Welcome to Country is an Indigenous-led social enterprise working to create employment and economic development outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses using e-commerce platforms and support.

Grants received: 

2024 Signature Grant, $30,000

2022 Signature Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

In 2022 Mannifera funding helped to establish a rolling fund to support First Nations-owned enterprises to begin selling their products via the Welcome to Country platform, and to expand their business offerings. In 2024 Mannifera provided funding to support Welcome to Country to transition to become an incorporated, First Nations
owned and controlled entity.

Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corp’s mission is to provide support services to help people in need to improve their memory, attention, brain speed and social skills, which in turn improve their ability to sustain employment and achieve in education. 

Grants received: 

2022 First Nations-led Grant, $30,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera’s funding supported the exploratory work to scale Yiliyapinya’s programs focused on the “trauma brain” and how First Nations people can harness this in their work and learning.

Preston Campbell Foundation (PCF)  is an Indigenous-led and owned, not-for-profit organisation providing training and employment for Indigenous young people, working holistically and providing cultural safety and support. 

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000

2022 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera’s funding helped to build a social enterprise cafe in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley that will provide hospitality training and employment opportunities to Indigenous young people, as well as enhance PCF’s digital capabilities as an organisation and increase awareness of their work in remote communities.

First Australians Capital (FAC) is an Indigenous founded and led organisation that believes in the cultural, creative and economic capital of Indigenous Australians to achieve self-determination and economic justice.

Grants received: 

2021 First Nations-led Grant, $40,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera funding supported the development of FAC’s 2030 Economic Horizon for Indigenous-led Impact Strategy and a five-year strategic plan that will lead to an Investment Mandate to grow and scale FAC’s work. This supported progress towards the long-term goal of developing an Impact Investment Fund.

Outback Academy is a majority First Nations-led not-for-profit organisation that connects First Nations regenerative farmers to supply opportunity; alongside capacity and capability building for agricultural horticultural business. Farmers work under the brand Follow the Flowers.

Grants received: 

2022 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000

2021 First Nations-led Grant, $40,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera funding was used to plan the scaling of honey production and the engagement of Indigenous consultants to work with farmers and industry experts to develop the Follow the Flowers business model. It later helped to bring on marketing expertise to develop the communications systems and branding at a critical growth period for Outback Academy.

Black Coffee Australia is a volunteer-run grassroots network that brings together Indigenous small business owners around Australia to build connections, form local business communities, encourage procurement and support the formation of an Indigenous Chambers of Commerce. Black Coffee is run in 36 regions across the continent with 2330 Indigenous business owners participating. 

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $10,000

2022 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000

2021 First Nations-led Grant, $40,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera provided support to develop a theory of change and evaluation framework to understand the impact Black Coffee networks are having, and later supported the activation and strengthening of regional Indigenous business networks. In 2023 a renewed grant was awarded to assist in transitioning Black Coffee to operate as its own entity.

Guumali is a social change agency enabling Northern Territory First Nations communities to rebuild independent economies and uncover local solutions on their terms. Gumaali’s flagship initiative, The Shed, is built by and for First Nations people and is an always-evolving artist and change-maker studio with a mission to transform northern Australia.

Grants received: 

2022 First Nations-led Grant, $15,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera supported operating costs and the final refurbishment required to ensure a secure premise, enabling The Shed to open its doors at the end of 2022 and offering a comfortable space to retreat and create for the community.

First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation (FHS) specialises in finding hands-on solutions to issues faced by Aboriginal people, families and communities, particularly young Aboriginal people. 

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

FHS’s flagship program, the National Indigenous Art Fair, provides a unique opportunity for regional and remote Indigenous arts centres and artists to expand their markets to a national consumer-base and receive 100% of the revenue raised to invest back into their businesses and communities. Mannifera has supported the running of the National Indigenous Art Fair. 

Mamanta service their local community through running a range of programs and activities that have a particular focus on youth and employment.

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

Mamanta has to devote energy and resources to extremely expensive, unfeasible vehicle hire arrangements that severely limit flexibility and control. In 2023, Mannifera provided a grant to go directly toward procurement of a suitable, much needed vehicle.

Mirring Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) operates as a women, children and families centred organisation with a purpose to support, educate and provide a culturally safe environment to develop self-esteem, practice cultural ways, and experience unconditional inclusion. 

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

Recent circumstances left Mirring without a permanent place to host their cultural education, health and wellbeing workshops, business development and Aboriginal Women’s Issues summits and healing camps. Mirring members voted to move Mirring into a virtual space through the development of a website. In 2023, Mannifera contributed to the ongoing maintenance of their website by an Aboriginal small business, registered with Supply Nation.

The Wardirras of the Ngurra Co-op is a small start-up social enterprise that a women’s group in Roebourne, WA have been working to get off the ground. Their plan is to develop local medicinal plants as native botanical products.

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera support helped The Wardirras of the Ngurra develop an Indigenous medicinal plant (jammi) into a social enterprise. This is building on their recent work with pharmacists to successfully validate the medicinal properties of the jammi plant.

