Photo shoot by Ben Searcy (C) 2017

Community Connections Program

South Australian new and emerging multicultural community (NEC) organisations, or established multicultural community organisations supporting NECs are invited to apply for grant funding of up to $10,000 through the Community Connections Program, Multicultural Coordinating Partner Grants.

The purpose of this program is to empower people to make connections with communities, social networks and services. Funding will be allocated to projects that respond to emerging issues and unmet needs, and for projects that build the capacity of NECs.

The next round of the Community Connection, Multicultural Coordinating Partner Grants are now open. Please see below for funding guidelines and application forms.

Closing Date for this round is  Friday the 14th of October 2022 at 5PM.

August MCP Funding Guidelines

August MCP Application Form

August MCP Application Form Word Format

Previous Winners of the MCP Funding:

  • Arabic Language and Culture Association SA Inc
  • Association of the Burundian Community of SA Inc
  • Caribbean Association of SA
  • GHM Greater Bay Area Association
  • Hispanic Women’s Association SA
  • Non Resident Nepali Association SA Inc
  • Overseas Chinese Association SA
  • Zimbabwe Community of South Australia

If you have any questions regarding the program, eligibility of your project or how to apply, please contact the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) on 8213 4614 or at: [email protected].


MCCSA is pleased to be supporting the South Australian Government as the Multicultural Coordinating Partner for the Community Connections Program. Our role is to provide coordination, support, and administer funding to South Australian new and emerging multicultural community (NEC) organisations, or to established multicultural community organisations supporting NECs.

Social connections mean better quality of life

Community Connections supports people to increase their independence in the home and to build stronger social and community connections. Strong social connections can improve quality of life and provide better health outcomes. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that around one in ten people experience social isolation, and that this has a negative effect on their mental and physical health, and their ability to participate in the community.

Who Community Connections is for

Community Connections is open to people living in South Australia, who: are aged 18 to 64 (18 to 49 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) need short-term support to improve independence or to develop or maintain connections with support networks are not eligible for federal programs such as National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or My Aged Care.

Priority will be given to:

  • unpaid carers
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • people from new and emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities
  • people who are financially disadvantaged
  • people living in communities of persistent or location-based disadvantage.

Community Connections Flyer – DL size (PDF 112.8 KB)

How Community Connections works

Community Connections provides short-term support for up to 12 weeks and helps connect people with longer-term support where required. Support through the Community Connections Program may include helping people to get involved in local community activities, find new support groups, meet their neighbours, or get some extra help at home.

Community Connections is available across South Australia, with local program partners working with participants to determine the type of support they need to reach their goals.

Participants can approach any of the Community Connections partners to investigate their options.

Community Connections Flyer – DL size (PDF 112.8 KB)

Regional Coordinating Partners

Regional Coordinating Partners coordinate the program across their region, ensuring that all other partners work together to provide the most appropriate services and support for participants. These partners can work with the participant to find an appropriate service or community group to reach their agreed goal.
Regional Coordinating Partners contact information

Community Partners

Community Partners deliver community-based programs, services and activities to help participants gain independence and make strong, sustainable connections with family, communities and other networks.

Community Partners contact information

Carer Support Partners

Carer Support Partners will operate in a similar way to Community Partners, specifically supporting unpaid carers to engage socially beyond the home, actively participate in local community activities and increase social connection, community participation and inclusion.

Unpaid carers are also a priority group for the Community Connections Program and as such, if eligible, can access services from any of the Program Partners.

Carer Support Partner contact information

Care Partners

Care Partners provide home-based health support to help participants become more independent.

Care Partners contact information

How to contact a provider

Whether you are looking for support for yourself, a friend or a family member, or you are a service agency wanting to refer somebody to the program, the Regional Coordinating Partner in your area is your first point of contact.

Regional Coordinating Partners contact information

Contact us

Email [email protected]

More information

Community Connections Program – Aboriginal Consultation Summary Report Feb 2021 – online

Community Connections Program – Aboriginal Consultation Summary Report Feb 2021 – download (PDF 238.0 KB)

The Community Connections program is funded by the Government of South Australia.