The purpose of the ALT Educational Scholarship Program is to revive, grow and nurture Aboriginal Languages across NSW by supporting individuals who are undertaking training or education related to learning or teaching Aboriginal Language.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $1,000 to $50,000
- Application opened: 6 December 2023
- Application closed: 28 January 2024
Program objective
To encourage and financially support Aboriginal peoples to undertake education in Aboriginal Language.
To strengthen Cultural connection and integrity of Communities through building capacity and knowledge of Aboriginal Language.
To awaken, revive and strength Aboriginal Languages across NSW, whilst decolonising academia and valuing Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.
This program is administered by Aboriginal Languages Trust.
Eligibility
Who can apply
An individual who identifies and is recognised by their Community as Aboriginal,
A NSW resident (an exception may be granted under special circumstances at the discretion of the ALT),
Currently undertaking, or is enrolled to undertake, post-secondary tertiary education or training related to learning, teaching or assisting in the development of a NSW Aboriginal Language, and
Currently participating in, or can demonstrate plans to participate in, Language development in a Community within NSW.
Who the grant is targeted towards
Individuals who are undertaking training or education related to learning or teaching Aboriginal Language.
Types of projects funded under this grant
support the early stages of an individual’s Language learning. The course will be provided by an Aboriginal Community organisation or TAFE NSW.
support the further development of an individual’s Language learning or teaching. The course will be provided by a Tertiary Institution.
support the growth of expertise of an individual’s Language learning or teaching. The course will be provided by a Tertiary Institution.
When the project can start and end
1 March 2024 – 31 December 2025.
Successful applicants will need to acquit the scholarship within 6 weeks after the course delivery date and provide evidence of successful completion of the course, for example a certificate of completion.
The project should be started by 4 March 2024 and the project must be completed by 31 December 2024.
Outcomes for projects funded under this grant
Supports the reclamation of NSW Aboriginal Langauges.
Contributes to the efforts to revitalise NSW Aboriginal Languages Outcomes for Aboriginal peoples in NSW.
Supports the needs and priorities of the NSW Aboriginal Language Community to which they hold belonging
Support building the capability of Community in the Languages space, including what benefits and impact will be delivered to their local Community.
Engage with local Language Community and receive effective feedback.
Sharing of information and resources.
What costs you can apply for
Tutition.
Living Costs.
Computer and Software.
Resources and Materials related to the delivery of the course.
Who can’t apply
Organisations and/or corporations.
Individuals that are based outside NSW (exception my be granted under special circumstances).
What costs you can't apply for
Capital - any type of building, construction or capital works including renovations to a building, housing related costs or the purchase of land.
Purchasing and leasing of large equipment, including any type of vehicle.
Purchase of a business or tools of trade.
Sitting fees, travel allowance or costs associated with membership of Boards/councils.
International travel costs. Proposals for domestic travel costs need to demonstrate the benefits of travel to the project, organisation and community.
Costs that are not directly associated with the delivery of the Project.
are the core responsibility of another government agency, e.g. NSW Public School teacher and other staff salaries.
Types of projects not funded under this grant
Courses not delivered in NSW.
Courses not aligned with the Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarship Program.
are receiving funding from another source for the same project where there is no clear distinction between what each funding allocation will be used for.
Example projects
Support for Individual studying an Aboriginal Languages at Community and TAFE NSW.
Support with the living costs for Tertiary Institutions based individuals undertaking training or education related to learning or teaching Aboriginal Language inlcuding but not limited to Linguistics, Cultural Knowledges, Anthropology.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
You will need to identify in your application which Tier you are applying for. Please note that each Tier requires additional supporting material listed below.
Tier 1 Revive
- Proof of Aboriginality
- Proof of Enrolment
- Budget showing how the grant amount will be spent
Tier 2 Grow
- Proof of Aboriginality
- Proof of Enrolment
- Budget showing how the grant amount will be spent
- At least two [2] letters of support from the relevant Aboriginal Community Language Champion / Aboriginal Community Organisation / Language Network or Reference Group
- Study and Outcome Plan
Tier 3 Nurture
- Proof of Aboriginality
- Proof of Enrolment
- Budget showing how the grant amount will be spent
- At least two [3] letters of support from the relevant Aboriginal Community Language Champion / Aboriginal Community Organisation / Language Network or Reference Group
- Study and Outcome Plan
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.
Address the assessment criteria
Supporting the reclamation and revitalisation of NSW Languages
Outcomes for Aboriginal peoples in NSW
Capacity to deliver intended outcomes
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Exective Director , The Aboriginal Languages Trust
An Assessment Panel will assess applications against the assessment criteria. In progressing applications for decision, the value will be taken into consideration, with different approval processes varying dependent to the ALT Educational Scholarship Program tier.
Stage 1: Application through Smartygrants
An individual will complete the online application form via SmartyGrants.
An initial review of applications by the ALT Community Investment Team will take place, ensuring forms are adequately filled out and applicants meet basic requirements, such as proof of Aboriginality. All applications will be screened for project eligibility. The applicant may be contacted for verification or for further information at this stage. Ineligible applicants will be notified in writing and will not proceed to Stage 2.
Stage 2: Assessment
Applications that pass the initial review by the Community Investment Team will be reviewed by the assessment panel. Applications will be assessed based on value for money, Community impact and their ability to meet the assessment criteria.
Eligible applications will be assessed within two weeks of submission by the Assessment Panel consisting of four members, including:
- An ALT staff member
- A NSW Government Department or Agency staff member (non-ALT)
- Two (2) Aboriginal Community members / Language Champions
The assessment panel will:
- Review applications, consistent with the eligibility and assessment criteria.
- Assess each application individually and then as a group.
- Prepare an assessment panel report of their recommendations.
- Submit a final assessment panel report to the ALT Executive Director.
- On request, provide confidential verbal briefing to others in the approval process.
- Oversee the timelines and effectiveness of the assessment process.
The Assessment Panel may seek advice from an Advisor.
The Departmental Delegate, ALT Executive Director, is the final decision maker based on the recommendations of the Assessment Panel.
Stage 3: Grant Funded
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Enter into a funding agreement with the ALT within two weeks of an offer being made.
- Start and complete funded activities and events by the dates specified in the funding agreement.
- Notify the ALT of any proposed changes to the funded activity, including timelines.
- Acknowledge the support of the ALT in accordance with the Funding Acknowledgement Guidelines which can be found at alt.nsw.gov.au
Stage 4: Report and Acquittal
The applicant is required to report on outcomes from the activity and acquit the grant within 30 days of project completion. Evidence to support this can be uploaded in SmartyGrants and must include proof of expenditure (copies of invoices and receipts) as well as photos, media coverage, links to video clips, etc, where relevant.
If the applicant does not successfully acquit the grant, the ALT Community Investment Team will contact you to assist with the completion of your acquittal if an underspend is identified it will need to be returned to the Aboriginal Languages Trust.
If the acquittal is not completed within the required timeframe, you will not be eligible to apply for the ALT Grants for the next two years.
Successful applications may be included in:
- Public media releases,
- An announcement on the ALT website,
- ALT social media promotion,
- ALT Annual Report or other ALT publications,
- Published on Grant Finder website, and
Published on ALT Website.
Anticipated assessment outcome date is 15 February 2024
Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is 20 February 2024
Support and contact
Aboriginal Languages Trust
Community Investment Team
grants@alt.nsw.gov.au
1300 036 406