Skip navigation
Use space to open navigation items
City of Wollongong
Resident Visitor Business

NAIDOC Week Grants

We provide small grants for not-for-profit groups holding community events during NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 6 to 13 July 2025. The theme for this year is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

This program aims to get as many people as possible involved in NAIDOC Week and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Applications are now open until 5pm, Friday 2 May 2025.

Please read the information below for more details and to apply.

Applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations that are planning an activity in the Wollongong City Council area to take place during NAIDOC Week or as close to NAIDOC Week as practical.

If you're applying for an activity taking place outside NAIDOC week, please include the reason for this in your application.

Your application will need to explain how you will meet one or more of the following objectives:

  • To endorse Wollongong as a vibrant and exciting city that values the culture of its Traditional Owners
  • To increase community understanding and showcase the significance and diversity of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history
  • To strengthen community well-being through participation in an event that celebrates the achievements and culture of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

If your application is successful, you'll receive a letter explaining the conditions of funding. You will also need to invoice Council to receive payment.

Grants will not be provided for:

  • Activities that don't meet the program or applicant requirements explained above
  • Activities outside the Wollongong Local Government Area, unless the activity is part of an Illawarra regional event
  • Activities that are mainly for fundraising purposes
  • Activities that directly benefit an individual
  • Activities submitted by government departments or agencies, or schools
  • Activities that financially benefit a profit-making individual, organisation or government department
  • Applicants who have not acquitted a previous grant from Council
  • Applications received after the closing date.

A total of $7,000 is available through this program.

Applications for more than $1,500 are unlikely to receive the full amount requested.

  • Applications will be considered by Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group, which is made up of representatives from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and designated Council Officers.
  • Council will give final approval to successful applications.
  • Successful applicants will receive a letter outlining the grant conditions and how to invoice Council to receive payment.

How to apply for a NAIDOC Week grant

You will need to provide the following information to apply. We recommend you prepare this before you start an application.

  • The name and address of your community group
  • A contact person's name, phone and email
  • Your Australian Business Number (ABN), if you have one
  • A copy of your Public Liability Insurance, if available
  • The amount of funding you are applying for
  • The name, date and time/s, location and brief description of your NAIDOC Week activity
  • The name of your activity coordinator, and any other community partners (if applicable)
  • Whether your activity could still go ahead if your application is not successful
  • Details of any other funding you've received or applied for, for this activity.

Use the button below to apply online by 5pm, Friday 2 May 2025.

Apply for a NAIDOC Week grant
Apply for a NAIDOC Week grant

If you have any questions about this program, or to request a hard copy application form, please email us or call Halimah Simpson on (02) 4227 7111.

See Also