The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC) runs a Community Grants Program to provide support to Victoria's culturally and linguistically diverse communities, especially new and emerging communities, to develop and sustain local community organisations and programs. The aim of the grants program is to strengthen the capacity of individuals to manage their own affairs, to participate in and influence their local communities and to participate in the benefits available to them as members of society. The program aims to address the needs of ethnic communities, combat the disadvantages faced by many of these communities and promote community cohesion and harmony.