Community Grants Program

Funding availability 

Funding through the program is available through regular and annual competitive grant cycles. The funding guidelines and application form for each grant category detail information such as eligibility requirements, what applications can be supported, timing of grant cycles and how to apply. 

Timeframes for the grant application and approval process need to be considered by the organisation when planning the activity to ensure a funding outcome is received before the activity commences. It may take time to first plan the activity before an organisation is ready to develop a grant application. Once an application is submitted, the assessment and approval process may take up to another three months. 

Before commencing an application, organisations should contact the OMI Grants Officer to confirm their eligibility and receive advice about the application requirements and timeframes for submission by emailing grants@omi.wa.gov.au

Festivals (funding requests up to $10,000)

This funding supports CaLD communities to host public events that provide a range of cultural experiences and activities that celebrate the cultural identity of their community. 

The festival must be free or low cost, delivered as a singular or contained event, and able to attract participation and attendance of the wider community.

For funding requests over $5,000, the application must demonstrate that the event has been delivered before with attendances of 5000 or more.

The Festivals funding guidelines and application form provide information about what can be supported, timeframes for application submission and how to apply. 

Community Capacity Building (funding requests up to $5000)

This funding supports initiatives that aim to strengthen the skills and abilities of CaLD communities to take leading roles in the development of their community, and that respond to specific needs and issues identified by the community.

The Community Capacity Building funding guidelines and application form provide information about what can be supported, timeframes for application submission and how to apply. 

Strategic Projects (funding requests up to $50,000)

This funding supports capacity building projects that benefit CaLD communities, including those from new and emerging communities, women, seniors, young people and regional communities. 

The Strategic Projects funding guidelines and application form provide information about what can be supported, time frames for application submission and how to apply.

For funding requests over $30,000:

• the application must also demonstrate that the project is supported by a broader strategy or will deliver long-term benefits for the community
• applicants must work with OMI to complete a 'strategy planning tool' prior to receiving the application form.

Strategic Projects (funding requests up to $100,000)

This funding supports projects running a minimum of 12 months that address priority issues identified by OMI to benefit CaLD communities, including those from new and emerging communities, women, seniors, young people and regional communities.

For funding requests over $50,000, the application must also demonstrate that the project:

• is supported by a broader strategy or will deliver long-term benefits for the CaLD community
• improves the accessibility and effectiveness of services for CaLD communities.

Applicants to this category must be a CaLD community service organisation.

OMI is currently accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from CaLD community service organisations that wish to apply for funding to support a project commencing from July 2022 that addresses one of the following priority issues:

• mental health and wellbeing
• youth support and development
• community education
• women's health, safety and leadership.

Following the submission of an EOI form to OMI, eligible applicant organisations will be provided an application form and will work with OMI to prepare a full application. 

The application deadline for this grant category is 4.00pm Monday 28 March 2022.

Eligibility

Applicant organisations must be either a CaLD community association or a CaLD community service organisation. 

Definition of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD)

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) was introduced in 1996 to replace 'non-English speaking background' (NESB) and was intended to be a broader, more flexible and inclusive term. It is generally applied to groups and individuals who differ according to religion, language and ethnicity and whose ancestry is other than Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Anglo Saxon or Anglo Celtic.

Definition of a CaLD community association

To be classified as a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) community association, the association must demonstrate and provide evidence that they meet the following criteria:

• the association is incorporated under the Western Australia Associations Incorporation Act 2015
• the objectives of the association (in the association's Constitution or Rules) clearly state that it is specifically established to represent and promote the interests of a CaLD community with a shared country/continent of ancestry, ethnicity, culture, language or religion
• the Management Committee or Board of the association predominantly reflects the intended CaLD community and is elected by members of that community to represent the community
• the association's membership comprises individuals or other groups representative of that CaLD community.

Definition of a CaLD community service organisation

To be classified as a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) community service organisation, the organisation must demonstrate and provide evidence that they meet the following criteria:

• the association is incorporated under the Western Australia Associations Incorporation Act 2015, or is a not-for-profit organisation based in Western Australia
• the objectives of the organisation (in the organisation's Constitution or Rules) clearly state that it is specifically established for and its core business and focus is to either: a) provide support and deliver services and programs to CaLD communities or b) represent and advocate for the interests of CaLD communities
• the organisation has ongoing operational resourcing and employs paid staff
• the Management Committee or Board and staffing profile of the organisation reflects CaLD communities, and it has a commitment to workforce training in cultural competency
• the organisation has internal policies and procedures that demonstrate a commitment to multiculturalism and cultural diversity.

An organisation that engages with CaLD communities as an incidental service is not eligible.