Our partners | Culturally Nourishing Schooling

CNS brings together partners from across philanthropy, government, education and the community, all working together to improve schooling engagement and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Grounded in culture, connection and self-determination, CNS is helping to create learning environments where young people feel valued, engaged and empowered to succeed.

Through the vision and commitment of our supporters, CNS is generating evidence, strengthening educational practice, and helping schools and communities create lasting improvements in outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Funders

The Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) has generously supported CNS throughout Phase 1 (2021 - 2024) and Phase 2 (2025 - 2028) of the program.

The UBS Optimus Foundation joins PRF in Phase 2 as major co-funders.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency has also supported both phases of the program, supporting project delivery in schools located in remote and outer remote NSW, and APY Lands along the SA and NT border.

Mr Ngiam Tong Yuen and Mrs Jean Ngiam are Phase 2 philanthropic donors supporting project delivery in schools located in the APY Lands, along the SA & NT border.

We sincerely appreciate the generosity and commitment of all our funders, whose contributions enable the continued delivery and growth of CNS.

Paul Ramsay Foundation

The Paul Ramsay Foundation is a philanthropic foundation.

They work for a future where people and places have what they need to thrive.

With organisations and communities, they invest in, build, and influence the conditions needed to stop disadvantage in Australia.

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UBS Optimus Foundation

UBS Optimus Foundation is a grant-making foundation that offers UBS clients a platform to use their wealth to drive positive social and environmental change.

They combine deep philanthropic expertise with innovative funding models to help your capital go further.

By blending philanthropy with private investment, they can unlock great, more sustainable impact – and drive long term social and environmental change.

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National Indigenous Australians Agency

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is an Australian Public Service agency of the Australian Government.

NIAA works to ensure that the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are met through government policies, programs and services.

The agency works in genuine partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities.

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Research partners

Four Australian university partners were involved in Phase 1 of the program, led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and The University of Sydney also provided monetary and in-kind contributions.

UNSW continues to lead the overall program in Phase 2, with The University of Sydney remaining involved.

Phase 2 introduced a South Australian project, led by Adelaide University. Other Phase 2 partner universities include Flinders University, Monash University and The University of Melbourne.

We value the expertise, collaboration and ongoing commitment our university partners bring to the research and delivery of the CNS program.

Partner schools

The most vital partners in the program are the schools and communities we collaborate with across urban, regional and remote areas of New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

New South Wales Phase 1 Schools

New South Wales Phase 2 Schools

South Australia and Northern Territory Phase 2 Schools