- Published by:
- Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Date:
- 24 Sep 2025
Victorian Government values
Multiculturalism in Victoria is more than just diversity of cultures, languages, faiths and traditions. It is providing the systems and supports that make our shared community stronger. It is the knowledge that sharing cultures and understanding our cultural differences is a strength. It also provides a sense of belonging that contributes to the community harmony Victorians are so proud of.
The Victorian Government is committed to:
- protecting the rights of all Victorians to be free from racism, vilification, and discrimination of any kind
- building community harmony
- ensuring every Victorian feels safe and can participate in all aspects of Victorian life, irrespective of Aboriginality, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, faith, language, culture, migration or visa status, class, ability and age.
The contractual relationship between funded organisations and the Department of Premier and Cabinet reflects this commitment. It sets out the expectation that in the delivery of projects and initiatives funded by the Victorian Government, organisations will promote and uphold the government’s stated values of:
- one law for all
- freedom to be yourself
- discrimination is never acceptable
- a fair go for all
- it is up to all of us to contribute to a Victoria we can be proud of.
Message from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs
I’m pleased to open the Multicultural Infrastructure and Security Program (MISP).
The Allan Labor Government is committed to strengthening multiculturalism in Victoria. Vital to this is ensuring all Victorians have safe, accessible and culturally appropriate spaces to gather and celebrate their heritage.
This grant program contributes to that goal by allocating $2.5 million to support multicultural and multifaith organisations to carry out maintenance works, renovations and security upgrades to their community facilities.
These spaces where Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities gather are more than just buildings. They are spaces where people come together to reflect, to share traditions, to mark milestones and to pass down culture on to future generations.
This funding will allow Victoria’s diverse communities to celebrate their culture, build connections, access opportunities and improve community infrastructure.
Victoria is a proudly multicultural state. Victorians come from more than 300 ancestries, speak 290 languages and follow almost 200 different faiths.
Support from the MISP will ensure organisations can continue their invaluable contribution to our state by providing safe spaces where Victorians can connect and find a sense of belonging.
We remain dedicated to supporting our diverse communities and I strongly encourage all eligible organisations to apply for this opportunity.
Ingrid Stitt MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Introduction and program objective
The objective of the Multicultural Infrastructure and Security Program (MISP) is to support Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith community organisations to maintain and upgrade their community facilities and create a safe and secure place to celebrate and share their history and traditions.
The MISP acknowledges the importance of upgrading and securing community infrastructure that will support Victoria’s diverse multicultural and multifaith communities to:
- celebrate and share their culture, history
and traditions
- build community connections and
networks to participate in society
- help communities to access social and cultural opportunities
- improve the security of community facilities
To achieve this objective, MISP is offering grants to Victorian multicultural and multifaith community organisations to support maintenance works, renovations, and security upgrades to their community facilities.
Funding available
Grants of up to $400,000 are available per project to maintain, upgrade, and secure multicultural community infrastructure.
Organisations can apply for multiple grant activities in the one application. Please see Grant activity eligibility(opens in a new window) for details on eligible activities and activity funding limits.
Note: MISP includes the requirement for organisations to contribute matched funding.
Please see Matched funding(opens in a new window) for more information.
Key dates
Note: late applications will not be accepted. |
Priority groups and projects
The MISP provides opportunities for multicultural and multifaith organisations to upgrade their community facilities, providing a welcoming and safe environment for the community to come together and share their culture and traditions.
The department acknowledges the additional challenges faced by some communities and is committed to prioritising the following groups and projects:
- regional based projects
- new and emerging communities
- organisations that have not previously received multicultural grant funding from the department
These groups will be prioritised because they often:
- are smaller communities
- have limited access to resources and networks
- have less funds for infrastructure projects.
Organisations must outline in the application form how the application meets priority group eligibility criteria.
Applications which meet priority group eligibility will receive extra points in the merit assessment process. They will also have reduced matched funding requirements.
