Australian High Commission in Rarotonga Community Grants

The Australia-Cook Islands Community Grants Program (ACCGP) is a flexible, small grants program funded by the Australian Government, available to non-government organisations, community groups and others to respond to community priorities across a wide range of sectors. The program cannot support private businesses. 

The Australian High Commission in Rarotonga Community Grants 2024-25 (ACG24) is available to community groups, NGOs, and other entities engaged in development activities in Cook Islands’ local communities. The objective of ACG24 is to support a range of small-scale activities and projects, that meet the needs and priorities of the Cook Island communities in which they are delivered, with a direct, practical and immediate impact.

Favourable consideration will be given to applications:

• where applicants and/or communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash;
• which pursue interesting approaches, projects and partners;
• that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes; and/or
• that provide educational or occupational skills training and have a clear plan for measuring the success of training.

For the grant opportunity ACG24, AUD100,000 is available in FY2024-25. The maximum grant amount is AUD15,000 per year per applicant. 

The ACG24 application round is open from 14 February 2025 to 23 March 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Detailed information for the ACG24 opportunity is in the Guidelines (available here). You must read these guidelines before filling out an application.

This document sets out:

• the purpose of the grant opportunity
• the eligibility and assessment criteria
• how grants applications are considered and selected
• how grantees are notified and receive grant payments
• how grantees will be monitored and evaluated   
• the responsibilities and expectations in relation to the opportunity.

This grant opportunity and process will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade according to the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles (CGRPs).

Questions: Please contact the Office Manager at the Australian High Commissioner in Rarotonga by phone +682 22223 or by email, ahcrarotonga@dfat.gov.au for any questions.

Please ensure you have read the grant guidelines prior to answering these questions.

Please complete the following 'Confirmation of Eligibility' questions before commencing this application form to ensure you do not spend time applying for an unsuitable grant. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

Confirmation of Eligibility

I confirm that I (the applicant):

• have read and understand the Australian High Commission in Rarotonga Community Grants 2024-25 (ACG24) Grant Opportunity Guidelines
• am able to demonstrate alignment between the grant purpose and objectives of the ACCGP
• am able to address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria as outlined in the guidelines and attach the supporting documentation including a proposed timeline and an indicative budget with itemised expenses
• all grant activities are located in Cook Islands
• am a Cook Islands residents, Cook Islands registered community organisations or entities with an existing partnership with a Cook Islands organisation, a non-government organisations and charitable trusts operating in Cook Islands; or other entities engaged in development activities in Cook Islands
• am not an Australian parent entity not participating in the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse; or a national, state, territory and local government agency or body (including government business enterprises)
• all personnel working on the grant activity to adhere to the DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy; DFAT Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy; and DFAT Child Protection Policy
• have a bank account which grant funding payments can be made
• complete all proposed grant activity within 1 (one) year from the date of signing the grant agreement
• ensuring that my application is complete and accurate. Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code 1995 and will exclude your application from further consideration