Community organisations across NSW can apply for grants of up to $20,000 to fund cultural festivals and events, with $1 million now on offer through a state government program designed to bring people of different backgrounds together.
The Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants Program offers grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for multicultural and multifaith events scheduled between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027. Applications, which are submitted through the SmartyGrants online platform, close at 4pm on Monday, 13 July.
The program is administered by Multicultural NSW and has previously supported a broad range of events across the state, from the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair and the Sydney Korean Festival to the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival and Little India Australia’s Diwali celebrations. Other past recipients include the Holi Festival Sydney, the Nan Tien Multicultural Festival, Ukifest and the Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival.
“It’s never been more important for communities to get together in-person to celebrate the many cultures that make up NSW,” said Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper.
“These grants are about fostering understanding and belonging, by giving the whole community the chance to taste, experience, and learn about diverse cultures.”
“Every year we are impressed by the creativity and energy our multicultural organisations bring to these events, from small local gatherings to major multicultural festivals.”
“The NSW Government is proud to support them to turn their ideas into events that are real highlights on the community’s calendar.”
To be eligible, organisations must be non-profit, based in NSW, and able to demonstrate how their event will promote cross-cultural awareness and engage a broad cross-section of the community. Applicants are also expected to show co-contributions from other funding sources, as the program is unlikely to fund events with no co-contribution. Single-faith religious events, political activities and commercial or fundraising events are among the activities excluded from the program.
Budget restrictions also apply: no more than 20 per cent of any grant can go toward catering, and no more than 10 per cent toward administration costs. Grant funds cannot be used for insurance, capital purchases, cash prizes or gifts.
An online information session is scheduled for Monday, 23 June 2026, for organisations wanting to learn more before applying.
Applications can be lodged at multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/2627festevents. Further information is available at multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-events-festivals.
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