Strengthening Indigenous NGOs
The Strengthening Indigenous Non-Government Organisations initiative was established to provide practical organisational development support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander managed NGOs funded by the Department of Communities. This support focuses on building the capacity of these NGOs and improving community and disability services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The initiative has two phases.
Phase 1
Phase 1 involved developing culturally appropriate tools and resources to assist with the day-to-day running of Indigenous NGOs.
A major activity during this phase was the development of a 'virtual office' CD-ROM titled VOICE: Valuing Organisational Improvement and Community Excellence. This resource contains user-friendly information about office administration and management, as well as 'how-to' guides, templates and sample forms and documents. Topics covered include managing human resources, running meetings, strengthening governance, strategic planning and risk management.
The VOICE CD-ROM has been distributed to all Indigenous and mainstream NGOs funded by the Department of Communities or Disability Services Queensland.
VOICE is also available on the Community Door website.
Phase 2
Phase 2 involves providing local intensive support for organisational development in Indigenous NGOs.
Seven project officers have been appointed to the Strengthening Indigenous NGOs team for this phase of the initiative which began in July 2006. Two of these officers are based in Brisbane, working with organisations in South-East Queensland and the Wide Bay–Burnett area. Three officers are assisting organisations in the Rockhampton Townsville and Mt Isa areas. The remaining two officers are assisting organisations in the Cairns and Cape Torres areas.
Project Officers will also be assisting in scope Indigenous organisations to complete a self assessment against the Standards for Community Services
Funding initiatives
In April 2008, the Department of Communities announced two funding initiatives for Indigenous NGOs to undertake development activities:
- Strengthening Indigenous Non-Government Organisations
- Strengthening Rural Indigenous Non-Government Organisations
Applications for funding closed on 12 May 2008. It is expected that successful organisations will be notified by October 2008.
The next Strengthening Rural Indigenous Non-Government Organisations funding round is planned to open in late 2008.
Who does this initiative apply to?
The Strengthening Indigenous Non-Government Organisations initiative is targeting approximately 150 NGOs managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and funded by the Department of Communities or Disability Services Queensland.
Last updated: 27 August 2008.
VOICE: Valuing Organisational Improvement and Community Excellence