Note: Where applications only partially meet the priority group eligibility, they will not receive priority assessment scoring and must provide matched funding.
| If you are not sure whether your organisation meets a priority group eligibility criteria, please email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) before starting your application. |
Regional based projects
To be eligible as a regional project, the project must be delivered in regional Victoria. Metropolitan Melbourne based organisations delivering projects in regional Victoria are also eligible as a regional based project priority group.
| Refer to the Regional Development Victoria’s list of regional and rural councils for eligible local government areas. |
New and emerging communities
New and emerging multicultural community organisations need to provide further support to newly arrived members of their community in Victoria. They also play a critical role in developing strong community networks and supporting their members. These communities often develop over time from small and less established to large and well established.
To support these communities, the department has created a prioritised list of new and emerging communities in consultation with the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC). Many of the listed communities have recently been or are currently part of Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Programs. The list comprises both countries of origin and specific ethnicities.
To be eligible as a new and emerging community, the organisation must identify with one of the countries or ethnicities on the new and emerging priority list.
New and Emerging Priority List
- Afghanistan
- Assyrian
- Burundi
- Chaldean
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Hazara
- Iran
- Iraq
- Kenya
- Kurds
- Liberia
- Myanmar
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Pashtuns
- Pasifika communities
- Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajiks
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Timor Leste
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Uzbeks
- Yemen.
The new and emerging community eligibility refers only to the countries and ethnicities listed on our priority list. A newly formed organisation is not eligible unless they identify with one of the countries or ethnicities on the New and Emerging Priority List.
Organisations that have not previously received multicultural infrastructure grant funding from the department
To be eligible as an organisation that has not previously received multicultural infrastructure grant funding, your organisation cannot have received any infrastructure grants from the Multicultural Affairs portfolio offered through either the Department of Premier and Cabinet or the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing.
Eligibility overview
To be eligible to apply for funding through MISP, your organisation’s application must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Organisation eligibility: meet the organisation eligibility criteria.
- Grant activity eligibility: include only eligible grant activities that align with the aim of MISP.
- Mandatory documents: submit all mandatory documents.
Only applications that meet all eligibility criteria will progress to the merit assessment stage and be considered for funding.
Note: Organisations are limited to one application. If more than one application is submitted, the department will only consider the first application. All other applications will not be accepted.
Organisation eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for MISP, your organisation must meet all organisation eligibility criteria in the table below.
Organisation eligibility criteria | Requirements |
Multicultural or multifaith organisation | Your organisation must be a multicultural or multifaith community organisation. See the Glossary(opens in a new window) for definitions of multicultural community organisation and multifaith community organisation. |
Incorporated legal entity | Your organisation must be an incorporated legal entity under one of the following:
|
Current Australian | Your organisation must have a current ABN matching the organisation’s name in your application. To check if your organisation has a current ABN, go to ABN Lookup. |
Not-for-profit | Your organisation must be a not-for-profit demonstrated under one of the following:
Note: incorporated legal entities are considered not-for-profit entities. |
Not be the responsibility of another ministerial portfolio | Your organisation must not be the responsibility of another ministerial portfolio (such as health, education, and sport and recreation) |
No overdue grant requirements with the department | Your organisation must be up-to-date with all requirements for grants your organisation currently has from Multicultural Affairs. To check if your organisation is up to date with grant reporting requirements email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window). |
No active multicultural infrastructure grants | Your organisation must not have any active multicultural infrastructure grants managed by Multicultural Affairs. To check if your organisation has any active multicultural infrastructure grants email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window). |
Can meet the organisation’s cash contribution | Your organisation must provide evidence that it can meet the cash contribution requirement to complete the project. See Mandatory documents(opens in a new window) for more information. |
Who is not eligible to apply
Organisations that are not eligible to apply for MISP funding include:
- organisations that are not a multicultural or multifaith community organisation
- unincorporated legal entities
- individuals and sole traders
- organisations that are commercial or set up to make a profit (except social enterprises)
- public companies limited by shares (unless a foundational document can prove not-for-profit status)
- commercial enterprises
- organisations whose activities or facilities sit in another ministerial portfolio (such as health, education, or sport and recreation)
- TAFE institutes and universities
- registered pre-, primary, and secondary schools
- local government authorities (LGAs) including council-managed, operated, administered, and regulated trusts
- organisations that have not complied with the terms and conditions of previous Multicultural Affairs grants
- organisations applying under an auspice agreement.
