Funding

Are you looking for funding for rock art research, documentation, conservation, and/or management in Australia? The following is a list of potential funding sources. Please contact the organisations directly for further information.

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Studies

AIATSIS is a national funding body for research in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies.

Website: http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/research/grants/grants.html

Indigenous Heritage Program, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Government

The Indigenous Heritage Program (IHP) is an Australian Government initiative that supports the identification, conservation, and promotion (where appropriate) of Indigenous heritage.

Individual project funding for organisations will in general be available up to a maximum of $100,000 (GST exclusive). Individual applicants will generally be eligible for funding up to $5000. Applications for more than these amounts may be considered where the applicant demonstrates special circumstances or a genuine requirement for additional funds.

The IHP may also help identify places likely to have outstanding Indigenous heritage value to Australia suitable for inclusion on the National Heritage List.

Website: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/programs/ihp/

National Competitive Grants Program, Australian Research Council

As part of its commitment to nurturing the creative abilities and skills of Australia's most promising researchers, the NCGP provides:

• support for the highest-quality research leading to the discovery of new ideas and the advancement of knowledge
• financial assistance towards facilities and equipment that researchers need to be internationally competitive
• support for the training and skills development of the next generation of researchers
• incentives for Australia’s most talented researchers to work in partnership with leading researchers throughout the national innovation system and internationally, and to form alliances with Australian industry.

Website: http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/default.htm

Working on Country 

Working on Country builds on Indigenous knowledge of protecting and managing land and sea country, and provides funding for Indigenous people to deliver environmental outcomes to the Australian Government. Their work will help to maintain, restore, protect and manage Australia's environment - the land, sea and heritage.

Working on Country will also contribute to the Australian Government's commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Australian's through economic development, and to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.

Download Factsheet

Website: http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/publications/workingoncountry.html

Indigenous Protected Areas Funding

The Australian Government supports Indigenous communities to manage Indigenous Protected Areas for conservation as part of Australia's network of protected areas so the plants, animals and cultural sites are protected for the benefit of all Australians. Funding for Indigenous Protected Areas has been boosted to $50 million over five years through the Caring for our Country initiative. The following bodies can apply for Indigenous Protected Area funding:

Incorporated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, including:

• land councils
• community councils
• land management agencies
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land trusts or representative bodies

Website: http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa/funding.html

Caring for Country Community Action Grants

Community Action Grants are the small grants component of the Australian Government's Caring for our Country initiative that aims to help community groups take action to conserve and protect their natural environment. The grants are targeted towards established community-based organisations which have sustainable farming and/or protecting and enhancing the natural environment as their principle objective. Investment proposals were sought from environmental, Indigenous, Landcare, Coastcare and sustainable agriculture community groups for grants of between $5000 and $20 000 (GST exclusive) to take action to help protect and conserve Australia's environment. Community Action Grants support local activities such as tree planting, revegetation, dune rehabilitation, field days, improving land management practices and recording and use of traditional ecological knowledge.

Website: http://www.nrm.gov.au/cag/index.html

National Library of Australia Community Heritage Grants

The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program aims to preserve and provide access to nationally significant, Australian cultural heritage material held by community groups across the country. Grants of up to $15 000 are available for preservation projects and training through community based workshops.

Community organisations such as historical societies, museums, public libraries, archives, Indigenous and migrant community groups which collect and provide public access to their cultural heritage collections are eligible to apply.

Website: http://www.nla.gov.au/chg/

Indigenous Culture Support

The Indigenous Culture Support (ICS) program supports the maintenance and continued development of Indigenous culture at the community level. ICS funds activities that encourage culturally vibrant Indigenous communities and contribute to the cultural wellbeing of Indigenous individuals and communities. The program supports activities that:

• maintain Indigenous culture through community involvement;
• support new forms of Indigenous cultural expression;
• increase public awareness of Indigenous culture, including through the presentation and exchange of culture; and
• support the sustainable development of community organisations involved in cultural activities.

Website: http://www.arts.gov.au/indigenous/ICS

The George Chaloupka Fellowship, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

The Fellowship aims to promote and support research and conservation of Aboriginal rock art located in Arnhem Land Plateau region in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Website: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/museums/fellowship/index.html