Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund

What is the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund?

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund is managed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council. Grants can be made out of the Fund for the purposes of protecting or managing cultural heritage. Up to $250,000 (including GST) per grant is available to eligible applicants.

The Fund is established under Part 10A of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Any fees paid under the Act are paid into the Fund, as well as any other money borrowed or received by the Council.

Council is committed to empowering Victoria’s Traditional Owners to continue to care for their cultural heritage and leave a rich legacy and inheritance for future generations.

Information about the Fund and the grant application process can be found in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Grant Program Guidelines.

As the primary knowledge-holders and guardians of cultural heritage in Victoria, grants from the Fund will elevate Traditional Owner led projects that keep our People thriving. This investment into managing and protecting Victoria’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage will help preserve our Ancestors’ legacy, for the enrichment of the wider community, and for generations to come.
Russell Mullett, Council Chair

Grant funding must be made for the purposes of ‘protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage’ under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic). The Act defines ‘Aboriginal cultural heritage’ as Aboriginal places, Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal Ancestral Remains.
Grant funding is available under three categories:
- Category 1: Cultural heritage protection works (up to $250,000 plus GST)
- Category 2: Innovation, excellence and advocacy in cultural heritage management (up to $50,000 plus GST)
- Category 3: Awareness or training initiatives (up to $25,000 plus GST).
More information on the categories of grant funding can be found in the Guidelines:

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Grant Program Guidelines
PDF 4.4 MB

(opens in a new window)
Applications for grants are made to the Council, who will review and recommend projects for funding. The first round of grant funding will be opening for a six-week period commencing 7 April 2025 and running until COB 20 May 2025.
Applicants should first read the Guidelines and contact the Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council at vahc@dpc.vic.gov.au to discuss their project proposal, prior to making an application.
Applicants must complete the application form. Please include any additional information to questions in the form as attachments and attach all supporting material.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Application form
PDF 7.51 MB

(opens in a new window)

All applications will be considered against the eligibility criteria and the assessment criteria in the Guidelines.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Grant Program Guidelines
PDF 4.4 MB

(opens in a new window)
For an application for funding to be considered, the organisation applying for the grant must be controlled, led or directed by Victorian Traditional Owners.
Applicants seeking grant funding for a place-based project based within a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) area must either:
- be the appointed RAP for the application area; or
- have a letter of recommendation from the RAP supporting the application.
Applicants seeking funding for a place-based project in non-RAP areas should be representative of relevant Traditional Owner Group/s or community or have written support from relevant Traditional Owner Group/s or community.
An auspice organisation may make a grant application on behalf of an unincorporated Traditional Owner group/s or community.
More information about eligibility requirements can be found in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Guidelines:

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Grant Program Guidelines
PDF 4.4 MB

(opens in a new window)

Arts, culture & heritage

Updated 10 April 2025