Community Grants Program

Funding availability 

The CGP is an open competitive grant application process. Refer to the funding guidelines and application form for each grant category for detailed information such as eligibility requirements, what applications can be supported, and how to apply.

Timeframes for the application and approval process need to be considered by the organisation when planning the project. The process takes approximately four months from submission to approval. It may take longer if the application requires further development or if there is outstanding information.

Applicants should seek advice from the OMI Grants Officer about timeframes for application submission by emailing grants@omi.wa.gov.au.

Festivals (funding requests up to $5000)

Funding for public events that provide a range of cultural experiences and activities that celebrate the cultural identity of CaLD communities. 

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

Community Capacity Building (funding requests up to $5000)

Funding for initiatives that aim to strengthen the skills and abilities of CaLD communities to take leading roles in the development of their community. 

These initiatives respond to specific needs and issues identified by the community.

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

Funding for discrete capacity building projects that benefit CaLD communities including those from new and emerging communities, women, seniors, young people and regional communities. Projects may relate, but are not limited, to the following focus areas:

• family and domestic violence prevention
• parenting
• employment and skills development
• leadership
• financial literacy
• health and wellbeing
• support for regional communities.

For funding requests over $30,000, the application must also demonstrate that the project is supported by a broader strategy or a plan to deliver long-term benefits for the community. Applicants must work with the OMI Community Engagement and Funding team to complete a strategy planning tool before they are provided an application form. 

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:

1. the association is incorporated under the Western Australia Associations Incorporation Act 2015
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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:

1. the association is incorporated under the Western Australia Associations Incorporation Act 2015, or is a not-for-profit organisation based in Western Australia
2. 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
3. the organisation has ongoing operational resourcing and employs paid staff
4. 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
5. 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.