Applications open for Holiday Break Grants Program (Australia)

The Holiday Break Grants Program is a New South Wales Government initiative that provides grants of AUD 1,500 to AUD 10,000 to deliver free recreational and social activities for young people aged 12–24 during school holidays. The program supports inclusive, accessible, and community-based projects that promote youth wellbeing, social connection, skills development, and positive participation.

Program Overview

The Holiday Break Grants Program helps communities deliver free, structured holiday activities that provide young people with safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences during school holiday periods.

The program aims to remove financial, geographic, and accessibility barriers so that more young people can participate in recreational, cultural, educational, and social activities. It places a strong emphasis on inclusion and supports projects that respond to the diverse needs of young people across New South Wales.

Grant at a Glance

• Program: Holiday Break Grants Program
• Funding Provider: New South Wales Government
• Country: Australia
• Eligible Location: New South Wales
• Target Participants: Young people aged 12–24 years
• Grant Amount: AUD 1,500–AUD 10,000
• Project Requirement: Activities must be free for all participants

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Increase access to free holiday activities.
• Reduce financial and accessibility barriers.
• Promote positive youth development.
• Encourage creativity and learning.
• Build confidence and life skills.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Foster social inclusion and belonging.
• Create safe and supportive environments for young people.

Funding Priorities

Priority is given to projects that:

• Provide free recreational and social activities.
• Increase participation among diverse groups of young people.
• Support young people experiencing disadvantage or exclusion.
• Strengthen community engagement.
• Build confidence, leadership, and personal development.
• Encourage creativity and positive social interaction.
• Promote inclusion and accessibility.
• Create welcoming and safe community spaces.

Understanding the Program

The Holiday Break Grants Program supports community organizations and local governments in delivering high-quality holiday activities that encourage young people to connect with their communities.

The program focuses on providing enjoyable experiences that improve wellbeing, develop practical skills, strengthen friendships, and help young people feel included regardless of their financial circumstances or background.

All funded activities must be offered free of charge to participants.

Examples of Eligible Activities

Projects may include:

• Sports and recreation programs.
• Creative arts workshops.
• Music and cultural activities.
• Outdoor adventure programs.
• Leadership and life skills workshops.
• Community events for young people.
• Educational holiday activities.
• Wellbeing and resilience programs.
• Inclusive activities for young people with additional needs.
• Social connection and community engagement events.

Why This Grant Matters

School holidays can present challenges for families and young people, particularly where access to affordable activities is limited.

The Holiday Break Grants Program helps communities:

• Increase access to positive holiday experiences.
• Support youth mental health and wellbeing.
• Reduce social isolation.
• Build stronger community connections.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles.
• Create opportunities for learning and personal growth.
• Improve inclusion for disadvantaged young people.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• NSW local councils operating under the Local Government Act 1993.
• Joint Organisations.
• Regional Organisations of Councils.
• Lord Howe Island Board.
• Unincorporated Far West group.
• Section 355 Committees of Councils (through the relevant Council with permission).
• Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
• Indigenous Corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
• Not-for-profit and community organizations registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
• Incorporated organizations registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009.

Funding Information

Funding details include:

• Minimum Grant: AUD 1,500
• Maximum Grant: AUD 10,000

Funding is available only for approved holiday activities that are provided free of charge.

Eligible Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be delivered during school holiday periods.
• Be free for all participants.
• Benefit young people aged 12–24.
• Promote inclusion and accessibility.
• Support positive youth development.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Respond to local community needs.

Ineligible Expenses

Grant funding cannot be used for:

• Activities that charge participant fees.
• Club membership costs.
• Fundraising contributions.
• Ongoing operational expenses.
• Business-as-usual costs.
• Facility or equipment hire from the applicant.
• Capital works.
• Major equipment purchases.
• Commercial activities.
• Private financial benefits.
• Existing debts or budget deficits.
• Gift cards, vouchers, prepaid cards, or cash equivalents.
• Equipment purchases exceeding AUD 250 in total.
• Activities promoting gambling.
• Activities encouraging alcohol, tobacco, or other drug consumption.
• Existing programs or recurring events.
• Donations or commissions to third parties.
• Staff training or professional development.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects should contribute to:

• Increased participation by young people.
• Stronger community connections.
• Improved youth wellbeing.
• Greater social inclusion.
• Increased confidence and leadership skills.
• Enhanced creativity and personal development.
• Reduced barriers to participation.
• Safer and more supportive communities.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the following steps:

1. Confirm that your organization is eligible to apply.
2. Design a free holiday activity for young people aged 12–24.
3. Ensure the project aligns with the program objectives and funding priorities.
4. Develop a realistic budget within the available funding range.
5. Demonstrate how the project will remove barriers to participation.
6. Explain how the activity will benefit local young people and promote inclusion.
7. Submit the completed application with all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Charging participation fees.
• Including ineligible expenses in the budget.
• Requesting funding for existing programs.
• Purchasing equipment exceeding the allowable limit.
• Proposing activities outside school holiday periods.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Submitting incomplete applications.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

• Design activities based on the needs of local young people.
• Demonstrate strong community partnerships.
• Clearly explain how participation barriers will be reduced.
• Include measurable outcomes and expected community benefits.
• Develop an inclusive program that welcomes diverse participants.
• Prepare a realistic and transparent budget.
• Ensure all activities remain free for participants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Holiday Break Grants Program?

Eligible applicants include NSW local councils, Aboriginal organizations, ACNC-registered charities, incorporated community organizations, Joint Organisations, Regional Organisations of Councils, and other eligible public bodies.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging from AUD 1,500 to AUD 10,000.

Who can participate in funded activities?

Projects must benefit young people aged 12–24 years.

Must activities be free for participants?

Yes. All funded activities must be completely free, with no participant fees, memberships, or other charges.

Can funding be used to purchase equipment?

Yes, but equipment purchases must not exceed AUD 250 in total and must be essential for delivering the approved project.

Can funding support existing programs?

No. The program does not fund existing programs, recurring events, operational expenses, or business-as-usual activities.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly demonstrate community need, provide inclusive and accessible activities, remove barriers to participation, promote positive youth development, and present a realistic project plan and budget.

Conclusion

The Holiday Break Grants Program provides valuable funding to help organizations deliver free, engaging, and inclusive holiday activities for young people across New South Wales. By supporting projects that strengthen community connections, improve wellbeing, build confidence, and remove barriers to participation, the program creates meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and thrive during school holidays.