First Nations-led charity Ember Connect announced a new three-year partnership with BHP this week, which includes $50,000 in annual grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Ember Connect provides a free online platform where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women can network, share stories, learn, and make genuine connections with other women. It also launched an online mentoring program for First Nations women in November 2023.

The BHP partnership will support several initiatives, including the second round of Ember Connect's Game Changer grants.

Game Changer grants are available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women aged over 18 to support in professional, cultural and personal enrichment activities. The grants are aimed at providing financial assistance to support our members participation in activities at the local, national, or international level. For example, an Ember Connect Game Changer grant can assist by contributing towards the funding of conference registration fees, travel expenses such as airfares, transfers and accommodation costs, or other related expenses

The first round of Game Changer grants, distributed last year, saw Ember Connect members receive support to take up a range of opportunities including conferences in Darwin and a university exchange program in France.

With BHP's support, $50,000 in grants will be available to Ember Connect members over the next 12 months. The grants have also been extended to include scholarships that support further study and the establishment of a new business or side hustle.

Ember Connect has a growing membership base with 3,000 First Nations women from across Australia on board.

General Manager Narelle Henry said the BHP partnership will help the not-for-profit deliver services to its increasing membership base.

"We're excited to be able to announce this important partnership with BHP; they are corporate leaders in the engagement and capacity building of First Nations peoples and communities," Ms Henry said.

"We've worked closely with the BHP team to develop our partnership over the past six months, and we've seen first-hand their genuine connection and passion for the space we work in.

"BHP is a major employer of First Nations women across the country, and we're looking forward to connecting with their female First Nations team members and supporting their personal, professional, and cultural journeys."

BHP's Head of Indigenous Engagement Allan James said the partnership with Ember Connect will bring people together, forge connections and create opportunities.

"People coming together, connecting and learning from each other provides opportunity to pursue new pathways and explore different futures," he said.

Applications are now open online.