New South Wales minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris has encouraged community groups and organisations planning to celebrate NAIDOC Week events this year to apply for funding backing hosted events.

The state government has opened $250,000 in funding in the Aboriginal Affairs 2024 NAIDOC Grants Program.

Grants from $500-$3,000 are available.

Businesses, councils, local Aboriginal Land Councils and community groups have been encouraged to apply.

Latoya Brown, who organises a NAIDOC Week surfing competition via Moringa Aquacultural Aboriginal Corporation and North Maroubra Surf Riders, said the event wouldn't be able to go ahead without the support.

"The grant process was easy and provided much needed support for the event to allow us to pay the dancers and provide cultural activities for the day for everyone to enjoy," Brown said.

"It gave us the opportunity for the fifth year to put on a significant event that celebrated Aboriginal surfers, community members and Elders as part of the surfing community.

"It was a day of gathering, sharing and acknowledging those before us and everyone who attended."

The same grant in 2023 supported close to 150 events around NSW from language sessions to tree planting.

The NAIDOC Week theme for this coming July is 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud'.

The Minister said the week provides opportunity "for every Australian to learn more about our First Nations peoples, who represent the oldest continuous cultures on earth".

"This year's theme recognises the resilience and strength of Aboriginal people, communities and organisations in NSW," he said.

"Aboriginal culture in NSW is something that we should all be proud of and celebrate together.

"I encourage organisations to apply for a grant to support NAIDOC Week 2024 celebrations in your community."

Applications close on April 12.

NAIDOC Week is set for celebrations from July 7-14.