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 category 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 5,000 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 category 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 category supports capacity building projects that benefit CaLD communities, including those from new and emerging communities, women, seniors, young people and regional communities.

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; and
• applicants must work with OMI to complete a ‘strategy planning tool’ prior to receiving the application form.

The Strategic Projects 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 $100,000)

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

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

• the project is supported a broader strategy or deliver long-term benefits for CaLD communities; and
• the project will improve the accessibility and effectiveness of services for CaLD communities. 

Projects must be delivered for a minimum 12 months and commence from July 2024 and no later than January 2025.   

Projects must address one of the following priority issues:

• mental health and wellbeing
• youth support and development
• community education
• family health and safety.

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

Applications to this category are by invitation from OMI following the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI).

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

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.

OMI may accept applications from regional Local Government agencies or appropriate regional organisations where there is no other suitable organisation to apply.  Please contact the OMI Grants Officer on 6552 1603 to discuss eligibility.

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. 

OMI may accept applications from regional Local Government agencies or appropriate regional organisations where there is no other suitable organisation to apply.  Please contact the OMI Grants Officer on 6552 1603 to discuss eligibility.