Community Relations Funding 2008

Community relations funding is available to help incorporated non-profit organisations address issues of cultural, racial and religious intolerance. Projects should target all people living in a community or local government area and promote respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone.

In 2008, $1.5 million has been made available for Community Relations Funding activities. For the first time, this year's budget includes some $100 000 to assist smaller organisations that may not be able to commit to major projects. Under this new arrangement, amounts of up to $5000 will be available for smaller and less complex projects. Major projects will be allocated funding of between $5000 and $50 000.

Objectives of the community relations funding

The objectives of the Australian Government’s community relations funding include the promotion of:

  • the importance of all Australians respecting one another regardless of cultural, racial or religious difference
  • the fair treatment of all Australians, encouraging people to recognise that our interactions should be accepting of and responsive to people’s backgrounds, circumstances, needs and preferences
  • opportunities for people to participate in Australian society and to understand the rights and responsibilities that we share as part of that society
  • a sense of belonging for everyone by helping communities work towards a peaceful, progressive and prosperous future
  • understanding and acceptance by the broader community of Australia’s changing demographics.

Community relations small grants (up to $5000)

Funding of up to $5000 is available to assist non-profit community organisations to undertake small scale projects (eg events, community days, information sessions) that will directly assist the local community move towards the program’s objectives. Small equipment purchases which go towards achieving project outcomes will also be considered.

It is essential that you read the 2008 guidelines contained in the downloadable document.
See: Community Relations Small Grants (up to $5000) Guidelines (72KB PDF file)

Applications for small grants need to be lodged using the Community Relations Small Grants (up to $5000) application form.
See: Community Relations Small Grants application form (3.8MB Word file)

Application forms should be lodged through the following address:
Email: communityrelationsfunding@immi.gov.au

Community relations projects ($5000 to $50 000)

Funding of between $5000 and $50 000 is available to non-profit organisations to undertake major community projects for activities of up to one year's duration that support the program's objectives.

It is essential that you read the 2008 guidelines contained in the downloadable document.
See: Community Relations Projects ($5000 to $50 000) Guidelines (118KB PDF file)

A two-stage process is used for this funding. Organisations are required to submit an Expression of Interest and those projects that are short-listed are invited to submit a supplementary application form.
See: Community Relations Projects Expression of Interest form (3.9MB Word file)

Expressions of Interest should be lodged through the following address:
Email: communityrelationsfunding@immi.gov.au

Closing dates for applications

The deadline for submitting completed applications and expressions of interest is 6.00pm EST Friday 23 May 2008.

Further information

If you have questions or require assistance in completing your application please contact us in the following ways:
Telephone: 1800 782 002 or
Email: communityrelationsfunding@immi.gov.au

Information can also be provided in applicants’ preferred languages by calling the Telephone Interpreter Service.
Telephone: 13 14 50

Frequently asked questions

The FAQ is available on the website.
See: Frequently Asked Questions