Matched funding (Large stream only)
The MFE program provides an opportunity for the Victorian Government to co-invest in multicultural festivals and events. Funding provided under the MFE program is considered a contribution to total event costs, and events should not rely on the contributions of this program.
Matched funding forms part of the eligibility criteria for the MFE large stream. It is not required under the small or medium stream, or for large stream applications under the RMFEF.
Your matched funding can come from your organisation and other sources, such as partners and other grants.
A portion of matched funding can be contributed in-kind (for more information see ‘In-kind contribution’ definition). It is important to consider that different ratios apply. Organisations applying under the large stream will only be eligible to receive the amount of funding they have matched, according to the requirements in the large stream eligibility table (see ‘Large stream eligibility’).
For example, if you are a metropolitan organisation applying for $50,000 and can only demonstrate (through the budget section) that you can contribute $25,000 as matched funding, you will only be considered eligible to receive up to $25,000.
The following are examples of matched funding calculations.
Metropolitan applications
If you request $20,000 from the program, your organisation must contribute $20,000 towards the event. Up to $10,000 of your matched funding contribution can be from in-kind support.
New and emerging priority community applications
If you receive $18,000, your organisation must contribute $6,000 in matched funding.
In this example, the entire $6,000 can be in-kind.
Quotes for expenditure items of $10,000 and over
For medium and large stream applications to be eligible, you must attach evidence of expenditure for all budget items of $10,000 and over, where MFE program funds will be used to support the cost. Evidence of expenditure includes quotes and must be for the event that you are seeking funding for.
You do not need to supply a quote if you can break down the total amount into smaller line items in the budget template.
For example, if the total performer fees are $10,500, you can explain this in the budget as:
- performer 1 - $3,500
- performer 2 - $3,500
- performer 3 - $3,500
A quote will be ineligible if:
- it does not include the letter head and ABN of the company providing the service or item
- the quote does not match the activity, service or cost listed in the budget
- the quote is older than 24 months before the application deadline
- the MFE template budget does not match the costs in the online application budget section.
Partnerships
Working in partnership means your group works together with at least one other community organisation to plan and run your event.
Partnering with another organisation can help you by:
- building understanding and stronger relationships between different communities
- sharing knowledge, which can make your organisation stronger when delivering events
- reaching more people, including communities from different cultures, faiths and locations
- sharing resources, such as venues, volunteers, equipment or marketing, and gaining access to useful networks.
Your partnership letter must explain how the other organisation will help deliver the event.
What your partnership letter must include:
- the partner organisation’s name and ABN, and be signed by someone who is authorised to sign for that organisation
- a clear description of what the partner organisation will do, including their roles and responsibilities in planning and delivering the event.
Letters that are not eligible:
- general letters of support that only show endorsement and do not explain a clear role
in the event - letters from non-community organisations, such as Members of Parliament, local council representative, businesses, individuals or sole traders. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the following to show cross-cultural partnerships:
- a new and emerging priority community organisation, or
- an organisation from outside your own community.
- Intercultural and interfaith partnerships are also strongly encouraged.
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