At the NCCA
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| Development Fund |
| Funded in 2011 |
| Funded in 2010 |
| Funded in 2009 |
| Funded 2008 |
| Funded 2007 |
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development Fund (ATSIDF)
Funding human development is a tangible expression of the Churches’ support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples to develop their communities and their participation in the wider Australian and international communities.
The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Development Fund (ATSIDF), of the National Council of Churches in Australia, is a tax deductible fund set up to assist Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples by giving small, usually one-off grants for community development projects. The projects are funded through the NATSIEC annual Martung Upah Appeal.
How to Apply
Applications must be made on the appropriate form. Please read the guidelines before making your submission. Please note that grants over $5,000, or for recurrent funding, will not be considered. If you have any questions please contact NATSIEC on (02) 9299 2215 prior to submitting your application.
Download Application form
Download ATSIDF Guidelines
Closing Dates for Funding Applications
NATSIEC is not currently inviting applications. Please call 02 9299 2215 for urgent requests or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Applicants will be informed of outcomes of their applications within 4-6 weeks of the closing date.
Projects funded
Details of previously funded projects are on the next page.
'concerned Australians' - Gathering of Aboriginal Elders in Darwin $ 5,000
In May 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay visited Australia. While here she attended a significant meeting where around 40 Elders and Community leaders from all over the Northern Territory told her about their experiences under the NT Intervention. NATSIEC donated the money to 'concerned Australians' whose lobbying and advocacy were significant in ensuring this meeting with Navi Pillay happened. The money was used to top up monies for some flights, paid for others, contributed to fuel money for those able to drive and covered the costs of lunch before the meeting. Michele Harris, on behalf of 'concerned Australians' said that without NATSIEC's financial support much of this would have been impossible. The meeting was especially valuable, not only because of the Commissioner's presence but also because there was an awareness of the number of strong and powerful voices from across the Territory. Bob Randall said " it was an amazing meeting and gathering of family".
Funded in 2010
Our Generation Film project - $10,000
Our Generation is a documentary film made by Damien Curtis and Sinem Saban in conjunction with the Yolngu of Elcho Island. The film documents the story of the Yolngu people in relation to the Northern Territory Intervention. As Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra says of the film:
"It's a very important story, finally a platform for the Yolngu to tell their deep concerns and aspirations for the future to mainstream Australia. To bring justice and peace to the downtrodden".
This grant particularly supported its release on the East Coast of Australia where large scale screenings and discussions were held in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.
The film is an important documentary and NATSIEC urges people to buy the DVD and to show it to their communities, their friends, their colleagues, where ever possible. The film can be purchased direct from the film makers at www.ourgeneration.org.au
Canonisation of Mary MacKillop - $6,000
NATSIEC supported five Catholic Aboriginal women to attend the Canonisation of Mary Mackillop in Rome. While they were in Rome the women also visited Aboriginal artifacts held in the Vatican museum. Also, they were part of a group which located the grave of an Aboriginal man from New Norcia who had been taken to Rome and who died there. They held a ceremony and paid their respects at his graveside.
Funded in 2009
Teen Challenge Centralia - Champions Wild Camp - $5,000
The camp is an adventure based program for up to 12 troubled Indigenous youth from Alice Springs. This camp will help young people break the cycle of failure, substance abuse and crime resulting in jail or detention centres.
The Coloured Digger Project - Redfern $5,000
The Coloured Digger Project organises commemorative services in Redfern on ANZAC day. The aim of the project is to raise public awareness about the often largely ignored service and sacrifices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen and their families. Highlight the need for greater recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Servicemen and Servicewomen and to allow the community to come together to give recognition to all those who courageously served their country.
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Arts Fair - $5,000
An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Arts Project which will culminate in a public community arts fair hosted by NACI Tandanya. The Community Arts fair will support and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in the community. The fair will also coincide with Tandanya's 20th anniversary celebrations.
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne - Footprints Gathering - $5,000
To gather Aboriginal Catholics living in Victoria together to discuss issues of inculturation, education, employment and training in theology within Aboriginal Ministry. The gathering will reflect on past achievements, today and the way forward.
Projects 2008
Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (SA) Inc. - The Spirit Festival - $5,000
The Spirit Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture, music, art and dance and also featured football, netball, little athletics, a 3-on-3 basketball competition and par 3 golf competition. It was a unique opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to connect have fun and celebrate Aboriginal People and Culture.
