Funding up to $80,000 supports multicultural grassroots organisations to deliver community-led events and programs fostering inclusion, cultural understanding, social participation, and a cohesive multicultural Australia.
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What is the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives (MGI)?
The Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives (MGI) – Round 2 follows the success of Round 1 and provides funding to small, grassroots multicultural organisations to help them deliver meaningful community-led events and programs that promote cultural diversity, social participation, and intercultural understanding.
The grant supports projects such as cultural festivals, multicultural events, and Harmony Week celebrations that promote understanding of racial, religious, and cultural diversity.
It also funds initiatives that encourage social participation and strengthen relationships among different cultural, ethnic, and social groups, including intercultural sports programs, art projects, and community-based youth, women’s, men’s, and parent group activities that foster inclusion and connection.
The MGI program will run from 2024–25 to 2027–28, with this round offering funding for activities delivered between June 2026 and December 2027.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives level of support
Total funding pool: Up to $5 million over 2025–26 and 2026–27.
- Minimum grant amount: $10,000 (total over two years).
- Maximum grant amount: $80,000 total ($40,000 per year).
- Events stream: Up to $10,000 per year (maximum 18 months).
- Programs stream: Up to $40,000 per year (maximum 18 months).
- Funding must be equal across both financial years – 2025–26 and 2026–27.
- Activities must be completed by 31 December 2027.
Co-contribution: Not required.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives important dates
- Grant applications close: 5 December 2025
- Assessment of applications: January 2026
- Approval of outcomes: April 2026
- Notification to applicants: April 2026
- Grant agreements signed: Late May 2026
- Activities commence: June 2026
- Activities conclude: 31 December 2027
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives objectives
The Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives grant aims to:
- Enhance the capacity of multicultural, community-led grassroots organisations to foster a cohesive multicultural Australia.
- Increase understanding of racial, religious, and cultural diversity.
- Foster integration through higher levels of social participation by culturally and linguistically diverse Australians.
- Promote a greater sense of belonging among culturally diverse communities.
The program seeks to increase tolerance and understanding of cultural diversity, reduce discrimination and racism, and encourage intercultural collaboration and mutual respect.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives support
Events (maximum $10,000 per year)
Projects that showcase cultural heritage and increase understanding of racial, religious, and cultural diversity, such as:
- Cultural festivals and events.
- Multicultural festivals.
- Harmony Week events.
Programs (maximum $40,000 per year)
Projects that encourage social participation and foster relationships among different cultural, ethnic, and social groups, such as:
- Cultural or intercultural sports programs.
- Cultural or intercultural art projects.
- Intercultural youth, women’s, men’s, or parent group programs.
Ineligible Expenditures
Funding cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or contingency costs.
- Purchase of land or vehicles.
- Construction, major capital works, or renovations.
- Landscaping, maintenance, or repairs.
- Retrospective costs or application preparation fees.
- Overseas travel or activities outside Australia.
- Activities that promote intolerance or commercial ventures.
- Subscription fees, gift cards, or items already funded from another source.
Other Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives support
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- A Company, Cooperative, Incorporated Association, Indigenous Corporation, or Statutory Entity.
- A not-for-profit organisation (registered with ACNC or have a not-for-profit clause in the constitution).
- Have no more than three paid full-time employees in either 2023–24 or 2024–25.
- Have annual revenue under $500,000 in either 2023–24 or 2024–25.
- Have a core purpose to represent and promote the interests of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Not eligible:
Local governments, individuals, partnerships, sole traders, unincorporated associations (unless supported by a legal parent organisation), for-profit entities, and any organisations that received MGI Round 1 funding.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives assessment criteria
Applications are assessed on merit against the following two criteria:
Criterion 1: Need (75%)
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Who the activity will support and what specific needs it will address.
- How the proposed activity will help the target community.
- How it will contribute to program objectives, including building intercultural understanding and social cohesion.
- How the activity will build understanding and foster unity between communities.
Criterion 2: Capability (25%)
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Their organisation’s skills and experience in delivering similar projects.
- A strong connection with the target community.
- Evidence of community participation and collaboration.
- Details of key partnerships or stakeholder relationships.
- Examples of previous successful projects.
Each criterion has strict character limits (4,000 for Criterion 1 and 3,000 for Criterion 2) and must be supported by evidence relevant to the size and complexity of the proposal.
Applications will be assessed for value with money, community need, regional spread, and contribution to program outcomes.
How do I get the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To be successful, applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of community needs.
- Strong governance and financial management.
- A proven track record of community engagement.
- Measurable outcomes aligned with program objectives.
- Collaboration with other community or cultural organisations.
- Capability to manage and report on grant funding effectively.
Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances within three business days of the closing date.
Information to prepare for the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives application
Before applying, ensure you have:
- Your ABN and current organisational details.
- Recent financial statements (annual report or audit).
- A clear project plan detailing the event or program.
- Evidence of community support or collaboration.
- Compliance documentation (e.g. Working with Children/Vulnerable People checks).
- Any relevant insurance and risk management information.
Applying for the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives
Complete the online application via GrantConnect.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives resources
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