Grant funding will be used to assist with projects related to improving social cohesion and harmonious interaction between different community cultural and faith groups. 

Offered by the Community Harmony program, the new grant will provide the successful applicant up to $80,000.

"We are very delighted that the Victorian Government has come good on this grant, which is one of the series of resourcing rounds to build welcoming, diverse and proud Victorian community espoused in its policy statement, Victorian. And Proud of It, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council chairman Father Constantine Osuchukwu said.

Fr Osuchukwu praised the grant’s recognition of the importance of local community Initiatives and said it demonstrates the government’s commitment to the celebration of Victoria's multicultural richness.

“There is more that unites us than separates us. This grant will seek to enable communities to concentrate and build on the things that unite people of diverse cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds rather than things that divide us,” Fr Osuchukwu said. 

“With a significant growth in Ballarat of overseas born community members according to the last census, this grant will enable us to continue to create cultural awareness, build bridges across cultures as well as engender respect across communities." 

Open for application until August 18, more information about the grants can be found at http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants/apply-for-a-grant