Grant activity eligibility
What grant funding can be used for?
Grant funding can support infrastructure activities listed below on existing community facilities. Organisations can apply for one or more of the eligible grant activities listed.
- Maintenance: minor works to maintain an existing facility. Activities include repairs and fixes to roofing, flooring, plumbing, and painting.
- Upgrades: improvements to existing facilities to support the organisation’s full use of available facilities. Activities include upgrades to existing kitchen or bathroom facilities, installation of accessibility features, and upgrades to existing parking facilities.
- Renovation: structural alterations and internal remodelling. Activities include creation of new rooms, and addition of new kitchen or bathroom amenities.
- Physical security: upgrading or installing new physical security elements for the purpose of improving security at your facility. Activities include installation of alarm and CCTV systems, security lighting, securing doors and windows, fencing and perimeter security, and permanent traffic barriers and bollards.
- Security planning: services focused on planning for the physical security of facilities for a specific community group. Activities include threat analysis and risk assessments. Security planning activities are only eligible for multicultural and multifaith peak bodies, and larger organisations based on evidence of community members attending facilities, with multiple premises and general higher outreach. See the Glossary(opens in a new window) for more information on peak bodies.
- Outdoor areas: improvements to facility outdoor areas. Activities include stages, pergolas, and water tanks 10,000 litres or bigger.
- Fixed assets: items that will be fixed, non-transferable, and form part of the fabric of the facility. The assets must be closely related to the facility’s use. Activities include solar panels and batteries, heat pumps, heating and cooling, and industrial kitchen appliances. Up to 25 per cent of the grant amount requested (maximum of $25,000) can be used for fixed asset activities.
- Project management: professional project manager that is not a member of the organisation. Up to 25 per cent of the grant amount requested (maximum of $25,000) can be used for project management.
- All grant funded activities need to be clearly detailed in your organisation’s project plan and quotes for all activities must be provided. See Mandatory documents(opens in a new window) for more information on the project plan.
Funding limitations Applications for places of worship can only include physical security activities. Organisations using leased facilities cannot apply for funding for maintenance activities, fixed assets, and activities that are the responsibility of the property owner. The organisation must also obtain permission from the property owner to complete all activities included in the application. |
What grant funding cannot be used for?
Grant funding cannot be used to support the activities listed below.
- Inappropriate use of public funds: activities that do not align with the objectives of MISP and the Victorian values.
- Property purchases: activities include purchase of land, established buildings and properties, and new prefabricated buildings.
- New construction: construction, trades, and works to create or extend a new community facility. Activities include construction of new buildings and the extension of existing building.
- Pre-construction: all costs associated with the preparation and design of the project and application to MISP. Activities include feasibility studies, business case development, conceptual design, architectural works, and all permit fees.
- Security services: all security costs that are not associated with the physical security of the facility. Activities include security guards and similar services, cyber security, and CCTV and alarm monitoring services.
- Unfixed assets: items that are unfixed, mobile or transferable. This includes:
- furniture such as tables, chairs, desks, and couches.
- technology and audio-visual equipment such as computers, tablets, phones, televisions, projectors, screens, cameras, speakers, and microphones.
- kitchen appliances and equipment such as domestic fridges and freezers, microwaves, blenders, toasters, glassware, plates, bowls, and cutlery.
- gardening such as gardening tools, plants, water features, and garden ornaments.
- ornamental items such as statues, and artwork.
- other items such as sporting equipment and musical instruments.
- Outdoor areas: playgrounds, sporting grounds, garden beds, plants, and water tanks under 10,000 litres, and gardening equipment.
- Operational costs: ongoing or recurring costs associated with the operation of the organisation. Activities include staff salaries, utilities, rent, administrative costs, cleaning, gardening, appliance servicing, and subscription fees.
