Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants now open
Organisations seeking to support Queenslanders from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the latest round of Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said a total of $1 million would be available for projects that aim to boost the economic and social participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“This latest funding round provides an opportunity to tackle the barriers faced by some community members,” she said.
“In previous funding rounds, we’ve had great responses. The projects show just how passionate community groups and organisations are about building a more inclusive Queensland.
“I encourage organisations across the state to once again come forward with proposals that support people to connect, contribute and belong. We know these projects make our communities thrive.”
The latest funding round opened on 1 October 2022 and will close on 11 November 2022.
Two categories of funding are available. This includes grants of up to $40,000 for projects that focus on providing employment pathways and supporting participation of Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Funding of up to $120,000 is available for projects that break down barriers for young people aged 15 to 25.
Ms Linard said that these grants are about ensuring young people from diverse backgrounds feel heard, valued and supported so they can be independent and active members of our community.
“With support, they can overcome barriers, gain experience and mentoring, and build on their knowledge and skills,” she said.
Ms Linard said the grants reflect the principles of the Multicultural Queensland Charter. Investing in community-led solutions that promote Queensland as a place of welcome and opportunity for people from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, as well as distinct cultural groups such as Australian South Sea Islanders.
“When people from all backgrounds are supported to contribute their great skills, knowledge and experience and achieve their ambitions, Queensland is stronger.”
A previous grant recipient from 2021, the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops, said a Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grant had helped more than 60 women from refugee and migrant backgrounds to connect with school communities.
The association’s senior project officer Deanne Wooden said the grant was used for a Creating Connections through the Cooking project.
“The grant allowed us to help women from culturally diverse backgrounds improve their English skills in a safe environment, and gain confidence to participate in training and employment in catering and hospitality,” she said.
“Our tuckshop convenors love hosting Connections volunteers because they bring cultural diversity into the school environment, including some delicious recipes.”
Previous Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants have also helped give people skills for future employment, assisted in starting up small businesses, and supported young people to build their skills and confidence.
The funding round is open to community groups, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, youth groups, P&C associations and multicultural organisations for projects to be delivered from 1 July 2023.
Applications can be submitted online until midnight 12 November 2022 through SmartyGrants at https://maq.smartygrants.com.au/
For more information visit www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/cmq-program
