Social Enterprise Development Initiative First Nations Grants Administrator grant opportunity coming soon

As part of the Targeting Entrenched Disadvantaged package in 2023–24, the Australian Government committed $11.6 million to the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) to support the growth of the social enterprise sector nationally.

Additional funding of $2.94 million (2025–26 and 2026–27) will fund a SEDI First Nations Grants Administrator inclusive of on-funding (Capability Building Funding) to First Nations social enterprises to purchase capability building support. Applicants will propose a funding split for the $2.94 million that maximises on-funding and outcomes for First Nations social enterprises.

A First Nations Grants Administrator would work with the Department of Social Services to design an application process, and then select and provide funding to First Nations social enterprises.

Funding specifically supporting First Nations social enterprises will complement the existing activities being delivered under the SEDI. Applicants must be First Nations organisations or form a consortium with at least one First Nations organisation.

The grant opportunity is expected to be open by mid-2025. Supporting documents will be published when the grant opportunity is open for applications.