- Overseas purchases: all contractors and suppliers must be based in Victoria.
- Existing projects: activities include complete or partially complete projects, works, or activities.
- Previously funded projects: activities that have been previously funded by Multicultural Affairs. Organisations can apply for funding for a new project at a location that has previously received funding from Multicultural Affairs. However, the previously funded project must be complete and acquitted.
- Religious focused projects: projects advancing religious activities and used exclusively for worship. Activities include construction of altars, shrines, pulpit, purchase of fixed assets used in religious ceremonies and rituals only, and purchase of religious artifacts and symbols.
- Political focused projects: projects advancing political activities.
- Decorative or ornamental projects: projects that are only decorative or ornamental in nature. Activities to include murals, friezes, mosaics, stained glass, and elaborate woodwork, plasterwork, and façade decorations.
- Ineligible facilities: all activities at ineligible facilities. Ineligible facilities include facilities located outside Victoria, facilities owned by another State or territory or the Commonwealth Government, facilities not owned or leased by the organisation, privately owned facilities that do not have public access, facilities that sit in another ministerial portfolio (such as health, education, or sport and recreation), and facilities that are under construction.
- Project management: project management costs paid to a member of the organisation.
- Consultants: costs paid to a consultant for pre-construction activities. Activities include consultants undertaking permit preparation and application activities, grant writers, building surveyors, engineers, architects, and lawyers.
- Projects with a negative impact: projects that could have a negative impact on existing businesses and services, or compete with other local commercial interests, as per the National competition policy
- Contingency: organisation cannot apply for contingency or funding for unknown costs. All project activities and their cost must be included in the MISP project plan.
| To check your organisation’s grant activities are eligible, please email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) before starting your application. |
Mandatory documents
The following documents are mandatory and must be submitted with all applications. Organisations may be asked to provide further information on any documents provided.
Please check the documents can be clearly read and all pages are provided. Applications missing any of the mandatory documents or provide incomplete documents will be ineligible and will not progress through the application process.
Note: Documents must be provided in PDF or word formats, or JPG or PNG for photos.
Mandatory document | Requirements |
Project Plan | Complete the MISP Project Plan template. Project Plans that are incomplete or in other formats will not be accepted. The project plan must detail all project activities including construction works, fixed assts to be purchased, and professional project management. Each activity listed in the project plan must include:
|
Timetable of facility use | Complete the MISP Timetable of Facility Use. Timetables of facility use that are incomplete or in other formats will not be accepted. The document must include the following:
Applicants are encouraged to include any additional timetables or schedules prepared by your organisation and distributed to members or the wider community that shows the use of the facility. Note: the use of the facility includes all use by the organisation and any other organisations that using the facility. |
Risk plan | Complete the MISP Risk Plan template. Risk Plans that are incomplete or in other formats will not be accepted. The risk plan must include details for the risks already listed in the Risk Plan. Applicants are encouraged to include additional risks relevant to their project. |
Planning approval (Planning permit and Endorsed plans) | Provide one of the following for all project activities:
Note: Planning permit applications and unendorsed plans will not be accepted. |
Building permit | Provide one of the following for all project activities:
Note: Building permit applications will not be accepted. |
Quotes or cost estimates | Provide one of the following for each project activity in your organisation’s project plan:
Note: one quote or cost estimate can include more than one project activity. All quotes or cost estimates provided must:
Note: At least two quotes must be provided for any individual item over $100,000. |
Land title or lease agreement | Provide one of the following:
|
Organisation’s cash contribution (if applicable) Includes:
| Provide evidence that the organisation can meet the organisation’s cash contribution requirements for matched funding and any additional funding.
Acceptable evidence of funding sources include:
Note: Financial statements, statutory declarations, letters of commitment, pledges, fund raising plans, and in-kind contributions are not an acceptable form of minimum cash contribution. If your organisation has an alternative funding source that is not listed, please email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window). |
Financial statement | Provide the organisation’s financial statement for the 2024-25 financial year. This is the same statement organisations provide to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) through myCAV or to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Note: If the financial statement is older than the 2024-25 financial year or is in another format, please email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) before starting your application. |
Photographs | Provide 5-10 current photos showing the areas of the facility where project activities will take place. Note: the photos must be at least 2MB each in size and be in a JPG or PNG file format. |
Optional documents
Organisations are encouraged to provide additional documents that support their application. The following are examples of optional documents that can be included in the application. Please check the documents can be clearly read and all pages are provided.
