Subscribers might like to know that the Commonwealth Foundation's Open Grants Call is now accepting applications. The organisation is especially interested to receive applications from organisations in eligible small and vulnerable states. Eligible organisations can apply for a grant worth between £15,000-£30,000 per year for projects that lead to meaningful and constructive engagement between civil society and government. More details can be found at this link.

The Commonwealth Foundation is one of the Commonwealth's three intergovernmental agencies alongside the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth of Learning.  The role of the incoming Director-General - currently Anne Therese Gallagher AO - ensures she is also the Commonwealth's Ambassador for Civil Society. 

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 28% of residents were born in another country and almost 50% have at least one parent born elsewhere. The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a hybrid-funded Australian public broadcasting radio, online, and television network, has recently developed a Cultural Competence Program (CCP) online training course for individuals and organisations.