Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Sector Strengthening Program for Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The ACCO VET Program aims to fund projects that build the capability of ACCOs to deliver VET, develop or uplift services for Aboriginal people engaged in (or planning to undertake) VET, or plan for growth in the skills and training system.

The Program does not fund training places for Aboriginal people in a VET course.

Projects will need to be completed, and all the grant money spent, by 30 September 2028.

The Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 503.9 KB) contain more detail about eligibility and eligible activities.

The Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation Sector Strengthening Program for Vocational Education and Training 2026 is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and Tasmanian Government.

To be eligible for a grant your organisation must:

1. be a Tasmanian-based Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) as defined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020 (Clause 44):
   An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait lslander community-controlled organisation delivers services, including land and resource management, that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait lslander communities and people and is:
   1. incorporated under relevant legislation and not-for-profit
   2. controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait lslander people
   3. connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services
   4. governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait lslander governing body.
2. be able to provide a financial statement for the 2024-25 financial year
3. have evidence of $20 million public liability insurance for each individual claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence
4. have appropriate provisions in place regarding the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework.

Other types of organisations are eligible as project partners.

The Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 503.9 KB) contain more detail about the eligibility criteria.

Grant Program Guidelines

Applications must read the Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 503.9 KB) prior to applying.

Make an application via SmartyGrants

Applications must be submitted online using the SmartyGrants online grant management system prior to the closing time. The application process requires applicants to address selection criteria and attach supporting evidence.

• The application is available here: https://stategrowthtas.smartygrants.com.au/ACCOProgram

Questions in relation to the use of the online application form or SmartyGrants may be answered via the online Help Guide or on the SmartyGrants’ Applicant FAQ page. Applicants can also email service@smartygrants.com.au or call 03 9320 6888. (Support Desk hours are 9 am – 5 pm (AEST), Monday through Friday).