Note: Documents must be provided in PDF or word formats, or JPG or PNG for photos.
Optional document | Requirements |
Evidence of security incidents (only applications including security activities) | Provide any evidence of security incidents at the project location. Examples include:
Note: The above documents will be considered in the merit assessment for applications that include security activities. |
Project drawings / schematics | Provide any professional designs, drawings, or schematics that include any of the project activities included in the application. |
| Public liability insurance | Provide a certificate of currency for public liability insurance that:
Note:
|
Letters of support | Provide letters of support for your project from stakeholders. Examples include letters of support from stakeholders that use the facility on a recurring or regular basis. |
Other supporting documents | Provide any other documents related to the project that support your application. Note: Peak bodies applying for security planning activities must provide their constitution or other governance document that outlines their role as a peak body and the community they represent. |
Possible project examples
| You can also ‘test’ possible projects by emailing a short description to the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) |
Project example 1:
Project in regional Victoria
Summary
- A multicultural community organisation requested funding to replace the roof and install an alarm system at their community hall in Bendigo.
- The cost of the roof replacement is $100,000 and the alarm system is $25,000.
- Grant amount requested: $125,000
- Total project cost: $125,000
Outcome
- The organisation was successful in receiving funding to replace the roof and install the alarm system.
- Matched funding of 1:4 was required as the grant amount requested was over $100,000 and the department confirmed the project location was in regional Victoria.
- Grant amount awarded: $100,000
- Matched funding required: $25,000
Project example 2:
Project at a place of worship
Summary
- A place of worship in North Melbourne requested funding to install security cameras and upgrade their bathrooms.
- The place of worship had been vandalised six months ago and the police incident report was provided with their application.
- The cost of the security cameras is $20,000 and the cost to upgrade the bathrooms is $50,000.
- Grant amount requested: $35,000
- Total project cost: $70,000
Outcome
- The place of worship was successful in receiving funding to install security cameras only.
- The bathroom upgrade was not funded as places of worship are only eligible to apply for physical security activities under MISP.
- Grant amount awarded: $10,000
- Matched funding required: $10,000
Project example 3:
Project with eligible and ineligible activities
Summary
- A multicultural community organisation based in St Kilda requested grant funding to extend their community hall and install new solar panels.
- The cost of the community hall extension is $125,000 and the cost of the new solar panels is $25,000.
- Grant amount requested: $75,000
- Total project cost: $150,000
Outcome
- The organisation was successful in receiving funding for their new solar panels.
- The kitchen extension was not funded as building extensions are not eligible under MISP.
- Grant amount awarded: $12,500
- Matched funding required: $12,500
Matched funding
The MISP offers an opportunity for the government to co-invest in multicultural community infrastructure projects. Matched funding demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to completing the project.
All organisations must provide evidence of their capacity to meet the matched funding requirement for the project. Organisations that meet one or more of the priority groups will have reduced matched funding requirements.
See Organisations cash contribution(opens in a new window) under Mandatory Documents for accepted evidence of matched funding.
If you are unsure if your organisation needs to provide matched funding, please email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Non-priority applicants | Priority applicants requesting $100,000 or more | Priority applicants requesting less than $100,000 |
Matched funding required – 1:1 Minimum of $1 in matched funding for every $1 in government funding. Example: a grant of $50,000 to a non-priority group organisation requires $50,000 in matched funding. | Matched funding required – 1:4 Minimum of $1 in matched funding for every $4 in government funding. Example: a grant of $100,000 to a priority group organisation requires $25,000 in matched funding. | Matched funding is not required. Example: a grant of $90,000 to a priority group organisation requires no matched funding. |
See Priority groups and projects(opens in a new window) for more information.
