 356.
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

Updated 22 April 2024