The Victorian Government has opened applications for the next round of its Local Anti-Racism Initiatives grant program, with $1.15 million available to support community-led projects across the state.
The program offers grants of up to $40,000 for First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith organisations to develop local initiatives aimed at addressing racism and strengthening community understanding.
The funding forms part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2029 and is intended to support projects that respond to the needs of local communities. Eligible organisations include not-for-profit groups working with First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith communities.
According to the Victorian Government, the program has four main objectives: increasing public understanding of racism and its impact, promoting awareness of First Peoples’ history and culture, building the capacity of local organisations to respond to racism, and improving community awareness of how to report racist incidents and understand legal rights.
Funding will be distributed across two streams, with up to $40,000 available for First Peoples-led or community-controlled organisations and up to $40,000 for multicultural and multifaith community organisations.
Successful applicants will be required to deliver their projects between 1 November 2026 and 31 December 2027.
Applications close at midday on Thursday, 27 August 2026. The assessment process will run from late August to late September, with successful recipients expected to be announced in mid-October.
Community organisations can apply through the Victorian Government’s grants portal and access program guidelines and information session details through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.
The grant program is one of several measures under the state government’s anti-racism strategy, which aims to support inclusive communities and improve local responses to discrimination.
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