Security Uplift for Muslim Communities in Australia Program
The Australian Government, through the Department of Home Affairs’ Office for Multicultural Affairs, is providing $25 million over three years for the Security Uplift of Muslim Communities in Australia Program. This program will provide a dedicated investment in security at Muslim faith-based places including mosques, schools, Islamic centres and other community facilities utilised and attended by the Muslim community in Australia.
The intended outcomes of the program are to:
- assess the security needs of the Muslim community across Australia
- increase the sense of safety and inclusivity within Muslim communities in Australia
- protect vital community infrastructure and prevent disruptions to religious, educational, and cultural activities
- strengthen community resilience against hate crimes and targeted attacks, and
- promote social cohesion.
Who is administering the funding?
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is administering the funding through a grant program where eligible Muslim faith-based organisations will be able to apply for funding to enhance their security measures and be considered through a competitive selection process. ANIC will administer the funding in accordance with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles 2024.
ANIC has formed a program team to manage and deliver the program with professionals including Program Management, Security Consultants, Women’s & Islamophobia representative, Legal & Financial professionals, Community Stakeholder Representatives as well as engaged an external independent probity consultant to design and monitor compliance and guide the program.
What can grant funding be used for?
- Undertake activities to increase physical safety including but not limited to items like CCTV, Emergency PA systems, fencing and gates, lighting, access systems, intercom, lockdown systems, alarm systems, reinforced doors and windows, locksmithing and safes and cyber security hygiene
- Educational workshops will be provided so community organisations can recognise and respond to potential security threats. Organisations that do not receive a security funding grant will be able to participate in this training
What is not covered under the grant?
- Construction, major renovation or extensions of buildings, personal protection for specific individuals
- Duplicative activities that have separately received funding under the Securing Faith-Based Places grant program, or any other Commonwealth, state or territory grant program
- The administration and/or operations of the organisation
Who will be eligible to apply for funding?
The grant guidelines including the eligibility and assessment criteria are currently being finalised. The grant is intended for Muslim based not-for-profit organisations who manage mosques, schools, Islamic centres and other community facilities utilised and attended by the Muslim community in Australia. This includes all Muslim sects and denominations.
When will the grant round open for application?
There will be an initial Expression of Interest, expected to open in early 2026. Interested organisations are encouraged to register their details using the link below to receive information and updates about the grant as it becomes available.
As part of the Expression of Interest, security assessments of organisations will be conducted to understand the current and baseline risk profile of the organisation and current security measures for its facility, as well as possible security improvements available under the grant. Eligible organisations whose security needs have been confirmed will then be invited to apply for funding of security uplift activities. Further details and timings of the funding application process will be made available at the release of the expression of interest.
What can our organisation do to prepare for the grant?
Discuss between your staff and volunteers:
- How safe do we feel at our facility?
- Has there been any security and/or Islamophobic incidents – have we reported them?
- What existing security measures do we have? Do we have an emergency action plan?
- What could be done to improve safety and security at your facility?
- Evidence of any security and / or Islamophobic incidents including copies of any reports made to the police and / or an Islamophobia registry
- Governance and financials – ensure they are up to date
- Layout of your facility including entry/exit and emergency exists – A current emergency evacuation plan is ideal
- List of current security measures and processes as well as any security/risk assessments undertaken
- List of activities at your facility including days/times (timetable) and attendance for different activities
How do I find out more about the grant?
- More information including the Grant Guidelines will be released once the Expression of Interest is Open.
- Register your interest below to stay up to date.
- Contact ANIC Security Uplift team through the mailbox: [email protected]
- Monitor this page for updates as they are released.
Please forward this onto anyone you believe may be eligible and benefit from the program.
