Informit is proud to launch the 2026 First Peoples’ Lens Cultural Fund, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led projects in research, innovation and the digital sharing of knowledge.
Expressions of Interest are now closed
This year, a total of $30,000 will be distributed to selected projects that meet the Fund’s criteria. Eligible proposals must be led by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, group or organisation, focus on publishing, research or library-based initiatives, and prioritise digital knowledge dissemination.
Projects that demonstrate strong community impact and broad access will be viewed favourably. Examples include digital publications (such as journals or books), catalogue or collection development projects within libraries, websites documenting community cultural development or collating cultural data, and research projects that deliver clear benefits to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
Applications will be assessed by Informit’s First Peoples’ Lens Steering Committee, composed of highly regarded Indigenous academics and publishing industry peers. Successful applicants will enter into a Service Agreement outlining project scope and milestones.
Recipients will be required to acknowledge Informit’s funding contribution on all published or public-facing materials and Informit will promote supported projects through its website, social media and other communication channels. Intellectual property will remain with the funding recipients at all times.
Successful recipients will be announced in June 2026, with Informit-funded components of the projects to be completed by 26 February 2027.* Funding will be released upon Informit receiving signed Service Agreement and tax-compliant invoice (by 3 August, 2026).
Applicants are encouraged to review the 2026 Guidelines (see below) before submitting an Expression of Interest. For further information or to discuss a project idea, please contact Gretel Taylor at Gretel.taylor2@rmit.edu.au.
*EOI proposals can be for a discrete project that will be delivered and reported on by 26 February 2027 OR a component of a larger, longer-term project with other income sources. The component/s funded by Informit will require a brief report by 26 February 2027.
