First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants

First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants — Round 1

Administers research teams and institutions for First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants in energy systems and climate technology.

Round 1 of the First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants is a demand-driven grant round offering AUD $8.64 million of the broader $39.455 million First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants program, itself a component of the $70 million First Nations Clean Energy Program launched by Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) in 2025. The program was established under the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy, released in December 2024, to ensure First Nations communities and organisations are informed participants in and beneficiaries of Australia's energy transition.

Individual grants range from AUD $5,000 to $80,000 and fund professional advice, training, workshops, planning, and feasibility activities — including legal, governance, and financial advisory services — to help First Nations organisations understand and engage with clean energy opportunities. Projects must last between two and twelve months, and all funded activity must be completed by 31 March 2028 regardless of the project start date. Round 1 opened on 4 March 2026 and lists a close date of 3 September 2026, but the round is demand-driven and will close earlier if the $8.64 million pool is exhausted. Applications are submitted via business.gov.au; the program is administered by the DISR Business Grants Hub on behalf of DCCEEW (GrantConnect reference: GO8139).

Eligibility is restricted to First Nations organisations or groups holding an Australian Business Number (ABN). First Nations groups without an ABN may apply through an eligible auspicing partner organisation. For-profit companies, universities, and research organisations that are not First Nations-led entities are not eligible as direct applicants. No co-funding or matching contribution is required. Applicants should apply early given the demand-driven structure, as the round may exhaust its pool before the September 2026 nominal close date.