Government has invested $8.1 million into the Fostering Integration Grants program to support activities that celebrate and recognise Australia’s multicultural communities, increase cultural awareness, and help build an even more socially cohesive Australia.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said the Fostering Integration Grants are about supporting migrants to succeed in Australia while enhancing our social cohesion.The funding creates Round Three of this established grant program, with two streams:

· Stream 1: Grants of between $15,000 and $100,000 will be available for projects that encourage greater integration and cross cultural understanding, including cultural events and festivals.

· Stream 2: Grants of between $20,000 and $100,000 will be available to support projects that enhance existing community spaces and amenities through fit out, extension or upgrades.

“Strong social cohesion is one of Australia’s greatest assets and the reason we weathered the pandemic so well as a nation. The Morrison Government has invested in the Fostering Integration Grants because we understand just how critical our multicultural communities and organisations have been, and will continue to be, to that success,” Minister Hawke said.

“Supporting migrants to participate socially, economically and civically helps them to feel at home in Australia. This gives people the best chance to become productive and successful members of Australian society,” he said.

“With the pandemic recovery upon us, it’s time to support community groups to bring cultural events and festivals alive again for all Australians to promote a sense of belonging for all,” Minister Hawke said.

Round Three of the Fostering Integration Grants open for applications on 3 May 2022 and close to applications on 14 June 2022.

Eligible grant applicants can apply for funding on GrantConnect, the Government’s grant information system at www.grants.gov.au.