Assessment process
The MISP is an open and competitive grant program. Applications to MISP will follow a structured assessment process.
Stage 1. Eligibility assessment
The department reviews all applications against the eligibility criteria outlined in these guidelines. Only applications that meet all eligibility criteria will progress to the merit-based assessment stage.
Stage 2. Merit-based assessment
The department assesses the responses and attachments provided in the application against the merit assessment criteria outlined in these guidelines. The merit-based assessment determines the merit assessment score for each application. The score is used in the department’s funding recommendations to the assessment panel in Stage 3 and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Stage 4.
Stage 3. Assessment panel
An assessment panel reviews the department’s assessments and recommendations prepared in Stages 1 and 2. The panel provides independent recommendations that are included in the department’s funding recommendations to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Stage 4.
The panel includes representatives from the Multicultural Affairs portfolio, Victorian Multicultural Commission, and government infrastructure experts.
Stage 4. Ministerial approval
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs makes the final decisions based on the department’s funding recommendations.
Stage 5. Application outcome
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in writing after all applications have been assessed and the assessment process is complete.
Not all applications will be successful. Only the most competitive applicants will be offered funding following the assessment process. Successful applications may only be offered part of the total funding amount requested.
All decisions by the department or the Minister for Multicultural Affairs are final. This includes any aspect of:
- the eligibility and merit-based assessments
- any decision to offer or award a grant under this program
- any decision to withdraw the offer or cancel the grant funding agreement.
Merit-based assessment criteria
Applications that progress to the merit assessment stage will be assessed against the following criteria.
Assessment criteria | Criteria measures | Weighting |
Alignment to objectives | The application must show strong alignment to the MISP objectives and how the project will support the organisation to:
Your organisation must clearly describe:
Applications that clearly demonstrate how the project meets any of the following will be considered positively:
| 30% |
Value for public money | The application must clearly demonstrate how the project provides value for public money by:
Note: the department will consider previous funding provided to the organisation from the Multicultural Affairs portfolio to support infrastructure projects. | 20% |
Project feasibility | The application must clearly demonstrate:
| 20% |
Organisational capability | The application must clearly demonstrate your organisations capability to:
Your organisation must clearly describe:
| 10% |
Alignment to priority group | Applications that clearly demonstrates alignment with one or more priority group will receive priority weighting. Note: An applications alignment to a priority group is determined by the department. | 20% |
How to apply
Applications open at 11.00am on Monday 13 October 2025. Applications close at 3.00pm on Monday 5 January 2026. |
Getting ready
- Read the program guidelines carefully
- Make sure your organisation and project meet the eligibility criteria before you start an application
- Make sure you have all the mandatory documents needed for your application
- Attend an information session. Information session details are located on the MISP website.
Submitting your application
- Submit your application by completing the online application form. You can access the online application form at:
- the MISP website
- You must answer all questions and attach all mandatory documents. Incomplete applications will not be eligible.
- MISP applications close at 3pm. Late applications and draft applications will not be accepted.
Note: applications are limited to one application per organisation. If more than one application is submitted, the department will only consider the first application. All other applications will not be accepted.
Strengthen your application
Applicants can strengthen their applications by:
- responding carefully to all questions in the application form
- providing strong evidence of the community need for the project and its expected impact
- showing the feasibility and readiness of the project.
Application outcome
- Your organisation will be notified of the outcome of your application in writing after all applications have been assessed and the assessment process is complete
- Funding outcomes are expected from May 2026.
| If you have any questions about your project or the application process, email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team at multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) |
Successful grants
Funding agreements
Successful applicants must enter a Victorian Common Funding Agreement (VCFA) with the department. The VCFA outlines:
- the grant’s terms and conditions, including how grant funds can be used
- grant funding approved and matched funding requirements
- key deliverables and due dates
- that all funded activities must be completed by the date specified in the VCFA
- grant reporting requirements (progress and final reports), including photographs and a financial acquittal, with final invoices and evidence that these invoices have been paid. Department staff may also visit the sites of funded projects.
