Multicultural Seniors Support Program

To be eligible, a group must:

• be a multicultural seniors’ group with a main purpose to support seniors from multicultural backgrounds
• meet at least once per month in person or virtually
• have at least 50% of members over 60 years old
• have at least 20 members (metropolitan Melbourne); or
• 15 members (regional Victoria, new and emerging communities*)

In addition, groups must also:

• be a not-for-profit organisation
• have a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be an Incorporated Association, a Company Limited by Guarantee or similar type of organisation
• provide at least two active email addresses
• have met the terms and conditions of any previous grants from DFFH; and
• not have any overdue reports with DFFH.

*The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) identifies ‘new and emerging communities’ as migrants and refugees that have recently arrived in Australia and may need additional support in the settlement process.

DFFH will assess all online applicants and will recommend grant recipients to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Applications must meet the program eligibility criteria above. DFFH will assess applications on how well the proposed activities and expenditure fit with program objectives.

Successful applicants will enter into a Victorian Government Common Funding Agreement (VCFA) with DFFH. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the grant, including the use of funds, and reporting requirements.

Organisations that receive funding will have 30 days to accept and return the funding agreement. If an organisation does not accept a grant offer during this period, the grant offer may be cancelled. DFFH will release payments only after all progress and final reports for outstanding grants are received and accepted to the satisfaction of DFFH. Once payments are released, grant recipients can start their activities.

Funding for each year is only available in the financial year in which it is offered. It will not be carried forward or made available by DFFH in following financial years.

Organisations will receive $2,000 per year funding. To receive this payment, organisations will need to:

• provide satisfactory reports for the previous year of MSS funding
• reconfirm their eligibility; and
• be up to date with reports for other DFFH grants

At the end of the funding period, organisations will need to submit a final report showing how MMS funding supported the group’s activities and met the program objectives. DFFH will close off the grant when we have reviewed and accepted the report.

For further details about the funding agreement, send us an email.

If you would like to discuss your application and you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 then ask to call 1300 112 755.

Help your community stay informed about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Find in-language advice and information, how to access an interpreter and self-assessment resources.

Find coronavirus (COVID-19) in-language information.