The Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF) is a First Nations-led organisation with a 25-year history of supporting educational opportunities for First Nations children.  OTDF empowers children from regional, remote, and urban communities across Australia to access quality education in Victorian non-government schools. 

OTDF provides direct support to First Nations students and their families, enabling them to choose and access quality education. By addressing barriers such as the expense of educational resources (e.g., uniforms, books, calculators, etc.), OTDF ensures students are retained, supported, and given the same opportunities as other Australian children. This approach reduces inequalities and reinstates the right to self-determination in education.

Self-determination, introduced as official government policy in 1972, replaced the assimilation approach, granting First Nations people the right to make decisions about their lives, including education.  However, the financial burden of independent schooling often limits this choice.  OTDF bridges the gap, reaffirming self-determination by reducing financial barriers and empowering families to choose culturally appropriate and high-quality education for their children.

As the only First Nations organisation in Victoria to provide comprehensive support throughout a child's entire 13-year educational journey, OTDF plays a vital role in addressing systemic and generational disadvantage.  A successful and culturally appropriate education helps to 'Close the Gap', breaking cycles of inequality and creating lasting change.