The VCFA must be signed by two authorised representatives of the organisation. The VCFA will be sent to the representatives electronically and must be signed within the specified timeframe. If the VCFA is not signed by the two authorised representatives during this period, the grant offer may be withdrawn.
Organisations will be required to submit evidence of their public liability insurance when signing their funding agreement.
Note: successful applicants may be asked to provide updated copies of documents submitted in their application.
Funding conditions
MISP grants are paid in instalments based on completing the project milestones deliverables outlined in the VCFA. Milestone payments will not be approved and processed until all requirements of the milestone are completed to the department’s satisfaction.
A note about GST
If your organisation is registered for GST, your organisation will be paid GST on top of the grant amount awarded.
If your organisation is not registered for GST, your organisation will receive just the grant amount awarded. GST will not be added on top. Organisations that are not registered for GST can use grant funds to cover the cost of GST from goods and services purchased with the department’s grant funds.
Acknowledging the Victorian Government’s support
Successful organisations must acknowledge the Victorian Government’s support of the project. Promotional guidelines form part of the VCFA. They include the requirement that all activities acknowledge Victorian Government support through logo presentation on any activity-related:
- publications
- media releases
- social media
- promotional material.
| MISP grant recipients will be published on the MISP website. The website will list the organisation’s name and key project details such as project name, project description, and grant amount. |
Need more information or help?
Information sessions
A series of online information sessions will be held to help you through the application process. The sessions are open to all potential applicants and are an opportunity to learn more about MISP.
Information session dates, times, and how to register are available on the MISP website.
Contacting the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team
For more information on the program or help with your application, email the Multicultural Affairs Infrastructure Team multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Glossary
Term | Definition |
Additional funding | The balance of funding required to complete the project that is not grant funding or matched funding. |
Fixed assets | Items that will be fixed, non-transferable, and form part of the fabric of the facility. |
Matched funding | The minimum amount of funding the organisation must contribute to match grant funding provided by the department. |
MISP | Multicultural Infrastructure and Security Program. |
Multicultural community facility | A facility operated by a multicultural community organisation where members of the community gather to participate in community events and activities. Community facility types for infrastructure projects include community centres, halls, hubs, youth centres, museums, theatres, and galleries. |
Multicultural community organisation | An organisation that is owned and managed by a specific ethnic, language, or cultural community that has common needs, customs, and traditions. The organisation will exist to support people from that ethnic, language, or cultural group. |
Multicultural peak bodies | Multicultural peak bodies are organisations that represent the interests of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities at a national or state level. They work in partnership with government to strengthen Australia’s multicultural capacity, promote inclusion, and support civic participation. These bodies advocate for the needs of both emerging and established communities and deliver programs that enhance social cohesion and cultural understanding. |
Multifaith community organisation | A faith-based organisation that is owned and managed by a specific faith community and has common religious beliefs, practices, and values. |
Multifaith peak bodies | Multifaith peak bodies are representative organisations that bring together major religious groups to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and collaboration. They serve as advisory bodies to government on issues related to religious diversity, discrimination, and social inclusion. These organisations facilitate dialogue between faith communities and contribute to policy development in areas such as multiculturalism, human rights, and reconciliation. |
New and emerging communities | Communities of migrants and refugees that have recently arrived in Australia. These groups may need extra support in the settlement process. The main identifiers are:
|
Organisations cash contribution | The organisation’s cash contribution requirements for matched funding and any additional funding. |
Physical security infrastructure | Infrastructure which is intended to deter and/or reduce the risk of crime and violence against both the building, its immediate surrounds, and the community members using the building and its immediate surrounds. |
Place of worship | A facility or place of religious significance with the primary of purpose of holding religious events and activities. Facilities include churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques. |
Regional based projects | A project delivered in regional Victoria. |
Security services | Security activities undertaken by service contractors that are not associated with the physical security of the facility. |
Social enterprise | Social enterprises are organisations that:
|
Unfixed assets | Items that are unfixed, mobile or transferable |
VCFA | Victorian Common Funding Agreement |