Grants of up to $150,000 are available to support First Peoples, multicultural, and multifaith organisations to deliver impactful, community-led initiatives addressing and responding to racism.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants?
The Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program will fund First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith community organisations and groups to deliver community-led responses to racism. This program forms part of the Victorian Government’s vision for a more inclusive state under the Victorian antiracism strategy 2024-29.
Funding is available under two streams:
- Stream 1: Up to $150,000 for First Peoples-led or community-controlled organisations to deliver local anti-racism initiatives.
- Stream 2: Up to $150,000 for multicultural or multifaith community organisations to deliver local anti-racism initiatives.
Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants level of support
- Minimum Funding: Not specified
- Maximum Funding: Up to $150,000 per project.
Co-contribution: Not required, but applicants must ensure funding is utilised on eligible activities only.
Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants objectives
The program seeks to fund projects that:
- Understanding Racism: Increase awareness of racism’s impact and the importance of anti-racist behaviours.
- First Peoples’ History and Culture: Promote understanding of First Peoples’ history, culture, and impacts of colonisation.
- Capacity Building: Build community capacity to respond to racism and provide support to affected individuals.
- Reporting and Rights: Improve community reporting mechanisms for racist incidents and raise awareness of individual rights.
Activities, and expenditure eligible for Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants support
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Creating community-led reporting pathways to address and support racist incident reporting.
- Programs increasing understanding of First Peoples’ history and addressing colonisation’s impacts.
- Educational campaigns to promote anti-racist behaviours and community cohesion.
- Initiatives targeting online racism and strengthening digital safety.
- Arts, sports, or youth projects fostering anti-racism engagement.
- Action-based community research that addresses local challenges.
Ineligible Expenditures:
- Day-to-day administrative or running costs.
- Purchase or lease of buildings, land, or equipment.
- Travel outside Victoria.
- Public liability insurance or retrospective funding for projects commencing before May 2025.
- Competitions, fundraising, or commercial activities.
Other Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants support
To apply, organisations must:
- Be First Peoples-led or community-controlled organisations (Stream 1) or multicultural and multifaith organisations (Stream 2).
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Have public liability insurance covering the funded activities.
- Be up-to-date with any previously funded grant reporting requirements.
Who Cannot Apply:
- Individuals, for-profit organisations, local government authorities, or schools.
- Organisations outside Victoria or with overdue grant obligations.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:
1. What does your organisation do? (200 words, unweighted):
- Describe your organisation’s mission, purpose, and community benefits.
2. What activities will you deliver? (25% weighting, 300 words):
- Outline activities, including key steps, timelines, and risk management.
- Partnerships should clearly define the role of each organisation.
3. How will your activities address racism? (25% weighting, 200 words):
- Detail the need being addressed and alignment with program objectives.
- Specify the anticipated community benefits.
4. How will you measure success? (25% weighting, 200 words):
- Describe your success metrics and the data you will collect.
5. How will you engage the community? (25% weighting, 200 words):
- Identify target communities, engagement strategies, and existing relationships.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising government and external experts, with final approvals made by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
How do I get the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants application
Applicants must prepare the following:
- A detailed project plan outlining activities, timelines, and budget.
- Letters of support for partnerships or auspice arrangements.
- Evidence of public liability insurance and a valid ABN.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants
Applicants should submit their application via the Grants Gateway.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants resources
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