The ABA is a Special Account that benefits Aboriginal people living in the Northern Territory (NT) established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The ABA receives monies from the Commonwealth based on the value of royalties generated from mining on Aboriginal land in the NT.

The ABA funds various activities including the operations of the NT lands councils and ABA Open Grants. ABA Open Grants fund projects delivered in the NT for the benefit of Aboriginal people.

ABA Open Grants proposals should align with the objectives of supporting Indigenous enterprises; community; culture, language and leadership; or supporting land, sea and waters management and use.

Applications for ABA Open Grants are reviewed by the ABA Advisory Committee (ABAAC), which provides advice to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Members of the ABAAC are representatives from across the NT and nominated by their respective land council.

ABA Open Grants may now be considered for multi-year projects; administrative costs or wages component for non-ongoing employees; projects that could be funded by the government or mainstream services but where the budget may not be available in the short term; and projects where non-Indigenous Australians may deliver a service or project which benefits Indigenous Australians (with evidence of community support).

Applicants seeking funding for business/enterprise related projects are required to consult with Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) before submitting their application. IBA will provide an independent assessment of their proposal’s viability. Similarly, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation is required to be consulted for land management or agriculture related applications.

Applicants seeking funding of over $500,000 are required to submit a project management plan or business plan (depending on the nature of the proposal) with their application.