Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $250,000
- Application opened: 7 April 2026
- Application closes: 15 May 2026, 11:00 pm
Program objective
Establish Aboriginal‑led Digital Inclusion Hubs under Socio‑Economic Outcome 17 that will deliver place‑based digital community hubs and digital skills uplift programs within NSW. The hub should aim to improve digital access and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in NSW.
Note this grant opportunity is available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations located within NSW. For more information regarding the grant and eligibility, please refer to the Information Guide and Frequently asked Questions.
This program is administered by Aboriginal Outcomes Unit.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Who is eligible to apply for the grant?
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) located in NSW (The definition of an ACCO is set out in Clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap )
- ACCOs that work in the community where a Digital Inclusion Hub will be established
- ACCOs that are not currently receiving funding to deliver a Digital Inclusion Hub.
Who the grant is targeted towards
Target audience is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Digital Inclusion Hub
A Digital Inclusion Hub is a place-based digital community hub that delivers digital skills uplift programs
What services will a Digital Inclusion Hub provide?
A Digital Inclusion Hub aims to close the digital divide by addressing one or more of the 4 targets under Socio-Economic Outcome 17: access, affordability, ability and media participation.
Services may include:
- Establishing place-based Digital Inclusion Hubs in selected metropolitan, regional and remote NSW locations, informed by the findings of Phase 1 (Digital - BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation)
- Delivering digital skills uplift programs tailored to local community needs
- Promoting digital education and awareness using culturally relevant content and delivery
- Empowering local digital mentors to lead and sustain community engagement.
Your grant application should outline what services, programs or initiatives you will deliver that will close the digital gap in your community based on the 4 targets above.
You may also propose initiatives outside the 4 targets if they support your community in closing the digital divide.
Outcomes for projects funded under this grant
Work towards closing the digital divide between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Aboriginal people.
Who can’t apply
Who is not eligible to apply for the grant?
An organisation is not eligible to apply if it:
- Does not meet the definition of an ACCO as outlined in Clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- Is located outside of NSW
- Has a real or perceived conflict of interest that cannot be resolved
- Does not have the organisational capacity and/or governance to deliver a Digital Inclusion Hub within the required timeframe
- Is not connected to the community where services will be delivered.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Application Checklist:
- Application form completed
- Referee report attached OR referee contact details provided
- Application submitted
- Confirmation email acknowledging application receipt received
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
Start the application
- Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements before applying
- Review the Information Guide and FAQ's
- Fill out your application form via SmartyGrants and submit before the closing date.
Note: If you are new to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: NSW Department of Customer Service
Assessment and notification process
- All applications will be assessed by a panel and will be assessed against a set of criteria
- DCS or BlaQ may ask follow up questions or request further information and documentation
- Ensure all questions are fully answered
- All applicants will be notified of their outcome by email. Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback
- DCS will need to enter into an agreement with successful applicants
- Successful applicants must agree to the proposed terms and conditions
- Funding will be provided in staged payments as per the agreement.
Please be aware that it may take a couple of weeks for the assessment process to be finalised.
Support and contact
NSW Department of Customer Service
closingthegap@customerservice.nsw.gov.au