This grant supports the NSW Aboriginal Cancer Strategy by enabling Aboriginal-led, community-driven approaches to improve cancer experiences and outcomes across the cancer continuum.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: Up to $20,000
- Application opened: 13 April 2026
- Application closed: 4 May 2026, 12:00 pm
Program objective
Purpose
Support Aboriginal Medical Services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to establish or strengthen culturally safe and trauma-informed support groups where Aboriginal people affected by cancer, their families and carers feel supported, connected, and empowered.
Objectives
- Create welcoming, and trauma-informed environments that support Aboriginal people affected by cancer to feel respected, connected, and empowered, fostering trust, participation, shared learning, and healing through culturally grounded group support.
- Improve equitable access to cancer services by reducing barriers and strengthening culturally safe, responsive and high-quality care for Aboriginal people, their families and carers across the cancer continuum.
- Strengthen participants confidence to engage with cancer care providers and make informed decisions about their treatment and wellbeing, enhancing health outcomes and trust between communities and healthcare providers within the cancer eco-system.
This grant opportunity is non-competitive, demand-driven (first-in, first served).
This program is funded and administered by Cancer Institute NSW.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include NSW-based:
- Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS)
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO)
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO)
What can’t you apply for
The following are not eligible for funding:
- projects delivered outside of NSW
- capital purchases exceeding $2,000 (for example, machinery, equipment, vehicles)
- salaries for ongoing positions (backfilling permitted)
- cash-based participation incentives (eg. direct cash payments to participants)
- administration, overhead and contingency fees.
What your application needs to include
You can download the full guidelines:
Applications must include a completed application form and organisation endorsement letter:
Address the essential criteria
Applications must demonstrate:
Aboriginal Leadership
- The project is led by an eligible AMS, ACCHO, ACCO
- Aboriginal governance and decision-making are embedded throughout the project
Meaningful Community Consulation
- Evidence of community co-design and consultation
- Community priorities will inform the project approcah
- Use of culturally appropriate engagement methods (e.g. yarning circles, workshops)
Cancer Focus and Alignment
- Plans to address a community identified cancer priority across the cancer continuum
- Alignment with priorities and principles in the NSW Aboriginal Cancer Strategy
- A detailed and realistic budget that aligns with the proposed activities
Start the application
Complete the application form in the Word template (also available on the Cancer Institute NSW’s website).
Applications must be submitted via email to CINSW-Grants@health.nsw.gov.au by 12pm (midday) 4 May 2026.
Applications must include:
The application should provide all requested information. Only the requested information provided in the application form will form the basis of the review process.
Applicants will receive email confirmation of receipt within one business day of submission.
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Cancer Institute NSW’s Chief Executive Officer/Chief Cancer Officer
All submitted applications will undergo an eligibility assessment to ensure that all required documents have been submitted, and that the application adheres to all eligibility requirements.
The Institute utilises a Grants Review Panel composed of internal members for non-competitive grants.
Applications will be assessed against the eligibility and essential criteria of the grant guidelines and Panel member’s feedback. The Grants Review Panel will put forward recommendations for the awarding of the grant to the Cancer Institute NSW for consideration. The Cancer Institute NSW’s Chief Executive Officer/Chief Cancer Officer will consider all recommendations for funding by the Grants Review Panel.
All applicants will be notified in writing of the grant outcome in June 2026.