Multicultural grants

Harmony Week is an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity and the benefits it brings to the Australian community.

It occurs each year during the week (Monday to Sunday) that includes 21 March, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Who can apply

If your organisation operates in the NT, you can apply for up to $1,000 to support Harmony Week celebrations, events and activities if you are a:

• not-for-profit and/or charitable incorporated community organisation
• not-for-profit unincorporated community organisation with an auspice organisation
• school
• local government council.

Applications open from 1 October to 31 October each year.

The Harmony Festivals grants provide support for the production of the:

• Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree
• Alice Springs Big Day Out in Harmony.

These festivals usually take place in May or June each year.

Who can apply

You can apply for this grant if you are operating in the NT and are a:

• not-for-profit and/or charitable incorporated community organisation
• not-for-profit unincorporated community organisation with an auspice organisation
• school.

Eligible projects

Projects that could be funded are:

• Big Day Out in Harmony production
• Harmony Soiree community stall
• Harmony Soiree stage production
• Harmony Soiree school display.

Applications open for 5 weeks starting from the 2nd Monday of January each year.

Important information for 2026

• Harmony Soiree performances will be supported through and coordinated by Darwin Community Arts.
• Performance groups no longer need to apply separately for a Harmony Festivals grant.
• Registration details for performances will be available from February 2026 on the multicultural events page.

If you're eligible, the MCFG can help you with funding for renovations, maintenance and upgrades to your facilities.

This scheme is designed to help projects that improve:

• venues used to host multicultural events
• meeting places to encourage development, expression and promotion of multicultural diversity
• premises available for use by all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Applications open from 1 April to 30 April every year.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps:

Step 1. Read section 1 of the guidelines

MCFG guidelines PDF (513.1 KB)
MCFG guidelines DOCX (537.2 KB)

Step 2. Apply online through GrantsNT.

If you're eligible, the MCFG sharing arrangement can support you in sharing your facilities with other organisations.

Funding provided can assist with the upkeep of your facilities, including utilities and venue hire costs.

Applications for the grant open on 1 June, and will remain open until 31 January the following year or until funding runs out, whichever occurs first.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps:

Step 1. Read the section 2 of the MCFG guidelines.

MCFG guidelines PDF (513.1 KB)
MCFG guidelines DOCX (537.2 KB)
Sharing arrangement calculator XLSX (32.7 KB)

Step 2. Apply online through GrantsNT.

This scheme provides funding to assist with organising, promoting and running cultural:

• events
• activities
• festivals.

Funding can be used for events or projects that promote:

• social inclusion
• cohesion
• multicultural diversity
• linguistic diversity.

Two rounds of grants are available each year:

• Round 1 - opens on 1 March and closes on 31 March for activities starting from July.
• Round 2 - opens on 1 September and closes on 30 September for activities starting from January next year.

Read section 1 of the guidelines.

This scheme provides funding to assist with:

• unplanned events or
• changing circumstances.

Projects that will be considered are assessed on how well they meet the following criteria:

• Assist the community’s knowledge and appreciation of different cultures
• foster opportunities for multicultural communities to maintain, develop and express their cultural and linguistic diversity
• are accessible and can be attended by the broader Northern Territory community.

Applications open on 1 July and remain open until 30 April or until funding runs out.

Applications should be submitted 4 to 6 weeks before the start date of your event.

Read section 2 of the guidelines.

This scheme provides funding towards innovative projects that address emerging issues in the multicultural community, such as:

• education and skills development
• employment
• social isolation
• other related issues.

This grant round is currently closed for applications.

Read section 3 of the guidelines.