Aboriginal Art Centre Hub WA (AACHWA) is a peak body for Aboriginal Art Centres in WA. Their vision is to be a strong voice for vibrant, culturally strong and sustainable Western Australian art centres. 

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera contributed to AACHWA’s ‘Our Business’ forum – a four-day professional development program for art centre staff, board directors and artists. The focus of the forum was on building the capacity of art centres and partnership development.

Galiwin’ku Women’s Space Inc. (GWS) was formed in 2015 by a group of dedicated Yolŋu women passionate about finding a solution to the ongoing domestic family violence being experienced within the Galiwin’ku community. This Yolngu-led Aboriginal Corporation offers an array of services, from domestic violence crisis accommodation, to well-being programs that can meet the unique needs of this remote Indigenous community.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000 (year 3 multi-year)

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $30,000 (year 2 multi-year)

2024 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000 (year 1 multi-year)

What we funded: 

Mannifera provided $50,000 to help secure the future of the organisation to continue its 24/7 operational service in East Arnhem Land.

Wulumbarra meaning ‘large communal fire’ is a First Nations environmental conservation organisation and community group connecting youth to their culture and land on Yorta Yorta Country throughout the Shepparton area. The Traditional Owners who founded Wulumbarra are highly respected Traditional Fire Practitioners with decades of experience in practising Cultural Fire and navigating western fire management.

Grants received: 

2024 First Nations-led Grant, $30,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera funding will support Wulumbarra's ongoing work, include their plans to expand their Cultural Fire programs and mentor the next generation of Yorta Yorta Fire Practitioners.

The Maganda Makers Business Club is a grassroots women-specific business club of Kimberley Indigenous women who use the vehicle of business to build wealth, as a means to drive social and economic transformation across the Kimberley. The business club is an important resource which empowers Maganda Makers to incubate and then scale beyond a nano/micro-business, to generate wealth that can be used for good. The Maganda Makers Business Club has been developed through a collaboration of Kimberley Jiyigas, Good Return and the Menzies Foundation.

Grants received: 

2024 First Nations-led Grant, $30,000

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera funding will support the planning and delivery of Maganda Makers workshops for 35 First Nations women in leadership and business in the
Kimberley.

The Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI) empowers Aboriginal people by supporting leadership through cultural learning. WAALI aims to build a resilient, confident, and connected community by equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to embrace leadership opportunities, strengthen cultural identity, and lead with purpose.

Grants received: 

2023 First Nations-led Grant, $20,000

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera first funded WAALI in 2023 with a $20,000 grant towards their Emerging Leaders Program. With this renewed funding, WAALI will seed the Moort Boya project, to grow annual funding commitments from individual and small business donors.

Bush Music Fund is increasing representation of musicians and bands from remote First Nations communities in the mainstream music industry. This increases economic opportunities for the band members, their families and communities, whilst fostering audiences nationally and internationally. The impact of music in community is profound, with both economic and social outcomes.

Grants received: 

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

BMF has the capacity to work with as many artists they have funding for. This grant from Mannifera will contribute to BMF’s next intake of artists who have been identified following the most recent Guts Tour through the Central and Western Desert of NT and WA.

First Nations Projects Institute (FNPI) has been established to be a driving force to support the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspirations and interests of First Nations people in Australia.

Grants received: 

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000 (year 1 multi-year)

What we funded: 

The Mannifera grant will support the set up of FNPI operations, ensuring it has the capacity and resources needed to drive forward their first initiative. In many respects, this is seed funding for a new First Nations women-led entity aiming to generate systemic shifts in economic participation and partnership development for First Nations groups.

The First Nations Academy of Excellence (FNAE) empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls aged 14-25 years from regional, rural, and remote communities through netball participation and development, leadership, mentorship, and economic inclusion. FNAE provides high performance netball skills training, education, employment, and personal development, equipping participants with the skills and confidence for elite netball and long-term success.

Grants received: 

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

The grant from Mannifera will be used to enhance netball participation and pathway opportunities, educational support services, job placement and internship opportunities, and develop mentorship programs focused on personal and professional development.

The Cape York Grassroots Corporation (CYGC) was established in 2018 as an advocating body to give voice to traditional owners across Cape York from diverse clans, nations, and language groups. CYGC’s vision is for each traditional owner group to speak for their country and to make decisions for the present and future generations according to their lore and customs.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000 (year 3 multi-year)

2024 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000 (year 1 multi-year)

What we funded: 

Mannifera funding will support CYGC's work, including their plans to utilise their ownership of United Uprise (a Registered Training Organisation) to empower Indigenous people through tailored training opportunities in land management, governance, administration and other skills relevant to community-based, traditional owner-led environmental projects.

