Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Capacity Building Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

PBC Capacity Building Grant is part of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS). Its purpose is to increase the capacity of Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs), and Traditional Owner Group Entities (TOGEs). The grant helps these organisations take advantage of economic opportunities and build long-term organisational capacity. This includes obtaining professional expertise and training. The grant also supports effective native title and traditional owner agreement-making.

The Australian Government has allocated approximately $54 million for this grant over four financial years, from 2021-22 to 2024-25. A majority of this funding goes directly to individual PBCs or a group of PBCs to help them engage with local or regional economic opportunities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: There is no minimum grant amount. Most grants are expected to be between $50,000 and $750,000. There is no maximum grant amount.
• Application open and close dates: The grant opportunity opened on 1 September 2021. It is an open, non-competitive grant. Applications are open until 30 June 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: The grant is for specific Indigenous organisations and entities, including Registered Native Title Body Corporates, PBCs, joint (consortia) applications, recognised Native Title Representative Bodies/Service Providers (NTRB/SP), and Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs). Third parties like law firms can apply if they have written authorisation from the PBCs they will benefit.
• Required co-contributions: The guidelines do not mention any required co-contributions.
• Location/state/territory applicability: The grant activity must be delivered in Australia.

Priority Sectors

PBC Capacity Building Grant is a component of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) and the Jobs, Land and Economy Program. The funding targets Indigenous organisations to help build their capacity. There are no other priority sectors.

Funding Scope

Applicants can apply for funding for activities lasting up to 36 months (three years). The grant amount depends on the scope and complexity of the proposed activity.

Funding can be used for activities that:

• Increase the capacity of PBCs to take advantage of economic opportunities and benefit from native title rights.
• Build long-term organisational capacity through training and professional expertise.
• Support effective native title or traditional owner agreement-making.

Grant Amount in Total

The full grant amount is approximately $54 million.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility criteria. A clear bullet-point list of key requirements is below.

• Business structure: Must be a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) or one of several other specific entity types. This includes Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporations, companies, incorporated associations, cooperatives, or Australian government bodies.
• Registered business location: The grant activity must be delivered in Australia.
• ABN/GST status: Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST where relevant.
• Other requirements: You must consult with your local NIAA Regional Office before submitting an application. You must also be financially viable to the Agency’s satisfaction.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

PBC Capacity Building Grant supports a range of activities.

• Business development: Obtaining financial or business planning services, community economic planning, and establishing offices.
• Technology and equipment: Acquiring information technology equipment, services like web design, and other equipment to support business functions.
• Governance and legal: Reviewing or changing corporate rulebooks, developing internal business systems like governance and financial management, and getting professional services like legal and accounting.
• Staff and training: Mentoring, coaching, or training for key staff.
• Project collaboration: Developing operational models that allow individual organisations to form regional groups.

Assessment Process

The grant is open and non-competitive. The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) will assess eligible applications against specific criteria. The NIAA provides advice to the Minister for Indigenous Australians on the merits of each application. Key evaluation criteria include how well the application meets the assessment criteria and represents value with relevant money. There is no minimum amount of grant funding.

Recent Program Updates

These guidelines apply to grant processes opening on 1 September 2021. The closing date is 30 June 2025.

Application Tips

• You must contact and consult with your local NIAA Regional Office before you apply.
• Read and understand the grant guidelines and the application form.
• Ensure all information in your application is complete and accurate. Providing false or misleading information is a serious offence.
• Demonstrate that your proposed activity meets one or more of the grant’s objectives.
• You may be asked to provide evidence like quotes for major costs.

Where to Get Help for PBC Capacity Building Grant

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.