The Victorian Government has announced $4.9 million in grants for nearly 200 multicultural organisations across the state, saying the investment will strengthen community connections and support diverse cultural and faith communities.
Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt announced the funding through the 2025–26 Multicultural Capacity Building Program (MCBP), which aims to help grassroots organisations improve their operations, expand services and build long-term sustainability.
“Victoria is a proudly multicultural state – Labor stands with multicultural and multifaith Victorians because they make our state stronger.”
The successful organisations represent more than 46 ethnic communities and 15 faith groups, with more than $1.6 million allocated to groups supporting new and emerging communities as well as regional Victoria.
Among the recipients is the Australian Iranian Society of Victoria, which will receive support to establish a sustainable operational base and expand education and community engagement programs.
The South Sudanese Australian Academic Society Inc will use the funding to expand its Just Drop-In initiative, providing education and wellbeing support, while the Gurduaras Council of Victoria will strengthen its organisational capacity and expand culturally safe services for Sikh Victorians.
The Victorian Government said the programme responds to recommendations from the Victorian Multicultural Review, released in September 2025, which called for greater support for grassroots organisations to improve their capacity and sustainability.
Minister Stitt said multicultural organisations played a vital role in creating a more inclusive Victoria.
“Grassroots multicultural organisations are the lifeblood of our communities – we’re backing them in with funding so they can continue to ensure that all Victorians can fully enjoy our state’s vibrant and inclusive society.”
The government said the grants would support organisations delivering community services, cultural programs, education initiatives and support networks for multicultural and multifaith Victorians.
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