Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund: 2025–26 funding round

The Victorian Government is providing $1.76 million for the 2025-26 Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund (CIF). This includes $660,000 targeted specifically to Aboriginal-led prevention projects.

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).

CIF 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 Initiative 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
• inclusiveness of all Aboriginal people across Victoria
• complement but not duplicate existing funded community initiatives.

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

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

All promotional materials must display the regional Dhelk Dja Action Group logo.

All promotional materials must also include the following line: ‘This event is supported by the (region) Dhelk Dja Action Group, funded by the Victorian Government Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund’.

Where to find more information?

Download the Aboriginal CIF Guidelines and Application form.

The application process is:

• 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.