Financial support available to promote cultural diversity and social inclusion in the ACT

The ACT Government extends its support of the diverse ACT community through the ACT Participation Multicultural Grants.

More than $190,000 is available to community organisations to highlight and promote community participation and cohesion, cultural diversity and social inclusion in the ACT.

Grants of up to $3,000 per community organisation are available through the 2023-24 Participation Multicultural Grants to celebrate and mark significant cultural days, celebrations and observances.

Larger grants are also available for programs, projects, activities or events that:

  • strengthen and promote community inclusion and address racism and discrimination;
  • promote and share the value of Canberra’s cultural diversity; or
  • enable and facilitate access to services, programs and information in culturally appropriate ways.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tara Cheyne noted the importance of supporting organisations to continue delivering community events, projects and programs as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise.

“We are a city that values inclusion and social cohesion and this is reflected in how we respond to challenges we encounter together,” Minister Cheyne said.

Minister Cheyne encouraged a broad range of community organisations to apply for funding for the grant program to support their community events and initiatives.

“The ACT Participation Multicultural Grants helps celebrate the diversity and inclusion that makes our city so unique,” she said.

“The 2022-23 grants supported 53 organisations to deliver a range of cultural events and celebrations including Ramadan, Diwali, Africa Day, Persian New Year and many others.

“Organisations were also supported to deliver important community initiatives such as an anti-racism campaign, multicultural radio program and photography workshops for children from migrant or refugee backgrounds.

“I encourage community organisations which have creative ideas and initiatives that add value to the community, fill gaps in services, strengthen existing networks and build community capacity to apply,” Minister Cheyne said.

Applications for the 2023-24 ACT Participation Multicultural Grant Program close at 3pm on 30 November 2023.

/Public Release. View in full here.