Submit Applications for Multicultural Festival Grants 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 17-May-2026

The 2026 Multicultural Festival Grants provide funding to multicultural community organisations in South Australia to participate in the annual festival at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Grants support performances, activities, stalls, food stalls, and cultural displays, fostering intercultural cohesion and celebrating community diversity.

Programme Overview

The Multicultural Festival Grants 2026, offered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, support multicultural community organisations to actively participate in the annual Multicultural Festival. The grants aim to celebrate cultural diversity and encourage engagement through a variety of performances and activities.

The festival will take place on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Participation in the festival requires organisations to apply for a grant, which is the only pathway to take part.

Focus Areas

Grants may support organisations in the following areas:

• Performances – music, dance, theatre, or other artistic presentations
• Activities – interactive workshops, community activities, and demonstrations
• Stalls – information booths and cultural showcases
• Food Stalls – preparation and sale of culturally significant foods
• Cultural Displays / Small Demonstrations – displays promoting cultural heritage and diversity

Funding Details

• Performance Grants: up to $500
• Activity Grants: up to $500
• Stall Grants: up to $300
• Food Stall Grants: up to $300
• Cultural Displays / Small Demonstrations: up to $250

Funding supports non-profit cultural initiatives that actively contribute to celebrating and promoting diversity within South Australia.

Eligibility

Eligible organisations must meet the following criteria:

• Non-government, not-for-profit organisations
• Legally incorporated under one of the following:
  • Associations Incorporation Act 1985
  • Australian Public Company Limited by Guarantee under Corporations Act 2001
  • Statutory Authority established through an Act
  • Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) with comparable legal status
• Must hold a registered Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Must be South Australian-based and focus on initiatives for culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Unincorporated not-for-profit multicultural groups without ABNs may be sponsored by an eligible organisation, with no limit on the number of sponsored groups

Organisations Ineligible for Grants

• Organisations with outstanding acquittal reports from previous grants
• Educational institutions or representative bodies
• Individuals applying independently
• Government departments or agencies
• Organisations conducting religious or political advocacy not aligned with intercultural cohesion

Why This Grant Matters

• Promotes intercultural understanding and cohesion across South Australian communities
• Encourages participation in performances, workshops, and cultural activities
• Provides funding support for cultural expression and community engagement
• Strengthens networking and collaboration among multicultural groups

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organisation meets legal incorporation, ABN, and community focus criteria.
2. Select Grant Category: Choose the appropriate category (performance, activity, stall, food stall, cultural display).
3. Prepare Application: Include project description, expected outcomes, and budget within grant limits.
4. Submit Application: Apply through the official Department of the Premier and Cabinet portal before the deadline.
5. Funding Assessment: Applications are reviewed based on community impact, cultural representation, and feasibility.
6. Festival Participation: Approved organisations participate in the 1 November 2026 festival, using grant funds as allocated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without legal incorporation or ABN
• Submitting projects outside South Australia or unrelated to multicultural objectives
• Applying if the organisation has unresolved previous grant obligations
• Attempting to participate in the festival without receiving a grant
• Sponsoring or applying in a manner that violates the intercultural cohesion policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the grants?
Eligible non-government, not-for-profit multicultural organisations legally incorporated in South Australia with an ABN.

2. What types of activities can be funded?
Performances, workshops, stalls, food stalls, cultural displays, and small demonstrations promoting cultural diversity.

3. What is the maximum funding per category?

• Performance / Activity: up to $500
• Stall / Food Stall: up to $300
• Cultural Display / Small Demonstration: up to $250

4. Can unincorporated multicultural groups participate?
Yes, if they are sponsored by an eligible incorporated organisation.

5. Are educational institutions eligible?
No, educational institutions and their representative bodies are ineligible.

6. When and where will the festival be held?
Sunday, 1 November 2026, at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, South Australia.

7. Is a grant mandatory to participate in the festival?
Yes, receiving a grant is the only way to take part in the festival.

Conclusion

The 2026 Multicultural Festival Grants enable multicultural organisations to celebrate, showcase, and share their cultural heritage in South Australia. By supporting performances, activities, stalls, and demonstrations, the scheme fosters intercultural engagement, social cohesion, and community participation, ensuring the festival represents the rich diversity of South Australia’s communities.

For more information, visit Government of South Australia.