Today the ACT Government opens the Multicultural Participation Grants Program. Community organisations can apply to promote participation and cohesion, cultural diversity and social inclusion – in a COVID safe way.
Grants of up to $2,000 per community organisation are available through the program 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
- 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 said, "We are a city that values inclusion and social cohesion and this is reflected in how we have responded to the challenges we have encountered recently. We are a multicultural community and will continue to celebrate diversity in all its forms as we move forward together. These grants help us to continue to celebrate the diversity that makes our city so unique.
"I would like to encourage community organisations to apply for funding for creative ideas and initiatives that will add value to the community, fill gaps in services, strengthen existing networks and build stronger community capacity."
Under the 2020-21 program, 49 organisations were funded to deliver a range of initiatives such as mental health workshops, financial literacy training, and programs to empower and facilitate independence for women. Various cultural events and celebrations were also funded such as Idul Fitri, Diwali, Mosque Open Day and many others.
Quote attributable to Lubna Alam from Alo-Enlightened Women:
"Last year we received a grant to develop a culturally appropriate financial toolkit and conduct an interactive workshop for culturally and linguistically diverse women in the ACT to build capacity in financial literacy and raise awareness about financial management and financial abuse. The grant program offers a great opportunity for non-profit organisations to realise their vision in helping the community for better social inclusion."
Applications are now open and will close at midday on Monday 29 November.
