Current status: currently open for applications. Please visit SmartyGrants for more information and to apply.
We are committed to supporting community-led cultural healing across Queensland through a $750,000 grant program for First Nations organisations.
About the program
The First Nations Cultural Healing Program Grants are an initiative of The Queensland Trauma Strategy 2024–2029, designed to strengthen community-led responses to historical and intergenerational trauma.
The funding provides an opportunity for First Nations organisations, First Nations community-controlled organisations and/or First Nations community based not-for-profits to develop locally-led healing program initiatives that:
- respond to community need,
- build on existing cultural strengths, resilience and knowledge and
- enhance social and emotional wellbeing.
A total funding pool of $750,000 is available, with individual grants up to $250,000.
Why this matters
Historical and intergenerational trauma continues to impact the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cultural healing programs provide a culturally grounded approach for communities to lead their own healing pathways, restoring connection to culture, Country and identity.
This funding supports communities to strengthen resilience, create safe healing spaces, and continue important cultural knowledge practices that promote wellbeing across generations.
Who can apply
The Commission is currently seeking First Nations applicants with experience, capability and skills to deliver a healing program that contributes to two or more of the following:
- raise awareness and/or provide education on the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma experienced by First Nations communities
- foster connection to culture, community and family to support social and emotional wellbeing
- promote mental health, social and emotional wellbeing and healing in culturally appropriate and community-led ways
- support suicide prevention and improve understanding of alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns for First Nations people
- support initiatives that address the social and structural determinants of health and wellbeing (i.e. racism, housing, education, justice)
- build leadership, self-determination and capacity within communities to lead their own healing journeys
- foster culturally safe environments in schools, workplaces or community spaces that support social and emotional wellbeing
Successful applicants will demonstrate their proposed program strengthens cultural identity, builds resilience, supports healing from trauma, and has the potential to be sustainable beyond the funding period.
Initiatives that address the needs of the following priority populations are encouraged.
- Young people (12- 25)
- Women and children impacted by domestic and family violence
- Young men who use or are at risk of using violence
- People with lived experience of incarceration or child removal
- LGBTQIA+SB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Survivors and descendants of the Stolen Generations
- First Nations people with complex needs (AOD, mental health, homelessness)
- Rural, regional and remote First Nations communities
- Kinship carers and parents healing from trauma
- Communities responding to collective or intergenerational trauma.
How to apply
- Read the grant guidelines and apply online via SmartyGrants.
First Nations organisations are encouraged to submit an online application outlining:
- the identified community need
- the proposed initiative
- expected benefits for individuals, families and communities
- how the program will remain sustainable beyond this funding.
Applications close at 2:00pm AEST, Wednesday 7 January 2026.
For more information, please contact contracts@qmhc.qld.gov.au
How this supports reform
The Cultural Healing Program Grants deliver on Action 33 of The Queensland Trauma Strategy 2024–2029:
Grow and strengthen community-led responses, awareness and education on the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma on First Nations communities.
The program also aligns with:
- Achieving balance: The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2022–2027
- Every life: The Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan 2019–2029
- Leading Healing Our Way: The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Strategy 2020–2040
Together, these frameworks recognise culture as a central pillar of healing and wellbeing.
