Apply Now: Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program (Australia)

The Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program provides funding of up to $40,000 (excluding GST) to support Victorian not-for-profit organisations delivering community-based projects that prevent racism, promote cultural understanding, and strengthen inclusion. The program supports First Peoples-led organisations, multicultural and multifaith groups to build awareness, improve responses to racism, and create safer and more inclusive communities.

Overview of the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program

The Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program is a Victorian Government funding opportunity designed to support organisations and community groups working to address racism at the local level.

The program supports initiatives that increase understanding of racism, promote respectful relationships between communities, strengthen anti-racist practices, and improve support systems for people experiencing racism.

The grant program forms part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable state through the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–29.

Purpose and Objectives of the Grant Program

The program aims to strengthen community responses to racism through education, awareness, empowerment, and collaboration.

Key objectives include:

Increasing community understanding of racism and its impacts.
Promoting anti-racist behaviours and practices.
Supporting awareness of First Peoples’ history, culture, and the impacts of colonisation.
Building the capacity of organisations and communities to respond to racism.
Supporting people affected by racism.
Improving awareness of reporting pathways for racist incidents.
Helping communities understand their rights and available support.

Funding Available

The Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program provides grants of up to:

$40,000 excluding GST

Funding is available through two separate streams.

Funding Streams

Stream 1: First Peoples-Led and Community-Controlled Organisations

This stream supports anti-racism initiatives delivered by:

First Peoples-led organisations.
Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
Organisations supporting First Peoples communities.

Projects should strengthen understanding of First Peoples’ history, culture, experiences, and responses to racism.

Stream 2: Multicultural and Multifaith Community Organisations

This stream supports anti-racism initiatives delivered by:

Multicultural organisations.
Multifaith organisations.
Community groups supporting culturally diverse communities.

Projects should promote inclusion, respect, cultural understanding, and community participation.

Priority Communities

Additional consideration may be given to projects supporting communities experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage.

Priority groups include:

Refugees and people seeking asylum.
New and emerging communities.
Regional and rural Victorian communities.
Women.
People with disability.
Older people and seniors.
Young people.
LGBTIQA+ communities.
First Peoples communities.
Multicultural and multifaith communities.

Projects that demonstrate meaningful engagement with these communities may receive stronger consideration during assessment.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

Not-for-profit organisations.
Incorporated legal entities.
Organisations operating in Victoria.
Organisations with a current Australian Business Number (ABN).

Applicants must also:

Have appropriate public liability insurance.
Meet grant reporting requirements.
Agree to promote and uphold the Victorian Government Value Statement.
Have the legal capacity to enter into a funding agreement.

Eligible Organisation Types

Eligible incorporated organisations may include:

Organisations registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Organisations registered under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Organisations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC).
Other approved incorporated legal structures.

Who Cannot Apply?

The following organisations are not eligible:

Individuals.
Sole traders.
Unincorporated organisations.
Commercial or profit-making businesses.
Organisations that do not meet not-for-profit requirements.
Trusts without an eligible organisational structure.
Organisations based outside Victoria, except eligible national or cross-border organisations regularly delivering services in Victoria.
Organisations that fail to meet community organisation requirements.

Why This Grant Matters

Racism can affect people’s safety, wellbeing, participation, employment opportunities, and connection with their communities.

Community-led anti-racism initiatives play an important role by:

Creating awareness about racism and discrimination.
Supporting culturally safe environments.
Strengthening relationships between different communities.
Encouraging reporting and accountability.
Empowering communities to challenge racist attitudes and behaviours.
Promoting respect for First Peoples’ cultures and histories.

Local organisations are often best placed to understand community needs and develop practical solutions that create long-term social change.

Examples of Supported Activities

Projects supported through this grant may include:

Community education programs about racism.
Cultural awareness workshops.
Anti-racism training activities.
First Peoples history and culture awareness initiatives.
Community conversations and forums.
Campaigns promoting inclusion and respect.
Activities improving understanding of reporting processes.
Programs supporting people affected by racism.
Community leadership and capacity-building initiatives.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, organisations should check that they:

Are an eligible not-for-profit organisation.
Have an incorporated legal structure.
Hold an ABN.
Operate within Victoria.
Meet insurance and reporting requirements.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Funding Stream

Applicants should choose the stream that matches their organisation:

Stream 1 for First Peoples-led or community-controlled organisations.
Stream 2 for multicultural or multifaith community organisations.

Step 3: Develop the Project Proposal

Applications should clearly explain:

The racism-related issue being addressed.
The community need.
Project activities.
Target communities.
Expected outcomes.
How the project will promote inclusion and anti-racist practices.
Budget requirements.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Information

Applicants may need to provide:

Organisation details.
ABN information.
Incorporation documents.
Insurance details.
Project plan.
Budget information.
Evidence of community engagement.

Step 5: Deliver and Report on the Project

Successful applicants must:

Use funds only for approved activities.
Complete reporting requirements.
Provide evidence of project outcomes.
Maintain appropriate records.
Follow grant agreement conditions.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

Alignment with program objectives.
Understanding of racism and community needs.
Quality of project design.
Community involvement.
Benefits for priority communities.
Ability to deliver the project.
Organisational capacity.
Budget suitability.
Expected impact on inclusion and anti-racism.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly describe the racism issue their project addresses.
Demonstrate community involvement.
Explain how activities create measurable change.
Include realistic budgets.
Show partnerships with relevant communities.
Highlight cultural safety and inclusion.
Explain how outcomes will continue after funding ends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming eligibility.
Submitting unclear project objectives.
Failing to explain community need.
Providing unrealistic budgets.
Designing projects without community participation.
Ignoring reporting and compliance requirements.
Applying for activities unrelated to anti-racism objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program?

The Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program is a Victorian Government funding program that supports community organisations delivering projects to prevent racism, increase awareness, and promote inclusion.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can receive up to $40,000 excluding GST for approved anti-racism initiatives.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include incorporated Victorian not-for-profit organisations with an ABN, appropriate insurance, and the capacity to deliver community-based anti-racism activities.

What are the two funding streams?

The program has two streams:

Stream 1 supports First Peoples-led or community-controlled organisations.
Stream 2 supports multicultural and multifaith community organisations.

Can individuals apply for this grant?

No. Individuals and sole traders are not eligible. Applications must come from eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects may include anti-racism education, cultural awareness activities, community discussions, training programs, reporting awareness initiatives, and activities supporting safer and more inclusive communities.

Why are First Peoples and priority communities included in the program?

The program recognises that some communities experience higher levels of racism and disadvantage. Supporting these communities helps create stronger, fairer, and more inclusive communities across Victoria.

Conclusion

The Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grant Program provides important support for Victorian organisations working to build respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe communities. By funding community-led solutions, the program helps increase awareness of racism, strengthen responses to discrimination, and empower diverse communities to create meaningful social change.