Multicultural Inclusion Grants Program (Australia)

The Health and Community Services Directorate has opened the 2025–26 Multicultural Inclusion Grants Program to support cultural celebrations and multicultural community programs across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Grants of up to $3,000 (celebrations) and $6,000 (community programs) are available to eligible not-for-profit organisations. The program aligns with the Multiculturalism Act 2023 and promotes inclusion, diversity, and social cohesion.

Overview

The 2025–26 Multicultural Inclusion Grants Program supports initiatives that:

• Celebrate cultural diversity

• Promote social cohesion

• Strengthen multicultural inclusion

• Encourage community participation

• Foster belonging in the ACT

The program reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to building an inclusive Canberra aligned with the Charter for Multiculturalism.

Grant Categories and Funding Amounts

Two funding streams are available:

1. Cultural Celebrations

• Up to $3,000 per project

• Supports festivals, cultural events, and heritage celebrations

2. Community Programs

• Up to $6,000 per project

• Supports structured multicultural programs that build inclusion and participation

Total Funding Pool

• $197,000 allocated for the 2025–26 round

• Funds must be spent within 12 months of receiving the grant

• This is a contribution grant (GST does not apply)

Program Objectives

The grants aim to:

• Strengthen multicultural community networks

• Increase intercultural understanding

• Promote equal participation

• Celebrate diversity across Canberra

• Enhance community cohesion and belonging

Projects should clearly demonstrate alignment with:

• Multicultural inclusion principles

• Community engagement outcomes

• ACT-based delivery

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Operate within the ACT

• Be legally incorporated non-government organisations

• Be registered not-for-profit or charitable organisations

• Hold appropriate insurance

• Have no overdue acquittals

• Demonstrate capacity and experience to deliver the project

Unincorporated Groups

Unincorporated community groups may apply if:

• Supported by an incorporated auspicing organisation

• The auspicing body accepts legal and financial responsibility

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Individuals

• For-profit organisations

• Government entities

• Registered political parties

What Cannot Be Funded?

Funding cannot be used for:

• Projects delivered primarily outside the ACT

• Activities already funded by other government sources

• Duplicate services

• Commercial or fundraising activities

• Operational or core administrative costs

• Travel and accommodation

• Prize money or gifts

• Large capital purchases

• Inappropriate or non-compliant activities

Applications including ineligible expenses may be rejected.

Why This Grant Matters

The ACT is culturally diverse, and inclusive initiatives:

• Strengthen community resilience

• Reduce social isolation

• Promote cross-cultural understanding

• Enhance civic participation

• Support policy goals under the Multiculturalism Act 2023

Small-scale funding can generate high-impact local outcomes that build long-term social cohesion.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Is incorporated or has an auspicing partner

• Is registered as a not-for-profit or charity

• Holds appropriate insurance

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Category

Select:

• Cultural Celebration (≤ $3,000)

• Community Program (≤ $6,000)

Step 3: Design a Strong Proposal

Clearly outline:

• Project purpose

• Target community

• Expected outcomes

• Community participation strategy

• Budget breakdown

Step 4: Prepare Documentation

Include:

• Incorporation documents

• Insurance details

• Financial information

• Evidence of organisational capability

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete all required sections and ensure compliance with funding guidelines.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with program objectives

• Community benefit and impact

• Feasibility and delivery capacity

• Budget justification

• Contribution to multicultural inclusion

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including ineligible costs

• Proposing projects outside the ACT

• Submitting incomplete documentation

• Failing to show community engagement

• Overlooking insurance requirements

Best Practice Tips

• Demonstrate meaningful community partnerships

• Highlight how diversity is celebrated

• Include measurable outcomes

• Show sustainability beyond the event

• Ensure budget clarity and compliance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Up to $3,000 for cultural celebrations and up to $6,000 for community programs.

2. Can individuals apply?

No. Only eligible incorporated organisations or those with an auspice can apply.

3. Must projects take place in the ACT?

Yes. Activities must be delivered within the ACT.

4. Are operational costs covered?

No. Core operational and administrative costs are not eligible.

5. Is GST included in grant payments?

No. The program is structured as a contribution grant, so GST does not apply.

6. Can unincorporated groups apply?

Yes, but only through an incorporated auspicing organisation.

7. How long do recipients have to spend the funds?

Funds must be spent within 12 months of receiving the grant.

Conclusion

The 2025–26 Multicultural Inclusion Grants Program provides targeted funding to strengthen diversity, participation, and social cohesion across the ACT. With grants of up to $6,000 and a total funding pool of $197,000, the program supports meaningful cultural initiatives that promote inclusion and celebrate Canberra’s multicultural identity.

Eligible organisations with strong community engagement plans and compliant budgets are well positioned to secure funding and contribute to a more inclusive ACT.