02/09/2026
BETTER SERVICES THROUGH A STRONGER ECONOMY
$2 million boost to strengthen communities and empower young Queenslanders
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism
The Honourable Fiona Simpson
• Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants available to support community-led initiatives which strengthen inclusivity and connectivity for culturally diverse Queenslanders.
• $2 million total funding pool shared across two funding categories, with individual grants of up to $100,000 available.
• Targeted support to drive innovative projects in communities where they have the greatest impact and aim to strengthen economic participation, build capacity, and boost participation of young people.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering meaningful support for culturally diverse communities across Queensland, after Labor treated them as nothing more than a box-ticking exercise during a decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government has opened applications for the Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants to strengthen cohesion and empower youth across the State.
The $2 million funding pool, with individual grants of up to $100,000 available, is open to locally led projects which strengthen inclusivity and connectivity for culturally diverse people in Queensland communities.
The program aims to strengthen community capacity, improve access to services and create opportunities for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to fully participate in our society, both socially and economically.
The 2026-27 round includes two funding categories - Empowering Multicultural Communities Projects and Youth and Community Connection Projects.
For projects to be eligible for 2026/27 grant funding, they must:
• Support economic and social aspirations of culturally diverse people
• Enhance community capacity to address emerging issues and improve access to services
• Increase capability of local services to better support people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Empower community groups to connect people with local activities
The Crisafulli Government is delivering meaningful support for culturally diverse communities across Queensland, after Labor treated them as nothing more than a box-ticking exercise during a decade of decline.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said she was delighted to open applications for Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants on the final day of Multicultural Queensland Month celebrations.
"We’re focused on bringing people together this month and this funding pool supports Queenslanders from all backgrounds to fully participate in community life and access the opportunities they need to thrive," Minister Simpson said.
"The Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants drive innovative projects in communities where they have the greatest impact and aim to strengthen economic participation, build capacity, and boost the positive participation of young people.
"Whether it's helping individuals develop new skills, supporting community organisations to respond to local challenges, or broadening opportunities for people to feel connected and empowered, these projects make a real difference.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to uniting communities across the State, building bridges of respect and mutual understanding, and empowering our culturally diverse Queenslanders with locally led initiatives."
The 2025/26 Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants program supported 25 projects in metropolitan and regional communities across the Far North, North, Central, South East, and Western Queensland regions.
Maranoa Regional Council was among the 2025/26 recipients, with the Crisafulli Government supporting the delivery of their Languages Connect program.
Councillor Meryl Brumpton said the funding would help to deliver meaningful local outcomes for the Maranoa region.
“The Strengthening Communities Multicultural grant is incredibly valuable in helping us respond to the needs of our growing, diverse community," Cr Brumpton said.
"It supports the Council to deliver Language Connect, a program designed to provide practical support for people who speak English as a second language.
"This initiative helps participants build confidence, access services and participate more fully in community life."
Applications for the 2026/27 Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants program close on 4 October 2026.
Projects are to commence from 1 July 2027 and can be delivered over a two-year period through to 30 June 2029.
Apply here:
The Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants (SCMG) program provides funding to assist organisations to deliver projects that engage culturally diverse communities, groups and individuals, and the broader community, to partner and contribute to building an inclusive...
