Funding to support grassroots multicultural organisations in strengthening social harmony, boosting community participation, and celebrating Australia’s diversity for a more inclusive and culturally rich nation.
Current status of program
Opening Soon
Applications are expected to open in late 2025.
To register your interest in seeking our assistance with applying, please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives?
The Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives (MGI) program is part of the Australian Government’s broader Modernised Multicultural Grants Program, aimed at supporting a more cohesive, inclusive and culturally rich Australia.
The Government has committed $30 million, with an additional $25 million announced for upcoming rounds. Round 2 is expected to open for applications between July and December 2025. This funding stream supports grassroots multicultural organisations in strengthening social harmony, encouraging community participation, and celebrating Australia’s diversity.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives level of support
- Minimum Funding: Not specified
- Maximum Funding: Not specified
- Co-contribution: Not specified in current guidance. Details expected closer to the opening date of Round 2.
The grant is designed to be inclusive of smaller organisations; however, precise funding bands and matched funding requirements (if any) will be detailed in the official Round 2 guidelines upon release.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives important dates
- Guidelines Released: Mid to Late 2025
- Round 2 Opens: Expected Late 2025
- Applications Close: To be announced
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives objectives
The MGI program is designed to achieve the following outcomes:
- Enhance the capacity of multicultural grassroots organisations to contribute to social cohesion;
- Promote understanding and respect for racial, religious and cultural diversity;
- Encourage social integration through increased participation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians;
- Foster a sense of belonging within and across multicultural communities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives support
Funded activities may include (but are not limited to):
- Community events and festivals celebrating multiculturalism
- Development and delivery of support programs for CALD communities
- Improvements to amenities or community infrastructure
- Capacity-building initiatives for multicultural organisations
- Activities that promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration
Ineligible Expenditure
- As of now, no detailed exclusions have been released. However, the Department advises that ineligible activities will be clarified in the forthcoming Round 2 grant guidelines.
Other Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives support
Eligible applicants must:
- Be multicultural community-led grassroots organisations;
- Be based in Australia and servicing Australian communities;
- Demonstrate capacity to deliver outcomes aligned with the program’s objectives.
Organisations that submitted applications for Round 1 will need to reapply, as previous applications will not be reconsidered.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives assessment criteria
Assessment criteria are currently under development but will likely reflect the following key areas:
1. Alignment with Program Objectives
- Contribution to social cohesion and multiculturalism
- Enhancement of community capacity
2. Community Need and Impact
- Evidence of genuine need
- Anticipated social and cultural benefits
3. Organisational Capacity and Capability
- Track record in community delivery
- Governance and project management capacity
4. Value for Money
- Cost-effectiveness and efficient use of grant funds
- Leveraging other resources (if applicable)
Note: Specific scoring or weighting is not yet available. This will be included in the official Round 2 guidelines.
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.
Information to prepare for the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives application
To strengthen your readiness for Round 2, it’s recommended organisations begin preparing the following:
- A clear project plan, including objectives, target community, timelines, and intended outcomes
- Budget breakdown, including any co-contributions or other sources of funding
- Evidence of community need (consultation data, demographic profiles, previous engagement)
- Details of organisational capacity (governance, previous project delivery, partnerships)
- Risk management and evaluation strategies
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives
Applications will be submitted 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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