Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund: 2025–26 funding round
The Victorian Government is providing $1.45 million for the 2025-26 Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund (CIF). In total 29 projects will be funded, with 6 specifically funded for 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
- inclusion 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:
- provide an alcohol, drug and smoke free environment
- provide a culturally safe environment free from violence
- volunteers and staff hold current Working with Children’s Checks
- hold 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’.
Guidelines
Updated