Commonwealth Bank has announced the newest recipients of its 2025 Next Chapter Innovation grants, continuing its support for initiatives led by First Nations communities that tackle the complex issue of financial abuse. The announcement comes alongside the release of CommBank’s FY26–28 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant step in the bank’s ongoing reconciliation journey.

Two First Nations-led organisations, Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation in New South Wales and Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan in Queensland, will each receive up to $200,000 in grant funding. In addition to the financial support, the organisations will gain access to tailored non-financial assistance from CommBank, including executive mentoring and capability-building resources over the next 18 months.

Now entering its third year, the Next Chapter Innovation program forms part of CommBank’s broader efforts to address domestic and family violence and financial abuse, particularly in First Nations communities. The program champions solutions that are created and led by local communities themselves.

Findings from the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) underline the distinct ways financial abuse can impact First Nations peoples. The report points to financial control within relationships and exploitation of cultural responsibilities as key drivers of stress and hardship. The research underscores the critical need for culturally appropriate, community-rooted responses to help individuals navigate their way to financial safety.

This year’s selected partners were nominated by members of CommBank’s First Nations Employee Network. The nominations were based on the organisations’ community-led approaches and innovative models of support.

Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation, meaning “Women’s Place”, has long been a safe haven for Aboriginal women and families in Redfern. Entirely operated by Aboriginal women, the organisation delivers early intervention services, healing initiatives, and a culturally grounded refuge for those affected by family violence. Through its Sacred Circles sessions, it will provide trauma-informed support that combines cultural healing with practical financial education to empower women on their journey to recovery.

Meanwhile, Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan, with over 35 years of experience supporting women and children across Cape York, the Northern Peninsula Area, and the Torres Strait, will implement its ‘Building Futures, Building Communities’ program. This initiative aims to establish a social enterprise that produces medicinal healing products using traditional plant knowledge, offering both economic opportunities and a path to cultural empowerment for victim-survivors.

CommBank’s support for First Nations communities continues with its 2024 partners, Strong Women Talking and the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA), who remain part of the broader program ecosystem.

Mitchell Heritage, CommBank’s Executive Manager for First Nations business banking and a member of the Indigenous Leadership Team, said:
“CommBank’s Next Chapter Innovation program was established to help break the cycle of financial abuse and empower people to rebuild long-term financial independence. This year, we are pleased to support First Nations communities through the program by investing in innovative, culturally informed programs. We are proud to back community-led organisations that are delivering real change on the ground.”

Alongside this announcement, CommBank has launched its eighth Reconciliation Action Plan, laying out 12 reconciliation priorities to guide engagement with First Nations peoples between FY26 and FY28. The plan spans four areas: reconciliation and community, education and careers, business success and growth, and financial inclusion.

Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia, endorsed the RAP, stating:
“Commonwealth Bank’s FY26-28 Elevate RAP sets out their priorities in further strengthening their engagement with First Nations peoples. It builds on the Bank’s previous reconciliation commitments; through listening to the voices and expertise of First Nations people and using that knowledge to continually expand their strategies, the Bank demonstrates a sustainable approach to their reconciliation program, now and into the future.”

The impact of CommBank’s Next Chapter Innovation initiative has already been reflected through an independent evaluation conducted by UNSW. The report found that the first cohort of grant recipients reached nearly 600 individuals, worked alongside over 150 stakeholders, and contributed to the creation of new models for identifying and responding to financial abuse.

CommBank continues to encourage anyone impacted by financial abuse to reach out to its Next Chapter Team, available to assist regardless of banking affiliation.