New grants are available for Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations delivering child and family-focused services in New South Wales - aimed at fostering their growth and supporting capability.
The state government is investing up to $1 million via two grant levels, with one-off injections of $50,000 available.
Applications for the NSW government's ACCOs GROW Grant Program are open until March 19.
Organisations delivering a range of services, including those for early intervention, family support and parenting, education and care, health, domestic and family violence and others, are those in line to secure funding.
It comes following a "historic" five-year $350 million investment into ACCOs for "evidence-based support to reduce risks to children and keep families safely together", first announced in 2025.
The federal government identified 41 ACCOs around the state including preschools, multifunctional Aboriginal children's services and Aboriginal Child and Family Centres via the 2022-2032 National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children and its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan.
In 2024, the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies identified relevant 24 ACCOs.
"The GROW Grants Program is another important way we are honouring our commitments to help enable Aboriginal organisations to provide care and support for the most vulnerable members of their communities," NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said on Tuesday.
"By investing directly in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, we're empowering communities to design and deliver the solutions that work for them. This program supports our broader Closing the Gap priorities by strengthening the foundations of Aboriginal-led services now and for future generations."
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said the NSW government is delivering a record investment in Aboriginal community services because they deliver critical connection, culture and support for Aboriginal children and families".
"These GROW grants are designed to strengthen emerging Aboriginal organisations so they can continue to provide quality services for their communities well into the future."
The new grants are exclusive to non-for-profit Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, as defined by the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Category 1 of the grants offers $3,000 to $15,000. Category 2 offers $15,001 to $50,000.
Online information sessions have been hosted this month, following the grant announcements earlier this month, with further resources available.
In mid-2025, $350 million, within a broader $900 million for family preservation reform, was committed towards Aboriginal organisations via a program co-designed with AbSec, communities and ACCOs.
"This is an important step forward - a sign that policy is beginning to translate into real action. Aligning with the Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, this framework signals a stronger role for ACCOs in designing and delivering effective and culturally responsive supports for our people," AbSec chief executive John Leha said of the program.
"AbSec recognises how important it is that ACCOs are well-equipped and positioned to lead this work, and this is central to our mission. This work is about self-determination in practice - Aboriginal communities shaping the services that affect their children and families. That's how change is sustained, across communities and across generations."
