Latest News

Applications are now open for the Promoting Harmony: Multifaith Initiatives and Interfaith Networks grants category, as a part of the Community Grants Program within the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC).

Grants of up to $10,000 (ex. GST) to a range of projects that bring together different faith and community groups to promote social cohesion, understanding and acceptance among Victoria’s diverse faith communities and within the wider Victorian community. Priority will be given to projects displaying strong collaborative links between partner organisations, which must include faith-based organisations.

Grants of up to $20,000 (excluding GST) will be considered for projects which assist in the establishment of new interfaith networks or to build the capacity and sustainability of existing interfaith networks.

Examples of projects/ activities

• Seminars/conferences
• Visiting places of worship
• Educational programs
• Leadership training
• Cultural events/festivals
• Interfaith Network activities

Who can apply?

Not-for-profit and non-political organisations that:
(a) Strengthen the capacity of culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities; and  Promote and celebrate culture and language in a way that is inclusive to the whole community; and
(b) Are incorporated under the Australian Corporations Act or as an Association under the Associations Incorporation Act and have an Australian Business Number (ABN); or Are ‘sponsored’ by an incorporated organisation to manage the grant funds.  The incorporated organisation will act as the ‘sponsor’ organisation for the application and that organisation’s details must be provided in the application form; and
(c) Have satisfactorily acquitted all previous grants from OMAC and the Victorian Multicultural Commission

Mainstream service providers, migrant resource centres, hospitals, community health centres, neighbourhood houses, community centres and schools are ELIGIBLE to apply under this category.

What will not be funded?

Organisations that:

• Operate for profit or commercial gain, including profit from commercial gambling activities;
• Are seeking retrospective funding for projects or programs that have already started or have been completed before July 2012;
• Are seeking funding for competitions, political or fund raising activities;
• Are seeking funding for events or programs outside of Victoria;
• Are seeking funding for transport to interstate conferences or events;
• Are applying for funding to purchase a building or land; or
• Have failed to abide by the terms and conditions of grants previously provided by OMAC or the VMC.

If you are not sure whether your organisation or project is eligible for funding, please contact the OMAC Promoting Harmony Team on (03) 9651 2931.

Applications close midnight 15 December 2011 (EST - Sydney time).