Multicultural Connect Grants program
The Multicultural Connect Grants (MCG) program is a Queensland Government initiative investing $5 million over four years to help eligible organisations build or upgrade community facilities across Queensland. $1.25 million was allocated under the 2025-26 MCG round with the remaining $3.75 million is available under the 2026-27 MCG program round.
The program is an open, competitive grants initiative that provides matched funding for community-led capital infrastructure projects, such as constructing or upgrading facilities for multicultural groups. Acknowledging the diverse needs of Queensland's multicultural communities, the program focuses on fostering inclusivity and empowering communities to thrive.
For the purposes of this program, the term ‘multicultural’ and ‘culturally and linguistically diverse’ refers to people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, people seeking asylum, and Australian South Sea Islander peoples.
Program objective
The 2026-27 MCG program round will support multicultural organisations and communities by providing funding to build or upgrade permanent and inclusive community facilities across Queensland to:
- improve access to high-quality, flexible community facilities that support multicultural groups and can be used by multiple organisations.
- strengthen community infrastructure, partnerships, and cross-cultural connections across Queensland.
- encourage greater participation, inclusion, and social connection within communities.
- support community growth, long-term sustainability, and cross-cultural understanding.
Funding available
A total of $3.75 million is available under the 2026-27 MCG program, across two funding categories.
- Category A – Small to Medium Grants from $10,000 to $100,000 (excluding GST)
- Category B – Large Grants from $100,001 to $500,000 (excluding GST)
Key dates
Category A – Small to Medium Grants ($10,000 - $100,000)
Applications open: 20 July 2026
Applications close: 30 August 2026
Category B – Large Grants ($100,001 - $500,000)
Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI) opens: 20 July 2026
EOI closes: 30 August 2026
Stage 2 – Applications open (successful EOIs will be notified and invited to apply): November 2026
Applications close: December 2026
Please note: These timeframes may change at the department’s discretion.
Applicant contribution
Applicants are required to contribute towards the project and must make a cash contribution that is equal to the grant amount being sought. Applicants will be required to provide evidence they have secured the matched funding to deliver the project.
Applicant eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you are a:
- Not-for-profit/charitable organisation legally registered in Australia and
- have a registered and active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- are an organisation based in Queensland
- have no overdue reports, service delivery or performance issues for funding provided by the department.
- Local government body constituted under the Local Government Act 2009 and
- are based in Queensland
- engage with one or more multicultural organisations in delivering the project
- have no overdue reports, service delivery or performance issues for funding provided by the department.
How to apply
Apply online through SmartyGrants. Please read the 2026–27 Multicultural Connect Grants (MCG) Program Guidelines (PDF, 490 KB) for Capital Infrastructure Projects to understand:
- Eligibility criteria for applicants and projects.
- Required documentation and information for your application.
- Obligations and next steps if your application is successful.
SmartyGrants will automatically close at 11.59pm on the closing dates for both stages and will not allow applications past this time to ensure fairness to all applicants. Please ensure you allow adequate time to submit your application.
For more information about applying online, read the SmartyGrants – Help Guide for Applicants.
If you need help with your SmartyGrants account, you can contact SmartyGrants Technical Support on (03) 9320 6888 or service@smartygrants.com.au. Support desk hours are 9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) can also help you with your application. Visit their website for information on upcoming education workshops and to access their Online Learning Hub for courses and resources.
Resources
- 2026–27 Multicultural Connect Grants (MCG) Program Guidelines (PDF, 490 KB)
- For further information, email funding@maq.qld.gov.au.
Successful applicants
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Six projects have been funded under the 2025-2026 funding round:
- The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Inc ($500,000) to renovate the ground floor of their building in Arundel for a community kitchen, dining hall, and office spaces.
- South Burnett Regional Council ($455,923) to construct a multicultural multipurpose entertainment facility in Memorial Park, Kingaroy.
- Mareeba Shire Council ($150,000) to upgrade Arnold Park in Mareeba to support multicultural events and offer flexible, inclusive recreation opportunities for over 75 cultural groups.
- Blackall-Tambo Regional Council ($105,000) to upgrade the existing Memorial Hall behind the Lifestyle and Community Hub in Blackall to create an inclusive space for community programs.
- Multicultural Mailer Inc ($25,000) to refurbish their multicultural hub in Hillcrest, Logan.
- Multicultural Families Organisation ($14,077) to convert a double garage at their building in Southport into a training space for communities to use.
Other funding programs
Multicultural events
Funding for multicultural events is available under the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program. Please visit the CMQ webpage for more information.
Multicultural projects
Funding for multicultural projects is available under the Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants (SCMG) program. Please visit the SCMG webpage for more information.
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