St Alban's Youth Ministry (Yarrabah) - Trail of Hope: "The Journey" Youth Gathering $3500
This is the 4th conference of this nature and has grown in size and impact each time. This Christian gathering of Native, Indigenous and Aboriginal youth is filled with challenging messages, resourceful sessions, and lots of Christ centred messages through sports and other activities. It is designed to be part of a comprehensive strategy to establish much needed youth ministries among Indigenous youth. St Alban's youth ministry have been invited to be a part of this important gathering, and partner with the organisers to teach and resource Indigenous youth and leaders. The participants are funding their own air fares to attend this gathering. NATSIEC has provided funding to cover the cost of the registration fee for 13 participants.
Central Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agency (Rockhampton)
Indigenous Youth Musical Development and Outreach Project - $5635
This project is about assisting Indigenous youth to both develop musical and performance skills. It is believed that through this the Youth will be able to develop better self-esteem and self concept, they will be able to express themselves and in doing so create a greater awareness of the issues they confront in today's society. Many youth will find alternatives to the social pressures to reach for drugs and alcohol to "fit in" in with the crowd. By enabling them to make the decisions about the direction they want to take during this project they will be better able to make decisions about the rest of their lives and the relationships they have with others. NATSIEC funded the purchase of musical instruments.
United Congress Funerals
Portable PA System - $3156
NATSIEC funded the purchase of a replacement PA system which is used by United Congress Funerals, an Aboriginal non-profit organisation providing funeral services. The PA will not only be used for funerals, but also for other community activities.
UK pre-Lambeth Speaking Tour - $5,000
In July 2008 Aboriginal Bishop James Leftwich and Torres Strait Islander Bishop Saibo Mabo attended the Lambeth Conference in England. To take advantage of their presence in Europe NATSIEC organised a pre-Lambeth speaking tour. The Bishops spoke to several groups and parishes including the Churches Together in England and the World Council of Churches in Geneva. The aim of the tour was to promote solidarity and networking to assist in our advocacy and education work.
Funded in 2007
Inala Aboriginal Community Church – Durrak Qld - $5,800 for Youth Project
Skills development, education, and culture. Through planned and facilitated activities such as Aboriginal art, music lessons, singing, cooking lessons and health discussions, we aim to develop greater outcomes in the lives of our Indigenous young people. The project aims to provide intervention and alternatives for young people to participate in activities in a safe environment, social skills, health and cultural awareness to utilise in the church and community.
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry – Melbourne - $5,000 for distribution of A River Dreaming by Betty Pike
The funding helps the publication and distribution of a book A River Dreaming by Elizabeth Pike, Elder. The book presents the story of Betty’s finding of and growth in understanding herself as an Aboriginal person of mixed background and tells this through a re-telling and extensions of the story of the creation of the Platypus. The proceeds of the book will be donated by the author to support the Opening the Doors Foundation: Keeping Koori Kids in Education.
Jubal Aboriginal Corporation - $13,000 for kitchen equipment
Jubal is an Aboriginal owned and run place of retreat in Northern NSW. Jubal runs projects such as Youth holiday camps which are cultural and diversionary programs for Aboriginal youth. They also host other groups to run programs. Jubal has built a kitchen block but needed funding to equip it. Often the groups have more than 100 children and adults attending a five day camp, so it was essential to be able to provide proper meals. NATSIEC was able to fund a fridge and other essential equipment to enable Jubal to provide catering services to its groups. NATSIEC is also working closely with Jubal to develop a women’s project focusing on catering and in the future a café.
Cross Roads Training Ministry - $5,000 for Indigenous Community Leadership Training
This training program involves allowing Indigenous people to develop their skills with an holistic Indigenous Christian Perspective, it helps educate people about community development and culture. The focus is on developing individuals as leaders with skills in community development. The course also uses material from Nungalyina College which it is hoped will provide encouragement for students to take on more formal education.
Centacare Catholic Community Services - $6,235 – Alive and Well Project
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can access the Centacare Alive and Well project. The project aims to empower young people through on-going case work and support. The project focuses on skills development, culture and community development. Centacare provide a range of activities that engage young people in a learning and fun way. This approach builds rapport and trust which helps build upon the young people’s skills individually and within a group setting. It aims to prevent isolation, build friendships, break down barriers, build upon leadership and assist young people to gain a better understanding of their own culture.