A First Nations-led program helping people better manage their money is delivering meaningful change across communities in the Northern Territory.

The Hoops 4 Wealth initiative — run by Hoops 4 Health in partnership with Brotherhood of St. Laurence — has been highlighted as a strong example of how culturally informed approaches can improve financial wellbeing for people on low incomes.

Findings from the report, Building financial capability and resilience for low income people in the Northern Territory, show participants are gaining confidence with money and building practical skills that translate into everyday life.

Hoops 4 Health founder, Timmy Duggan, says the success of Hoops 4 Wealth is being driven by a focus on culture, community and practical support.

"Hoops 4 Wealth is helping people on low incomes in far reaching communities across the Northern Territory to manage their money better, save and work towards their goals, and learn about financial rights and responsibilities," Mr Duggan said.

"In many ways, the program is unique - at the heart of it is the understanding that financial wellbeing is underpinned by emotional strength, cultural connection and community resilience."

The report, authored by Dr Dina Bowman, Dr Margaret Kabare and Elaine Nungarrayi Williams, found the program is leading to real behavioural change.

Participants reported being better able to manage money between payments, distinguish between needs and wants, and build consistent saving habits.

Many also said they were sharing what they had learned with family and friends, helping extend the program's impact beyond individual participants.

Importantly, the program recognises the role of cultural obligations, supporting people to balance financial decisions with responsibilities to family and community.

It also builds understanding around key areas such as tax, superannuation, banking and scam awareness.

By acknowledging the ongoing impacts of systemic barriers, the program creates a space where trust can be built and participants feel supported to reflect and make changes without judgement.

"The Hoops 4 Wealth program builds financial capability, wellbeing and resilience," Dr Bowman said.

"Programs like this one provide a promising path toward economic self-determination."

A key strength of the program is its First Nations leadership, delivered by facilitators with strong community connections, which Mr Duggan says is central to its success.

"First Nations led financial literacy initiatives can be powerful vehicles for social justice and long term change across remote and urban communities in the NT," he said.

"We know that when you invest in First Nations led solutions, when you trust communities to lead their own healing, transformation happens.

"We appeal to the Government to invest in voluntary, culturally responsive programs that actually work — programs designed by mob, for mob."

Founded by Mr Duggan, Hoops 4 Health uses sport, culture and community connection to deliver programs focused on health, wellbeing and leadership.