- Published:
- Thursday 15 January 2026 at 11:58 am
The Allan Labor Government is delivering on a key recommendation from the Victorian Multicultural Review by supporting grassroots multicultural organisations with more funding to improve outcomes for multicultural and multifaith communities.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today announced that applications for the new Multicultural Capacity Building Program are now open. The $5 million grant program offers multicultural organisations the opportunity to strengthen their foundations and increase their impact within their communities.
The program is open to both emerging and established organisations, with three funding streams providing grants of up to $10,000, $100,000 or $400,000.
Organisations can use the program to support capacity building activities including projects that develop skills, partnerships, and leadership. They can also apply for funding to support ongoing expenses and day-to-day operations, reinforcing areas including IT systems and business planning, among others.
Applications from organisations representing new and emerging communities or rural and regional communities will be prioritised.
The new program is an initiative stemming from the Labor government’s response to Victoria's Multicultural Review led by George Lekakis AO. The review, published in September 2025, called for greater support for grassroots organisations to help them become stronger and more sustainable.
With this program, grassroots multicultural organisations can bolster their ability to bring positive changes to the lives of multicultural and multifaith Victorians.
Applications are open now and close on 19 February 2026. To learn more about eligibility, upcoming information sessions and how to apply, please visit the Multicultural Capacity Building Program at: https://www.vic.gov.au/multicultural-capacity-building-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
“Victoria has a proud history of multiculturalism and diversity, but we know that it needs to be nurtured and supported. This funding helps build the strong foundations to ensure that all Victorians can fully enjoy our state’s vibrant and inclusive society.”
“Grassroots multicultural organisations are the lifeblood of our communities – we’re backing them in with extra funding so they can continue supporting our multicultural communities.”