The program aims to enable Aboriginal Medical Services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to lead the development of community-identified cancer research priorities.
Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $100,000
- Application opened: 19 March 2026
- Application closes: 15 May 2026, 12:00 pm
Program objective
Purpose
The Aboriginal Community-Led Cancer Research Grant provides seed funding to support Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to lead the development and planning of community-identified cancer research projects.
Objectives
- Support Aboriginal communities to identify locally relevant cancer research priorities across the cancer continuum, including prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care.
- Strengthen Aboriginal leadership and governance in research through culturally appropriate consultation and co-design processes that center Aboriginal voices.
- Build research readiness within Aboriginal communities by supporting scoping activities that enable participation in future Aboriginal-led cancer research.
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)
Applicants may partner with universities, research institutes or other organisations, however:
- the AMS/ACCHO/ACCO must be the lead applicant and funding recipient
- the AMS/ACCHO/ACCO must retain leadership and governance of the project.
What can’t you apply for
The following are not eligible for funding:
- projects delivered outside of NSW
- capital purchases exceeding $10,000 (for example, machinery, equipment, vehicles)
- salaries for ongoing clinical service positions (gap funding and backfilling permitted)
- cash-based participation incentives (for example, direct cash payments to participants)\
- administration or overhead fees
- formal research implementation (participant recruitment, data collection, or intervention delivery)
- laboratory-based or clinical trials research.
What your application needs to include
You can download the full guidelines:
Applications must include:
- Completed Application Form (DOCX 114.46KB)
- Evidence of AMS, ACCHO and ACCO certification
- Organisation Endorsement Letter Template (DOCX 26.59KB)
- Partnership letters (optional).
Forms and templates are also available on the Cancer Institute NSW website.
Address the essential criteria
Applications must demonstrate:
Aboriginal Leadership
- The project is led by an eligible AMS, ACCHO or ACCO
- Aboriginal governance and decision-making are embedded throughout the project
Meaningful Community Consultation
- Evidence of community consultation and co-design
- Demonstration that community priorities will inform the project approach
- Engagement methods that reflect culturally appropriate approaches (eg. yarning circles, workshops)
Clear 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
Address the assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
Community Priority and Leadership (25%)
- Demonstrates understanding of cancer priorities or service gaps relevant to the local Aboriginal community
- Demonstrates meaningful community consultation and co-design
- Reflects strong Aboriginal community leadership and governance
Project Design and Feasibility (35%)
- Clear project goals and deliverables
- Alignment with the NSW Aboriginal Cancer Strategy
- Realistic timeline within the two-year funding period
- Identifies risks and mitigation strategies
Budget and Value for Money (20%)
- Budget is detailed and realistic
- Clearly links expenditure to intended outcomes
Capacity Building and Sustainability (20%)
- Builds research capacity within the Aboriginal community
- Strengthens partnerships (where applicable)
- Demonstrates how the project can be sustainable beyond the funding timeline
Start the application
Complete the application form in the Word template (available on the Cancer Institute NSW’s website).
Applications must be submitted via email to CINSW-Grants@health.nsw.gov.au by 12pm 15 May 2026.
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Cancer Institute NSW’s Chief Executive Officer/Chief Cancer Officer
Applicants will receive email confirmation of receipt within one business day of submission.
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 an independent Grants Review Committee composed of external members, including at least one consumer representative, who will assess applications based on an assessment of merit against the stated assessment criteria.
The Grants Review Committee 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 Committee.
All applicants will be notified in writing of the grant outcome in July 2026.