Costs and budget eligibility

What costs are supported

Face-to-face event costs the program can fund:

fees for artists and performers
food and drinks for all attendees at the event
venue hire
security services
short-term staff to help run the event (for example, event or project managers)
you must provide evidence of this arrangement as part of the acquittal process.
advertising and promotion (such as marketing, printing and publicity)
event equipment hire and cleaning
auspice fees
transport within Victoria for attendees and performers (for example, bus hire, public transport, petrol costs directly linked to the event).

Hybrid event costs the program can fund:

Note: All costs must show good value for money. If you are not sure whether a cost is allowed, contact the MFE team before you apply.

The program does not support:

event materials and supplies (for example, disposable cutlery, event décor, flowers). Only up to 15% of MFE funds can be used on this cost
ongoing salaries
ongoing operating costs of the organisation
public liability insurance
costs for digital capability or website development
business or organisation set-up or running costs, subscriptions, or licences
costs for permits, registrations or other required approvals
pre-event rehearsal costs (for example, venue/artist hire for dance practice)
contingency/unforeseen costs (all costs must be itemised)
buying:
vouchers
event equipment (for example tents, chairs, stages, lighting, microphones)
cultural or religious items
costumes
alcohol
digital equipment (like laptops)
rapid antigen tests
gifts, honorariums, prizes or awards
private dining (for example, meals for members or volunteers only)
travel outside Victoria
interstate or overseas travel costs
accommodation costs
transport costs relating to event logistics
expenditure items that are already receiving funding though other Multicultural Affairs grant programs.

Updated 4 August 2026