The ACT Government will provide more than $190,000 to support Canberra’s diverse community through the ACT Participation Multicultural Grants. 

The grants are available to community organisations to highlight and promote community participation and cohesion, cultural diversity and social inclusion in the ACT.

Grants of up to $3,000 per community organisation are available to celebrate and mark significant cultural days, celebrations and observances.

Larger grants are also available for programs, projects, activities or events that:

• strengthen and promote community inclusion, and address racism and discrimination;
• promote and share the value of Canberra’s cultural diversity; or
• enable and facilitate access to services, programs, and information in culturally appropriate ways.

Supporting organisations to continue delivering community events, projects and programs is important as cost-of-living pressures rise, Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said.

“We are a city that values inclusion and social cohesion, and this is reflected in how we respond to challenges we encounter together,” Ms Cheyne said.

Ms Cheyne encouraged a broad range of community organisations to apply for funding for the grant program to support their community events and initiatives.

“The ACT Participation Multicultural Grants help celebrate the diversity and inclusion that makes our city so unique,” she said.

The 2022-23 grants supported 53 organisations to deliver cultural events and celebrations, including Ramadan, Diwali, Africa Day, Persian New Year, and many others.

Organisations also delivered an anti-racism campaign, a multicultural radio program, and photography workshops for children from migrant or refugee backgrounds.

“I encourage community organisations that have creative ideas and initiatives that add value to the community, fill gaps in services, strengthen existing networks and build community capacity to apply,” Ms Cheyne said.

Applications for the 2023-24 ACT Participation Multicultural Grant Program close at 3pm on 30 November.

For further information on the grants and how to apply, visit: www.communityservices.act.gov.au/multicultural/grants