The federal government has announced new grants to support celebrations for NAIDOC Week 2026.
NAIDOC Week will run from July 5 to 12, culminating in the NAIDOC Ball and the announcement of the NAIDOC Person of the Year.
On Tuesday, the government confirmed $3 million in funding to support local NAIDOC Week events and activities across Australia.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the government was pleased to support community events nationwide where "all Australians can come together, share experiences and celebrate First Nations cultures".
"NAIDOC Week is about celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Senator McCarthy said.
"It is also a time to honour the strength and resilience of First Nations cultures and to recognise the communities who carry that strength forward every day."
Applications for local grants for NAIDOC Week 2026 are now open, with funding available across three streams: educational institutions (up to $1,500), small-scale grants (up to $10,000), and large-scale grants (up to $25,000).
The grants are intended to support grassroots and community-led initiatives that bring people together to celebrate and reflect on the strength and diversity of First Nations cultures.
Applications can be submitted through GrantConnect and close at 3pm AEDT on Thursday, 19th February 2026. For more information on NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au.
