The First Nations Digital Support Hub Program and the Network of Digital Mentors Program – Combined Grant Opportunity
Tender ID: 579031
Tender Details
Tender Description
In the 2024-25 Budget, the Australian Government provided funding to support the digital ability and literacy of First Nations Australians, to help progress Closing the Gap Target 17: By 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal levels of digital inclusion, through the following programs:
· $4 million ($2 million per year, GST exclusive) over two years to establish the First Nations Digital Support Hub
· $18 million ($6 million per year, GST exclusive) over three years for a Network of Digital Mentors
Refer to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap for more information on these targets and priority reforms.
Both programs aim to improve First Nations digital inclusion by providing culturally safe advice and support to First Nations Australians regarding the use of telecommunications services, online safety, accessing essential services and troubleshooting connectivity issues. Delivery will be flexible to ensure the programs are responsive to changes in consumer experiences and expectations over time.
The purpose of the First Nations Digital Support Hub Program (Digital Support Hub) is to support digital ability and connectivity literacy for First Nations people and communities, supporting and enabling skills development to be online safely and effectively, and to determine the connectivity options best for community members. It will provide this support through an online website, provide materials and resources, and telephone/email assistance. The Digital Support Hub will not be a walk-in centre that services customers in-person.
The purpose of the Network of Digital Mentors Program (Network of Digital Mentors) is to establish and train a network of digital mentors in remote First Nations communities to assist people residing within those communities to enhance their access to connectivity, develop digital skills and literacy and to safely participate in the digital economy.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for either grant, you must be one of the following organisations. Only listed organisations will be invited to apply.
· First Nations Media Australia
· Indigenous Technology
- Land on Heart
·Pilbara and Kimberly Aboriginal Media
·The Centre for Appropriate Technology.
This is a targeted, competitive grants process, meaning only Applicants who have been invited to submit applications may do so. You are not eligible to apply for either grant opportunity if you are not listed above as an invited organisation.
Eligible Applicants were determined by the Department following public consultation on these guidelines, the First Nations Digital Inclusion package of 2024-25 Budget measures and First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap, and through extensive consultation with the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group and Digital Inclusion Expert Panel.
We recognise that some organisations may want to join together as a group to deliver the First Nations Digital Support Hub Program and/or the Network of Digital Mentors Program.
In these circumstances, you must appoint a ‘lead organisation’, which must be an organisation eligible to apply as specified in Section 4.1 of these guidelines. Only the lead organisation can submit the application form and enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. The application must identify all other members of the proposed group and include a letter of support from each of the partners.
Grant Activity Timeframe:
First Nations Digital Support Hub Program
The maximum grant period for the First Nations Digital Support Hub Program is up to 30 June 2026. The successful applicant must complete all grant activities by 30 June 2026.
Network of Digital Mentors Program
The maximum grant period for the Network of Digital mentors is up to 30 June 2027. The successful applicant must complete all grant activities by 30 June 2027.
An evaluation of the programs will be undertaken by the Department.
Total Amount Available (AUD):
$22,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD):
From $0.00 to $22,000,000.00
Instructions for Application Submission:
Before applying, you must read and understand these guidelines, and the relevant sample application form and sample grant agreement.
These documents may be found at GrantConnect. GrantConnect is the authoritative source for grants information. Any alterations and addenda will be published on GrantConnect and by registering on this website, you will be automatically notified of any changes to these guidelines.
To apply you must:
·complete and submit an application using the relevant sample application form available on GrantConnect (for either the Digital Support Hub, the Network of Digital Mentors or, or for both programs).
·provide all the information requested
·address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria
· include all necessary attachments.
· submit your application(s) to FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au by the closing date and time stated at the front of these guidelines.
Other Instructions:
In applying, applicants are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and accurate. If you find an error in your application after submitting it, you should contact us immediately at FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au. We do not accept any additional information, or requests from you to correct your application after the closing time.
You cannot change your application after the closing date and time.
Location
New South Wales : Central West : Far North Coast : Far West : Hunter : Illawarra : Mid North Coast : Murray : New England : Orana : Riverina : Southern Highlands : Sydney
Queensland : Cairns & Far North Queensland : Gladstone : Mackay Whitsunday Region : Mount Isa & North West Region : Rockhampton : South East Queensland : South West & Darling Downs : The Central West : Townsville : Wide Bay Burnett
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Northern Territory : Barkly : Big Rivers : Central Australia : East Arnhem : Greater Darwin : Top End
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania
