Multicultural seniors’ groups can access grants of $2,000 per year over the period 2021-25. These grants are provided to support their members and build stronger community connections.

Victoria’s multicultural seniors’ groups can receive financial help through the Multicultural Seniors Support (MSS) 2021–25 program. Funding supports activities to benefit their members and build stronger community connections.

Funding can be used for:

• social and cultural activities
• improving seniors’ digital accessibility and literacy
• providing practical support
• purchasing essential equipment and resources
• running costs.

Grant recipients will also receive Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and Group Personal Accident (GPA) Insurance.

Funding available

Grants of $2,000 available each financial year, up to 2024–25.

Who can apply?

Multicultural seniors’ groups who have:

• not received funding through the program
• only been set up recently.

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.