Aarnja
On-Country 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.
The On-Country Grant is being provided to support community members to maintain, practice and pass on knowledge and traditions On-Country with family through cultural activities.
Grants of up to $500 are available through bank transfer or gift card for On-Country experiences and activities that enhance connection to Kimberley Aboriginal Culture and build enduring connection to Country and Culture.
These grants also encourage families and individuals who might not otherwise engage in these types of endeavours to make them part of their ongoing activities.
Eligibility
Grants are open to all eligible applicants however preference may be given to ARO program clients.
You can only apply for this grant if you are:
• A Kimberley Aboriginal person with Traditional Owner connection to a cultural bloc as defined by Aarnja’s Cultural governance model (see below)
• Can demonstrate financial need (must provide proof of low-income earner eg. concession card)
• Have not received an On Country Grant in the past 24 months
• Have not been able to gain assistance/support through other services/programs provided by other organisations/agencies.
Applicants that meet grant criteria are not guaranteed funding.
What Aarnja will fund
Example activities that funds can be used for include:
• Two-way learning
• Traditional dance
• Camping
• Knowledge sharing
• Cultural health and wellbeing on Country
• Language
• Hunting and gathering
• Art and artefacts
• Collecting ochre/bush medicine/other wild harvest
What Aarnja won’t fund
Example activities that funds can be used for include:
- Personal items and/or expenses not associated with activity.
- Cultural (Lore) business
- Funeral expenses
- Household items or expenses
- General living expenses
- General motor vehicle expenses or purchases
- Bills
- Emergency Relief
- Commercial or for-profit purposes, including investments, etc.
Key dates
Applications are open all year round with particular cut off dates throughout the year for assessment purposes. If an application is received after the cut-off date, it will be assessed in the next round.
- 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
There is a reporting process but we want to keep it simple. Once you have completed your project, you can report in one of the following ways:
- Photo story
- Verbal report via phone or audio recording
- Written report
- Survey
- Video clip
- Social media – YouTube, TikTok or Facebook mentioning and tagging Aarnja.