2024 National Multicultural Festival Grant Program (Australia)

This program provides funding support for projects that promote community participation and cultural diversity, including language and social inclusion, at the National Multicultural Festival (the NMF or the Festival).

The Festival provides a unique opportunity for people across Australia to engage with the rich traditions and heritage of different cultures, celebrating the cultural diversity and social inclusion that the city proudly values.

The festival aligns with the Charter for Multiculturalism included within the Multiculturalism Act 2023. The Charter provides:

• Clear definitions, and core values, for recognising, valuing celebrating and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in the ACT;
• A commitment to actively call out racism and discrimination; and
• Acknowledgement of language as central to the preservation and recognition of cultural identity.

Aim: The Grant Program aims to facilitate community participation at the National Multicultural Festival to showcase cultural traditions and heritage; and provide a platform to keep multicultural traditions and celebrations alive and relevant. The Festival promotes equality, social cohesion and the sharing of cultural traditions and customs through music, dance, language, cultural displays, food, and workshops, contributing positively to building a community that respects and celebrates diversity.

Government Objectives

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisations and people are encouraged to apply.
  • Consistent with the objectives of the grant program, funding for projects, activities or initiatives that contribute towards closing the gap on disadvantage between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Canberrans will be considered.
  • This is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• ACT Health and Wellbeing
  • Projects and initiatives must demonstrate how they address any of the ACT Health and Wellbeing Framework outcomes.
• COVID-19 Safety
  • COVID-19 is now part of the lives.

Types of Grants

• Community Performance
• Stall Activity or Decoration
• Community Workshop
• Cultural Showcase

Funding Information

• The 2024 Grants program has 4 specific funding categories. The total funding available for the 2024 National Multicultural Festival Grants Program is $200,000. As there are no goods or services being exchanged, GST is not applicable to grant payments.
• Community performance grant
  • Applications for this category cannot exceed $2,500.
  • Up to $1,000 category
    • Community groups, individuals or incorporated associations can apply for up to $1,000 in this category.
  • Above $1,000 category
    • Incorporated associations and registered not for profit or charitable organisations can apply for a grant above $1,000. Community groups that are not incorporated can apply for a grant above $1,000 if auspiced by an incorporated association.
• Stall activity or decoration grant
  • Applications for this category cannot exceed $1,000.
• Community workshop grant
  • Applications for this category cannot exceed $2,500.
  • Up to $1,000 category
    • Community groups, individuals or incorporated associations can apply for up to $1,000 in this category.
  • Above $1,000 category
    • Incorporated associations and registered not for profit or charitable organisations can apply for a grant above $1,000. Community groups that are not incorporated can apply for a grant above $1,000 if auspiced by an incorporated association.
• Cultural showcase grant
  • Applications for this category cannot exceed $10,000.

Overall Project Eligibility

• Eligible projects must meet the aim of the Program by:
  • having or making a valuable contribution to the 2024 National Multicultural Festival;
  • taking place during the 2024 National Multicultural Festival within the Festival footprint from 16 to 18 February (inclusive); and
  • using funding to assist with the associated costs of the activity, event or project/performance including artist associated fees, travel and accommodation costs, costumes, and eligible equipment purchase or hire.

Eligibility Criteria

• individuals,
• community groups,
• organisations, or
• partnerships or collaborations.
• Profit making groups, government entities and registered political parties are NOT eligible to apply.
• To apply for more than $1,000 you will need to be part of an incorporated association, a registered charity or not-for profit, or auspiced by an incorporated association.
• Eligible individuals, community groups, organisations, partnerships, or collaborations may apply once per category.
• Individual and community group eligibility requirements
  • Have no overdue acquittal obligations for any previous Community Service Directorate grant. All overdue acquittals must be submitted prior to submitting an application.
  • Are over the age of 18 years – you will need to supply an identity document (driver license or proof of identity card). Preference will be given to those residing in the ACT and surrounding region.
  • Referee check – you will need to provide a letter of endorsement for your performance or participation in a previous community event with your application.
  • Individuals and unincorporated community groups can apply in the Community performance, Stall/activity decoration and Community workshop grants categories for grants up to $1,000.
• Organisation eligibility requirements
  • Organisations who meet the following eligibility requirements may apply:
    • Be a legally incorporated entity or supported by an incorporated auspicing association;
    • be a registered not-for-profit or a charitable organisation; and
    • have no overdue acquittal obligations for any previous Community Services Directorate grant.

For more information, visit National Multicultural Festival Grant Program.