VIC – 2026–27 Multicultural Festivals and Events Program

Grants up to $50K, depending on funding stream
Small Stream: up to $50K, no matched funding or in-kind contributions required
Medium Stream: $5K-$15K, no matched funding or in-kind contributions required
Large Stream: $15K-$50K, matched funding OR in-kind contribution required, amount depends on applicant type
Activities are expected to run from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Applications close April 17th, 2026

The 2026–27 Multicultural Festivals and Events Program supports multicultural communities across Victoria to deliver festivals and events that celebrate cultural diversity and bring people together. The program aims to help Victorians preserve and share cultural traditions, while encouraging broader community participation and understanding of different cultures.

Funding is available to eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver free, inclusive and accessible events that are open to the public. Grants are offered across three funding streams—small, medium and large—based on event size, attendance and scope. The program prioritises events delivered by or for rural and regional communities, new and emerging communities, and initiatives that engage women, young people and LGBTIQA+ communities.

Key Requirements

Celebrate and preserve cultural traditions Events must actively showcase cultural heritage, traditions, stories or practices that are significant to the community and help keep cultural knowledge alive.
Encourage broad community participation Events should be promoted beyond a single community and invite all Victorians to attend, participate and learn about different cultures
Accessibility and inclusion Events must be free to attend and accessible, including physical accessibility, cultural and language inclusion, and financial accessibility.
Environmental responsibility Applicants must demonstrate steps to reduce environmental impact, including waste management and avoiding single-use plastics

What is eligible for funding?

One-day festivals or events
Multiple linked events held within 30 days that share a clear cultural theme
Events celebrating cultural or religious festivals and dates
Activities that foster connection and understanding between different communities
Hybrid events combining in-person delivery with online elements (e.g. livestreaming)

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants must:

Be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation with a valid ABN
Be registered under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic), Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or an Act of Parliament
Be a registered charity, incorporated association, company limited by guarantee, or eligible social enterprise
Have no overdue final reports from previous Victorian Government grants

Unincorporated groups may apply through an eligible auspice organisation.

Individuals, for-profit businesses, government bodies and local councils are not eligible.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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