Multicultural NSW has officially opened applications for the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants, offering funding to places of worship and other faith-based venues across the state. This initiative, part of the government's ongoing efforts to support religious diversity and inclusion, will provide grants between $5,000 and $250,000 for projects that aim to create safe, secure, and welcoming environments for people to practice their faith.
The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants are designed to help places of worship enhance their safety measures, promote religious tolerance, and strengthen community resilience. Faith communities across New South Wales are encouraged to apply for funding to improve the safety of their facilities, reduce the risk of harm or property damage, and foster an environment where individuals can gather without fear of racial or religious intolerance.
Key Grant Objectives:
Safety & Security: Enhance physical and emotional safety for worshippers and community members, addressing both the risk of harm to individuals and property.
Community Wellbeing & Cohesion: Support initiatives that build social and community resilience, while fostering a sense of belonging and connection among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Cultural & Religious Heritage: Ensure faith communities can continue to express and practice their beliefs freely, without fear of discrimination or violence.
“These grants will provide essential support to places of worship and faith-based organisations, helping them to protect their communities while promoting a spirit of inclusion and understanding,” said a Multicultural NSW spokesperson. “By empowering these communities, we are reinforcing New South Wales as a state that celebrates its cultural and religious diversity.”
Eligible applicants include religious organisations, places of worship, and other locations where faith communities regularly gather. The funding can be used for a variety of projects, including security upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and programs aimed at fostering community engagement and resilience.
The application process is now open, and all applications must be submitted by 3:00 PM, Thursday, December 19, 2024. Detailed guidelines and the application form are available on the Multicultural NSW website.
This initiative follows previous successful programs aimed at supporting faith communities, and it is part of the state government's broader commitment to enhancing safety and unity within New South Wales' diverse multicultural communities.