Fifteen First Nations-led organisations have received financial support from a philanthropic foundation to strengthen their impact in communities and catalyst opportunities for self-determination.

The $6 million in grants up to $500,000, announced by the Paul Ramsay Foundation on Wednesday, support a wide range of First Nations-led projects in Northern Territory, the Torres Strait, Tasmania, regional and remote South Australia and regional and remote Queensland.

They include improving service delivery and community wellbeing, enabling community-led land and Country management initiatives, strengthening governance and leadership, building organisational capacity, and workforce development.

Funding will also support youth mentoring and cultural programs, and will go towards upgrades which support food security and local economic participation.

Of the recipients is Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good, whose Good Vibrations project supports First Nations communities in Cairns by mentoring young First Nations leaders who will continue to give back to community.

Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good chief executive officer, Merrissa Nona, said sustained investment in the organisation's work means they can continue walking alongside their young people.

It means providing the safe spaces, connection, and opportunities they've been asking for," Ms Nona said.

"This funding helps us keep showing up, strengthening culture, and backing the next generation of leaders to thrive and lead in their own community."

The late Paul Ramsay AO established the Foundation in his name in 2006 and, following his death in 2014, left most of his estate to continue his philanthropy for generations to come.

Since 2016, the Paul Ramsay Foundation has provided almost $250 million to organisations working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, three quarters of which has been awarded to First Nations-led organisations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Paul Ramsay Foundation Chief First Nations Officer, Michelle Steele, said the solutions to many of Australia's most complex challenges already exist within First Nations communities.

"They are found in the knowledge systems, leadership traditions and deep connections to people and Country that have sustained communities for millennia," Ms Steele said.

"First Nations-led organisations show us what's possible when decision-making sits closer to community.

"Whether strengthening culture, creating opportunities for young people, caring for Country or building local economies, these organisations are drawing on generations of knowledge and experience to shape stronger futures for their communities."

Paul Ramsay Foundation grant recipients

(organisation name, recipient project)

Milindji Aboriginal Corporation - Milindji: strong team-strong future

Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC - Building Governance & Leadership Capacity for Mer Gedkem Le TSI Corporation

Gunawuna Jungai - Doomadgee Collective Impact

Umoona Community Council (UCC) - Leadership program for community growth

Jika Kangka Gununamanda Limited - MI Youth Strong Empowerment Initiative (MI YSEI)

Living Knowledge Network (Firesticks Alliance) - Autonomous Community Strategy

Akeyulerre Aboriginal Corporation - Akeyulerre Cultural Governance: Growing Governance and Leadership for Our People

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC - Bama Futures Project

Papunya Tjupi Art Centre Aboriginal Corporation - Enhancement of Youth men's Centre

Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good - Good Vibrations - Peer Supports

Murin Association Incorporated - Thamarrurr Homelands Governance

Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation - Creating independence and empowerment through strong Yolngu governance

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Governance

Wik Projects - Wik Tribal Council Capacity Building in Support of IPA Implementation

Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation - Resourcing for implementation of Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation Strategic Plan