Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Capacity Building Grant Opportunity

Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Capacity Building Grant Opportunity is sponsored by National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Funding and Support for Native Title corporations | NIAA Funding and Support for Native Title corporations Native title-holding corporations are known as Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs). The Government recognises the essential role PBCs play in supporting Native Title holders to take advantage of opportunities arising from their Native Title rights.

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 is providing $114.

8 million over four years (from 2024-25 to 2028-29) 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. For further information about applying for grant funding, contact your local Regional Office on 1800 079 098 or search on the Regional Office website .

Access to the PBC Capacity Building Grant Opportunity Guidelines and application form are available here: Current Grant Opportunity View - GO5214: GrantConnect PBC Capacity Building Grant Application Form PBCs can access support to meet their corporate and operational obligations through Native Title Representative Body or Service Providers (NTRB/SPs).

Contact your NTRB/SP to find out what services and funding might be available for your PBC. You can find your PBCs’ NTRB/SP on the NIAA website here: Native Title Representative Bodies and Service Providers Frequently asked questions This grant invites applications until 30 June 2026.

Before applying via the online form, applicants must contact the local NIAA regional office to: confirm the proposed activities are in scope confirm funding is available. 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.

When does the funding round close? The closing date for applications is 30 June 2026. Who can apply for funding?

Any PBC, Traditional Owner Corporation (TOC) or Traditional Owner Group Entity (TOGE) 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 $114.

8 million is available over the next four financial years (2024-25 to 2028-29) for general PBC Capacity Building projects. 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. 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 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 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 our NIAA Regional Offices page 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. Did you find this page useful?

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