About Emerging Issues Funding

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What we fund

Emerging Issues Funding replaces the previous Emerging Priorities and Partnership funding initiatives. It is for projects that respond to significant issues that arise outside the annual funding round. The funding supports larger scale projects that strengthen social cohesion, community harmony and cross cultural understanding.

Emerging Issues Funding prioritises projects that respond to significant emerging issues of cultural, racial or religious intolerance. This may be in a localised area, region or in a specific sector of the community.

Project proposals must directly address the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program's objectives. The priority areas identified for 2008-09 were:

  • Young people (10 to 25 years)
  • New and emerging communities
  • Vulnerable groups within new and emerging communities
  • Broader community integration
  • Community-based activities
  • Indigenous communities.

Eligibility

Incorporated, not-for-profit organisations or local government authorities are eligible, including:

  • schools
  • vocational and tertiary institutions
  • non-profit foundations
  • religious organisations
  • service clubs
  • sporting bodies
  • Indigenous groups
  • ethnic communities
  • youth organisations.

Projects can work with other organisations or bodies to run activities, including for-profit organisations.

The funding does not focus on any particular groups. The purpose is to involve and support any community where an issue is occurring.

Types of projects

Emerging Issues Funding is for projects that involve community-based activities that positively influence attitudes towards diversity, strengthen community harmony and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Projects should provide opportunities for participants to:

  • come together for a common purpose
  • build relationships and networks
  • develop respect and a sense of belonging for all
  • promote cross-cultural understanding
  • encourage personal interaction across cultures
  • get involved in positive social activities.

Examples of current and previous projects are available.
See: Previous Projects

Types of activities in projects

Project activities could include:

  • sports based activities
  • arts, drama and crafts workshops
  • leadership camps
  • skills development and experience
  • intergenerational or cross-cultural forums to share experiences
  • jointly developed resources such as booklets and DVDs.

Funding process

Projects are developed in consultation with the department.

A Funding Agreement will be developed with the department that outlines the project, budget and objectives. This will involve regular reporting and consultation with the department and other stakeholders.

The full process is outlined in the guidelines document.
See: Guidelines for Emerging Issues Funding

Further information

Contact the department for further information about Emerging Issues Funding.
See: Contact Us
Telephone: 1800 782 002