Organisations across Queensland are encouraged to apply for their share in $1 million as the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program’s project funding round opens.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said the grants could be used for a range of projects to be delivered from 1 July 2022, that will build social connection and cohesion in diverse communities across Queensland.
The latest project funding round opens today (Monday, 1 November 2021) and will close Friday, 10 December 2021.
Two categories of funding are available, including grants of up to $40,000 for projects that support economic and social participation of Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Up to $120,000 in funding is also available for innovative projects that break down the barriers facing young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to build a greater sense of belonging.
“I encourage organisations across Queensland to apply for a share of the funding because we know when everyone is supported to connect and contribute our communities thrive,” Ms Linard said.
“This funding will create opportunities for people to feel valued and welcomed into our local neighbourhoods, sporting and community groups, school communities or workplaces.
“In previous years, grants from this popular program have helped people prepare for future employment, including starting and running small businesses and social enterprises.
“Funding has also been provided to projects that have helped young women break the cycle of domestic and family violence, empowered regional youth leaders from CALD and refugee backgrounds, and supported hundreds of disengaged and at-risk young people to encourage community connection through story-telling.”
Ms Linard acknowledged that sometimes it could be hard to find a way to feel part of a community or know how to welcome new people into communities.
“The grants are part of our strategy under the Multicultural Queensland Charter to promote our state as a place of welcome and opportunity for people from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, as well as distinct cultural groups such as Australian South Sea Islanders,” she said.
“This grants program is a wonderful way to celebrate our diversity and to build an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland.”
The funding round is open to community groups, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, youth groups, P&C associations and multicultural organisations.
Applications can be submitted online through SmartyGrants at https://maq.smartygrants.com.au/ until midnight, 10 December 2021 (AEST).
