Aarnja
Community Heroes and Champions Grant Round
Aarnja is the regional body for Kimberley Aboriginal people. Its vision is to empower Kimberley Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to have a strong Aboriginal identity and share in all of the social and economic opportunities of modern society.
This grant is being provided to recognise and acknowledge community members who make a significant contribution within their families and communities. Community Heroes and Champions are the unsung heroes and quiet achievers that hold communities together.
Grants of up to $1000 are available to celebrate and support local heroes doing great things in their community. Examples of local heroes include a quiet achiever supporting people with their own funds or a champion of the Kimberley Aboriginal People who is working to share positive stories across the region.
These grants will be given quietly and without fanfare and aim to encourage and acknowledge the work of local heroes.
Funds provided are untied but cannot be used for commercial or for-profit business, including investments.
Eligibility
Community Heroes and Champions must:
- Be a Kimberley Aboriginal person with Traditional Owner connection to a cultural bloc as defined by Aarnja’s Cultural governance model (see below)
- Demonstrate financial need (must provide proof of low-income earner e.g. concession card)
- Not have been able to gain assistance/support through other services/programs provided by other organisations/agencies.
Applicants that meet grant criteria are not guaranteed funding. You can also nominate someone else for this grant.
Key dates
- First round closes: 11:59pm AWST Thursday 20 March 2025
- Second round closes: 11:59pm AWST Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Third round dates: TBC
- Fourth round dates: TBC
How to apply
STEP 1
Read the guidelines above to make sure your project or activity meets the objectives. You can download the guidelines here and preview the application here.
STEP 2
Register for the Australian Communities Foundation Grants Portal. If you already have an account through Australian Communities Foundation, please use your existing username and password. Make sure to note your username and password as you will be able to save and continue the form at a later date.
STEP 3
Log into the system and complete the Aarnja Foundation eligibility form. If this does not display automatically, click the Apply button in the top left of the dashboard. You will not require an Access Code.
STEP 4
Don’t forget to submit your application before the closing date. As applications are open all year round, there are particular cut-off dates throughout the year for assessment purposes. Check the website for the upcoming dates.
STEP 5
The panel will consider your application and you will be notified of your application after the next upcoming Board Meeting (April, August, October, December).
STEP 6
If successful, the funds will be released to you once we have your bank details.
STEP 7
You will be asked to complete a short survey six months after receiving funding. There are no other reporting requirements however you are welcome to provide us any feedback, photos or stories.
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