Apply Now: Celebrate Together- Small Grants (Australia)

The Celebrate Together Small Grants Program is now accepting applications from eligible multicultural organisations in South Australia for one-off grants of up to AUD 5,000. The program supports multicultural festivals and community events that celebrate cultural diversity, promote social inclusion, and strengthen community participation across the state.

About the Celebrate Together Small Grants Program

The Celebrate Together Small Grants Program provides financial support to multicultural organisations delivering festivals and events that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of South Australia.

The programme aims to strengthen community connections by encouraging multicultural celebrations that promote inclusion, cultural understanding, community participation, and social cohesion. Through this funding, multicultural organisations can organise events that bring people from different cultural backgrounds together while showcasing traditions, heritage, and community achievements.

Programme Objectives

The program aims to:

• Celebrate multiculturalism and cultural diversity.
• Promote social inclusion and community participation.
• Strengthen community harmony and social cohesion.
• Support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
• Encourage intercultural understanding.
• Increase opportunities for multicultural festivals and community events.
• Build stronger and more connected communities across South Australia.

Funding Information

The Small Grants category provides:

• Up to AUD 5,000 per project.
• One-off funding for eligible multicultural festivals and events.

Funding must be used only for approved activities undertaken in South Australia.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for a variety of event-related expenses, including:

• Festival and event coordination.
• Venue hire.
• Equipment hire.
• Stage hire.
• Marquees.
• Tables and chairs.
• Traditional costumes.
• Security services.
• Event advertising and marketing.
• Printing and promotional materials.
• Certificates and trophies.
• Cleaning materials.
• Printing of community or history books.
• Public liability insurance (up to the specified funding limit).
• Eligible catering costs.

Catering Support

For Small Grants:

• Catering expenses are limited to the lower of AUD 1,000 or 20% of the eligible grant amount.

Ineligible Expenses

Funding cannot be used for:

• Ongoing organisational operating costs.
• Interstate or overseas activities.
• Travel expenses.
• Equipment purchases.
• Alcohol.
• Sponsorships.
• Cash prizes.
• Political advocacy activities.
• Religious advocacy activities.
• Other expenses excluded under the funding guidelines.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-government multicultural organisations.
• Not-for-profit multicultural organisations.
• Organisations based in South Australia.
• Organisations with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).

Applicants must:

• Be incorporated under relevant legislation.
• Have a primary purpose of supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
• Meet all programme eligibility requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Individuals.
• For-profit organisations.
• Government departments and agencies.
• Educational institutions.
• Unincorporated associations.
• Non-multicultural organisations.
• Organisations with outstanding reporting or funding obligations from previous grants.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit the required documentation, which may include:

• Organisational registration documents.
• Financial reports.
• Supplier quotations.
• Public liability insurance details.
• Evidence supporting project costs.
• Other documents requested during the assessment process.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit a strong application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Is a South Australia-based multicultural not-for-profit organisation.
• Holds a valid ABN.
• Meets all eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Develop Your Event Proposal

Prepare a clear project plan outlining:

• Event objectives.
• Target audience.
• Community benefits.
• Planned activities.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect all required documentation, including:

• Financial information.
• Supplier quotes.
• Insurance details.
• Organisational records.

Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application

Submit the completed application together with all supporting documents before the closing date.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed through:

Eligibility Screening

Applications must satisfy all eligibility requirements before progressing to assessment.

Merit Assessment

Eligible applications are assessed based on:

• Community need.
• Expected community outcomes.
• Community participation.
• Support for new and emerging multicultural communities.
• Organisational capacity.
• Public interest and community safety.
• Financial need.
• Value for money.
• Fair distribution of funding across multicultural communities.

Grant Recipient Responsibilities

Successful applicants must:

• Sign a funding agreement.
• Use funding only for approved purposes.
• Keep financial records and receipts.
• Submit project and financial reports.
• Acknowledge Government support in promotional materials.
• Comply with all funding agreement conditions.

Why This Grant Matters

Multicultural festivals and community celebrations play an important role in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

This programme helps organisations:

• Celebrate cultural heritage.
• Encourage intercultural understanding.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Promote inclusion and belonging.
• Support social cohesion across South Australia.

By investing in multicultural events, the programme contributes to a more connected and culturally vibrant society.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Demonstrating clear community benefits.
• Showing strong community engagement.
• Preparing a realistic project budget.
• Providing accurate supplier quotations.
• Explaining how the event promotes multicultural inclusion.
• Submitting all required supporting documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Incomplete applications.
• Missing financial documents.
• Missing supplier quotations.
• Including ineligible expenses.
• Requesting funding for ongoing operational costs.
• Failing to demonstrate community impact.
• Submitting outdated insurance or registration documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations can receive up to AUD 5,000 through the Small Grants category.

2. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are incorporated, not-for-profit multicultural organisations based in South Australia with a valid ABN.

3. What types of events are supported?

The programme supports multicultural festivals, community celebrations, and cultural events that promote diversity, inclusion, and community participation.

4. Can grant funds be used for catering?

Yes. Catering is eligible, but funding is limited to the lower of AUD 1,000 or 20% of the eligible grant amount.

5. Are equipment purchases eligible?

No. Equipment purchases are not eligible under the Small Grants programme.

6. How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed on eligibility, community need, organisational capacity, expected outcomes, financial need, value for money, and community impact.

7. What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement, deliver the approved project, maintain financial records, acknowledge government support, and submit project and financial reports.

Conclusion

The Celebrate Together Small Grants Program provides valuable funding for multicultural organisations across South Australia to deliver festivals and events that celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen community connections, and promote social inclusion. With grants of up to AUD 5,000, the programme supports community-led initiatives that create welcoming, vibrant, and culturally rich experiences while fostering understanding and cohesion among South Australia’s diverse communities.