Native title-holding corporations are known as Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs). PBCs can access funding through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS), called ‘PBC Capacity Building grant funding’. This funding assists PBCs to grow organisational capacity and generate economic benefits from their land.
The Government recognises the essential role PBCs play in supporting native title holders to take advantage of opportunities arising from their native title rights. It is providing $54.2 million over three years (from 2022 23 to 2024-25) to support PBCs to undertake capacity building. This funding can be used for activities that aim to:
- Increase the capacity of PBCs to take advantage of economic opportunities.
- Build long-term organisational capacity within PBCs.
- Support effective native title agreement-making.
- The types of activities that can be funded include:
- Developing strategic, economic development and other planning frameworks.
- Developing corporate structures, controls, policies and procedures.
- Delivering training, development and mentoring opportunities for directors, staff and members.
- Establishing information and communications technology and equipment, including website development.
- Establishing an office and obtaining equipment to support business functions and opportunities.
- Engaging staff or professional services to deliver one-off capacity-building activities.
- Bringing PBCs together on a regional basis to increase local and regional capacity.
The Government is also providing an additional $7.1 million over three years (from 2021-22 to 2023-24) to assist PBCs in updating their rulebooks in line with changes to native title laws.
You can find out more about these changes through the factsheets on NIAA’s website:
The factsheets show what rulebook changes are required. PBCs, or organisations that support them can apply for PBC Capacity Building grant funding to help them to make these changes.
How to apply
This grant invites applications year-round, and there is no closing date to apply.
This grant is open to all:
- PBCs
- Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs)
- Traditional Owner Group Entities (TOGEs)
- Native Title Representative Bodies/Service Providers (NTRB/SP)
- Relevant peak bodies working with PBCS and in the native title sector.
Applications can also be considered from third parties (e.g. law firms or interest groups) with working knowledge of the PBC sector. These applications must have written authorisation from one or more PBCs to receive and administer funding on their behalf.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. Applicants must also undergo financial viability checks and a risk assessment.
- It is anticipated that most grants will be between $50,000-$750,000, depending on the scope of the grant activity and its complexity. There is no maximum grant amount, but grants cannot exceed the amount of available funds. The Agency may award grants as one-off payments or on a single-year or multi-year basis at its discretion.
- Before applying via the online form, applicants must contact the local NIAA regional office to:
- discuss the proposal
- confirm the proposed activities are in scope
- confirm funding is available.
For further information about applying for grant funding, contact your local Regional Office on 1800 079 098 or search on the Regional Office website.
- PBC Capacity Building Grant Opportunity Guidelines – PDF 704 KB | DOCX 376 KB
- PBC Capacity Building Grant Application Form
PBC Basic Support Funding
PBCs can access Basic Support Funding to meet their corporate and operational obligations. On average, around $50,000 - $80,000 per PBC is provided in Basic Support Funding. This funding is limited to basic administration and compliance activities. PBCs seeking assistance with economic development should apply under the Capacity Building grant funding.
PBC Basic Support Funding is only available to PBCs through their Native Title Representative Body or Service Provider. If your PBC wants to apply for Basic Support Funding, contact your Native Title Representative Body or Service Provider.
You can find your PBCs’ Native Title Representative Body or Service Provider on the NIAA website here:
PBC Capacity Building frequently asked questions
When does the funding round close?
There is no closing date for applications, and the NIAA will consider applications throughout the year.
Who can apply for funding?
- Any PBC can apply for funding.
- Several PBCs can apply for funding as a group.
- Other parties, such as native title representative bodies and service providers, law firms and interest groups, can apply for funding. The PBCs must authorise these applications to receive and administer funding on their behalf.
How much funding is available?
A total of $47 million is available over the next four financial years (2021-22 to 2024-25) for general PBC Capacity Building projects. An additional $7.1 million is available over the next three financial years (2021-22 to 2023-24) to support PBCs in amending their rulebooks to align with the Native Title Legislation Amendment Act 2021.
What types of activities does the funding cover?
There are three elements to the funding:
- Direct support to increase the capacity of PBCs to take advantage of economic opportunities.
- Support to build long-term organisational capacity within PBCs, such as:
- Projects to amend a PBCs rulebook and governance structure.
- Receiving training or obtaining professional expertise (for example, business consultancies, accountancy or legal services).
- Direct support for effective native title agreement-making.
A more detailed list of activities is in the application kit.
What cannot be funded?
Funding will not be provided for:
- Applications that do not clearly address at least one of the IAS program streams.
- Activities that are more appropriately funded by other Government agencies (including State/Territory and local Government) under their priorities.
- Retrospective items or activities.
- Costs reasonably covered by proponent parties.
How will the funding be provided?
The NIAA may award grants as one-off payments or on a single-year or multi-year basis at its discretion.
My corporation has been set up to become a PBC at some point in the future. Is it eligible for the funding?
No. Funding is only available for corporations that are already PBCs.
What if my PBC already gets Basic Support Funding through a Native Title Representative Body or Service Provider?
PBCs will be asked to indicate any other sources of government funding in their application. This includes PBC Basic Support Funding provided and administered through a Native Title Representative Body or Service Provider. Other funding will be considered to ensure the same activities are not funded twice.
Can I submit an application in hard copy?
Applications should be completed online. If you cannot access the online application, contact your local NIAA Regional Office on 1800 079 098.
Can NIAA’s Regional Office staff help me prepare my application?
Staff in NIAA’s Regional Offices are available to answer any queries on the application or funding process. Staff cannot help write the application or provide direct advice regarding your application. See Indigenous.gov.au or Appendix B of the IAS Guidelines.
Who should I contact if I need more information?
All enquiries should be directed to the NIAA Regional Office on 1800 079 098.