frequently asked questions

The Waalitj Foundation is unfortunately not in a position to provide any individual or team funding for sporting or other extracurricular activities, due to funding constraints.

These organisations may be of assistance:

• Sport Australia is the Australian Government body responsible for the delivery of funding and development of Australian sport. Opportunities for individuals and sporting organisations to receive funding through Sport Australia can be found here: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding
• The Aspiration Initiative has a database of over 750 scholarships available to Australian Indigenous Students for tertiary study nationally and overseas: https://indigenousscholarships.com.au/
• The Aspiration Initiative also has scholarships available for high school students across Australia: https://aurorafoundation.com.au/our-work/indigenous-pathways-portal/
• Sports Community lists the sporting grants that are currently open: https://sportscommunity.com.au/grant-category/grants-open-grants/

The Foundation is funded to deliver programs in specific schools and locations nationally. Each program varies, however should the Foundation receive further funding we will be able take into account your request.

To be considered, please email admin@wf.org.au with specific details of your location, program delivery site, number of participants, the age of the participants and which program you are interested in. If your school or community already have funding for a program, please include this in your email or phone the office on (08) 9242 6700.  

Due to the Foundation’s vast range of programs, it is unfortunately not possible for us to assist with every request for individual mentoring. We receive a large number of requests weekly and we endeavour to assist with information regarding schooling, education and employment support based on where our programs are located, but we simply cannot provide one-on-one mentoring in every circumstance.

There are a number of people and services that may be able to provide you with assistance:

• Primary and secondary schools across Australia have an Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) who can provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their parents/carers, teachers, the school and the local community.
• AIME is an educational program supporting Indigenous students through high school and into university, employment and further education: https://aimementoring.com
• Headspace are a national Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing: https://www.headspace.org.au/
• Ladder aims to empower young people to break the cycle of homelessness by giving them the tools to take control of their lives, transition to independence and achieve their potential: https://www.ladder.org.au/

The Waalitj Hub services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses (of various sizes, corporate structures and maturities) and businesses seeking to employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or purchase from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

The Hub provides the following services:

• Provide short term office space including meeting rooms, training rooms and workstations
• Provide business, commercial advice and support to enhance the capability and capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
• Connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with existing mainstream and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific business and employment support services

When applying for proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage you will need to gather as much information about your family history and heritage as possible, and contact an Indigenous organisation in your local area (where your family is from or currently living).

For further information: https://aiatsis.gov.au/research/finding-your-family/before-you-start/proof-aboriginality

The Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme is a new initiative to help people who are experiencing difficulty paying court fines due to hardship. Under a WDP, eligible people can apply to complete approved activities under the supervision of a sponsor, in place of paying the amount owed.

You may be eligible for a WDP if you:

• are currently looking for employment
• are experiencing financial hardship
• have been or might be subjected or exposed to family violence
• have a mental illness
• have a disability
• are homeless
• are experiencing alcohol or drug use problems
• are experiencing another type of hardship.

The Waalitj Foundation is a WDP Sponsor and may be able sponsor participants in our employment program. If you believe you are eligible please contact the Foundation on admin@wf.org.au. For more information click here.