Celebrating Reconciliation Grants
The Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program provides funding for local communities to host events that encourage participation in National Reconciliation Week.
National Reconciliation Week is a national campaign held annually from 27 May to 3 June, celebrating and building on respectful relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 Referendum to change how Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples were referred to in the Constitution (27 May), and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision (3 June).
The week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians to create a nation strengthened by respectful relationships.
2026 Celebrating Reconciliation Grants are now open
The Queensland Government Celebrating Reconciliation Grants are now open.
Grants of up to $2,500 are available to support National Reconciliation Week events and activities across Queensland. Applications close at 8am (AEST) on 10 March 2026. Grant recipients will be announced on 20 April 2026.
The Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program is designed to support events and activities held in or around National Reconciliation Week.
Key criteria for events and activities are to:
- Promote and facilitate respectful relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Queenslanders
- Promote and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Queenslanders
- Promote inclusion and social cohesion
- Raise community awareness of National Reconciliation Week
- Offer community members opportunities to learn, share, and grow—for example, through sharing stories, and showcasing local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, arts and cultural activities.
Download the Celebrating Reconciliation Grants 2026 Funding Guidelines 143.5 KB) .
To apply, visit the SmartyGrants website.
More information
Leaders of Reconciliation
Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO:
My dream is that all Australians respect and have tolerance for all other Australians.
No matter what their background is, no matter what the colour of their skin is.
Belza (Bill) Lowah:
The catalyst of the reconciliation, what it is, is to bring people together and talk about issues. Nut it out. Respect this land of ours.
Dr Jackie Huggins AM:
Reconciliation isn’t a soft issue. It’s damn hard. It’s about action now and we want it now.
Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO:
Reconciliation is important for all Queenslanders to overcome the hurt, the pain, the misunderstanding that currently exists in our society.
Belza (Bill) Lowah:
There is unity in diversity. There is greatness in difference. There is beauty in cultural integrity.
Dr Jackie Huggins AM:
Reconciliation means three things: recognition, justice and healing.
Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO:
We have to take the time to feel uncomfortable. We have to understand that feeling uncomfortable is part of the human growth process.
Belza (Bill) Lowah:
There is greatness in difference. Greatness. Get involved. Raise the flag. Understand another human being.
Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO:
What we must have is a shared understanding of our history, a shared acceptance of the past. Warts and all. Because that’s the only way we can move forward.
Dr Jackie Huggins AM:
We are tired of the constant talking and lack of action. So now’s the time to do this. Not only for our country, our children, but for each other. And that is the journey of reconciliation.