Call for Multicultural Festivals and Events Program (Australia)

The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program 2026–27 provides grants of up to $50,000 to support multicultural communities in Victoria to organise events that celebrate cultural diversity, preserve traditions, and strengthen social connections. The programme supports not-for-profit organisations delivering inclusive cultural events that promote understanding, respect, and participation among Victorian communities.

About the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program

The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program supports multicultural community organisations to deliver events that celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and identities of Victoria.

The programme aims to create opportunities for communities to:

• Share cultural traditions.
• Celebrate diversity.
• Build social connections.
• Encourage participation from people of all backgrounds.
• Strengthen community harmony.

Purpose of the Program

The main purpose of the programme is to promote:

• Multicultural participation.
• Social cohesion.
• Cultural understanding.
• Respect between different communities.
• Inclusive community celebrations.

The programme helps Victorians experience and appreciate the cultural diversity of their communities.

Key Objectives

The funding supports activities that:

• Help communities celebrate and preserve cultural heritage.
• Provide opportunities to share traditions and cultural practices.
• Encourage Victorians to participate in multicultural events.
• Increase awareness and understanding of different cultures.
• Build stronger and more connected communities.

Funding Details

The 2026–27 Multicultural Festivals and Events Program provides:

• Maximum grant amount: Up to $50,000.

A total of more than:

• $1 million

will also be available through the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund to support multicultural events across regional Victoria.

Available Funding Streams

Applicants can apply under different funding categories.

Small Stream

Funding available:

• Up to $5,000.

Suitable for:

• Small community cultural events.
• Local celebrations.
• Community engagement activities.

Medium Stream

Funding available:

• $5,001 to $15,000.

Suitable for:

• Medium-sized multicultural festivals.
• Larger community participation activities.

Large Stream

Funding available:

• $15,001 and above.

Suitable for:

• Large-scale multicultural festivals.
• Major cultural events with broad community impact.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Incorporated legal entities.
• Not-for-profit organisations.
• Organisations supporting multicultural communities in Victoria.

Applicants must meet legal and organisational requirements.

Eligible Organisation Types

Applicants may include organisations incorporated under:

• Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Victoria).
• Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth).
• An Act of Parliament.

Required Organisational Requirements

Applicants must have:

Australian Business Number (ABN)

Organisations must:

• Hold a current ABN.
• Ensure the ABN matches the organisation name provided in the application.

Not-for-Profit Status

Applicants must demonstrate not-for-profit status through registration with one of the following:

• Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
• Consumer Affairs Victoria.
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Social enterprises may also apply if they have:

• A clear purpose or mission supporting multicultural communities in Victoria.

Supported Activities

Funding can support multicultural events and activities that:

• Celebrate cultural traditions.
• Encourage community participation.
• Promote cultural exchange.
• Strengthen relationships between communities.
• Support social inclusion.

Examples may include:

• Cultural festivals.
• Community celebrations.
• Traditional performances.
• Cultural exhibitions.
• Food and heritage events.
• Community engagement activities.

Why This Program Matters

Multicultural events play an important role in creating inclusive communities.

The programme helps:

• Reduce social isolation.
• Encourage cultural understanding.
• Preserve community traditions.
• Create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect.
• Strengthen Victoria’s multicultural identity.

How to Apply

Organisations should prepare an application that demonstrates:

1. Organisation Eligibility

Applicants should confirm:

• Legal registration status.
• Not-for-profit status.
• ABN details.
• Connection with multicultural communities.

2. Event Details

Applications should explain:

• Purpose of the event.
• Cultural significance.
• Target participants.
• Community benefits.

3. Community Impact

Applicants should demonstrate how the event will:

• Increase participation.
• Promote inclusion.
• Strengthen social cohesion.
• Encourage cultural understanding.

Application Preparation Tips

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the cultural importance of the event.
• Describe how the community will participate.
• Provide realistic budgets.
• Show how the event supports multicultural inclusion.
• Demonstrate benefits for Victorian communities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without eligible legal registration.
• Providing unclear event objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Submitting incorrect ABN information.
• Not explaining how the event promotes social cohesion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program?

It is a Victorian Government grant programme that supports multicultural organisations to deliver cultural events promoting diversity and community connection.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations can receive grants of up to $50,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

Not-for-profit incorporated organisations supporting multicultural communities in Victoria can apply.

What are the funding streams available?

The programme includes Small, Medium, and Large funding streams ranging from up to $5,000 to more than $15,001.

Can social enterprises apply?

Yes, social enterprises may apply if their stated purpose or mission supports multicultural communities in Victoria.

What type of activities are supported?

The programme supports multicultural festivals, cultural celebrations, community events, and activities that strengthen social cohesion.

Do applicants need an ABN?

Yes, applicants must have a current ABN matching the organisation name used in the application.

Conclusion

The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program 2026–27 provides valuable support for Victorian multicultural communities to celebrate cultural heritage, share traditions, and build stronger social connections. Through grants of up to $50,000, the programme helps not-for-profit organisations create inclusive events that promote diversity, respect, and community participation across Victoria.