Successful applicants for 2022 have now been advised.
This program is currently closed for applications.
Purpose
This program is designed to empower and provide opportunities for Aboriginal organisations to undertake projects that:
- contribute to ongoing sustainable management of significant Aboriginal cultural landscapes in New South Wales
- contribute to healthier environments and communities
- develop the project management capabilities of Aboriginal groups
- encourage new collaborations and positive relationships with other organisations, government and stakeholders.
Project stages
Projects under the Protecting our Places program are implemented over 2 stages:
- Stage 1 – planning from 6 to 12 months in duration.
- Stage 2 – implementation from 18 to 24 months in duration.
Note: Projects do not automatically progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2. After Stage 1, projects are assessed against set criteria for approval to progress to Stage 2.
See the 2022 Program Guidelines (PDF 1.1MB) for more information.
Funding available
Grants of up to $80,000 are available over the 2 stages:
- Stage 1 Planning – up to $12,000 for project planning.
- Stage 2 Implementation – up to $67,000 to complete the project on-ground works, plus $1000 quarantined for the mandatory financial audit, totalling $68,000.
Note: A funding cap of up to 30% must be allocated towards the employment of a Project Manager to manage and coordinate all project activities across both stages of the project.
See the 2022 Program Guidelines (PDF 1.1MB) for more information.
For each grant recipient, we will coordinate and deliver face to face workshops for two key staff/participants in your project at the beginning of Stage 1. In addition, we strongly encourage grantees to invite an Elder to participate in these workshops to act as both a community representative and a holder of relevant cultural authority.
These workshops will provide you with:
- support and guidance to develop a plan specific to your project
- mentoring, advice and networking opportunities
- an understanding of the Trust's reporting requirements.
Matching funding
You do not have to contribute matching funds, however, if you can your application may be more competitive. You can make:
- financial contributions – money from your organisation or project partners
- in-kind contributions – donations of goods, services, staff time, expertise, or use of facilities or equipment.
Types of activities funded
The 2022 Program Guidelines (PDF 1.1MB) explains what we will fund.
Different activities are eligible in each stage – planning and implementation. No on-ground works will be funded during the Stage 1 Planning stage.
Support available
The Trust encourages all eligible Aboriginal organisations to apply regardless of your project management experience as support to develop and deliver project plan is available. In the planning stage of the project, we can help you:
- identify your project key stakeholders
- determine what permits, licenses, approvals you may need
- prepare a Project Implementation Plan (which includes how to monitor and evaluate your project).
We provide:
- project management and training specific to your project
- support to help you develop your Project Implementation Plan
- access to online tools, resources and support for continued help over 12 months
- periodic project management support and advice over the life of the project.
At any time during the project you can ask us for advice about managing the project.