Hoops 4 Health is a First Nations-led organisation that has been operating in the Northern Territory for 23 years, dedicated to re-empowering communities through basketball, mentoring, and health programs. Its purpose is to use the power of sport to drive positive change, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $30,000 (year 2 multi-year)

2025 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000 (year 1 multi-year)

What we funded: 

This grant will be used strategically for staffing and professional development for program facilitators and mentors, travel and outreach to remote communities, resources for workshops and infrastructure for the Hoops 4 Health Resilience Centre.

The First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance (the Alliance) is an association of First Nations-led organisations and experts committed to advancing First Nations economic rights and interests in Australia. It was formally established in May 2023 in response to the Murru waaruu Seminar Series facilitated by the Australian National University’s First Nations Portfolio (FNP) throughout 2022 and 2023.  

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $100,000 (year 1 multi-year)

What we funded: 

Mannifera funded the Alliance's research, policy development, advocacy and engagement work to advance systemic changes that increase Indigenous economic participation and empowerment in Australia.

The name ‘Mulka’ means a sacred but public ceremony, and, to hold or protect.

The mission is to sustain and protect Yolŋu cultural knowledge in Northeast Arnhem Land under the leadership of community elders. The Mulka production house, recording studio, digital learning centre and cultural archive are managed by Yolŋu law and governance.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera funding is aim to cover the essential operational costs of The Mulka Project, enabling it to sustainably preserve, manage and share Yolŋu cultural knowledge and protect culturally significant collections.

NIYEC's purpose is to mobilise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to drive a new education ecosystem where we can govern and self-determine an education of our own design, for the future of our Nations.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $80,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera's support is for Dream Design, a youth-led coalition-building initiative that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to shape the systems that impact their lives, with a special focus on the education system. Dream Design brings together young mob through regional workshops, national summits, ongoing dialogue and a collective impact fund that supports place-based, youth-led projects.

Ebony Institute is an independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led think tank working to address complex social, political and economic challenges in Australia. Grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and wisdom, Ebony undertakes research and works to influence systems and policy towards a fairer, more equitable future. 

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera's funding will go towards the Inaugural Thought Leadership Seminar Series is a five-part seminar series that will center on the wisdom of Kombumerri and Wakka Wakka Elder, scholar, and national treasure Dr Aunty Mary Graham. It aims to strengthen and reimagine democracy by collectively learning new ways of knowing, doing and being.

The Alliance is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisation working to strengthen the Indigenous employment and training sector. It brings together leaders and organisations to build sector capacity, amplify Indigenous voices and drive systemic change towards better employment and training outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

As a national peak body, The National Indigenous Employment and Training Alliance was established through a national convening of Indigenous leaders of organisations delivering employment and training across urban, regional and remote Australia. NIETA’s role is to coordinate sector capability, generate evidence and advocate for reform in employment systems.

First Nations Foundation works to strengthen financial literacy, capability and long-term prosperity for First Nations peoples. Grounded in First Nations values and community knowledge, it delivers practical financial education, research and advocacy to improve financial wellbeing and expand access to economic opportunity.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $50,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera's funding will go towards the Financial Fitness for Youth (FFFY),  a culturally grounded program designed to empower First Nations young people. Created for Mob, by Mob, FNF’s program builds practical money skills alongside cultural strength, identity and future planning, supporting young people to make confident financial decisions while staying connected to culture, community and Country.

Worldview is a purpose-driven organisation focused on creating positive social and environmental impact in Australia. Through holistic thinking, innovation and social enterprise, it brings diverse perspectives together to address complex problems and support communities, organisations and people to reach their potential.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $130,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera's funding will be leveraged to deliver programs for Indigenous young people to achieve job-readiness, cultural connection and life-stability. Their model is self-sustaining once a new location is established, as they do not rely on ongoing philanthropy.

Walk for Truth 2026 is a national journey led by Travis Lovett, calling for truth-telling, healing and meaningful change. Travelling from Victorian Parliament in Naarm to Parliament House in Canberra, the walk brings people together to recognise First Nations strength and resilience and advocate for a national truth-telling process developed in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera's funding will support the team from The  National Walk for Truth to call on the federal government to commit to a national truth-telling process in partnership with First Nations people. The Walk, led by Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett, galvanised the support from almost 150 organisations around the country, and over 4000 people registered to walk before it began.

Mounty Aboriginal Youth & Community Services is a youth-led, community-controlled organisation based in Mount Druitt, NSW. Founded by Aboriginal young people, Mounty works to shift power into the hands of Aboriginal young people and their communities, strengthening their voice, leadership and ability to shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $25,000

What we funded: 

MAnnifera's funding supports Mounty’s work to elevate the voices, experiences and solutions of Aboriginal young people, and to strengthen youth-led advocacy and community-led approaches to justice and systems change.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre is a statewide Aboriginal community-controlled organisation working to advance self-determination, cultural rights and social justice for Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

Grants received: 

2026 First Nations-led Grant, $10,000

What we funded: 

Mannifera’s funding is catalysing the establishment of the new Palawa Nation Fund, building on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre’s existing statewide programs and services.