Applications open for Barkly Youth Activities Grants 2026-27 (Australia)

The Barkly Youth Activities Grants provide $2,000 to $40,000 to support youth services and activities for young people aged 12–25 years in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory, Australia. Delivered by the Office of Youth Affairs, the program funds safe, inclusive, and engaging initiatives that improve youth wellbeing, build life skills, strengthen community participation, and create positive pathways to education, employment, and support services.

Barkly Youth Activities Grants 2026

The Barkly Youth Activities Grants form part of the Regional Youth Activities Grants Program, which supports organizations delivering high-quality youth services and activities across the Barkly region.

The program invests in initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, personal development, cultural inclusion, leadership, and community participation. It also supports after-hours youth services, school holiday programs, and collaborative projects that provide young people with safe and engaging opportunities outside school hours.

Through these grants, the Northern Territory Government aims to build stronger communities where young people are safe, connected, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Program Overview

Program Name: Barkly Youth Activities Grants

Administered By: Office of Youth Affairs, Department of People, Sport and Culture, Northern Territory Government

Funding Type: Community Youth Grant

Grant Amount: $2,000 to $40,000

Target Beneficiaries: Young people aged 12–25 years

Geographic Focus: Barkly region, Northern Territory, Australia

Primary Focus: Youth wellbeing, after-hours youth services, school holiday activities, skills development, and community engagement

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Improve the personal wellbeing of young people.
• Celebrate and promote positive youth achievements.
• Help young people achieve their personal goals.
• Increase participation in recreational and developmental activities.
• Encourage youth engagement in community life.
• Strengthen communication between young people, communities, government, and youth services.
• Provide safe entertainment and youth-friendly spaces.
• Build self-esteem, cooperation, trust, and resilience.
• Develop practical life skills and employability skills.
• Connect vulnerable young people with appropriate support services.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, Elders, volunteers, and local communities.

Why This Grant Matters

Young people benefit from safe environments where they can build confidence, develop practical skills, establish positive relationships, and access support when needed. After-hours activities and school holiday programs also provide valuable opportunities for recreation, learning, and personal growth.

The Barkly Youth Activities Grants help organizations deliver programs that improve youth wellbeing, strengthen community connections, encourage positive choices, and create pathways to education, employment, and long-term success.

Funding Available

Applicants may request funding based on the scope of their proposed project.

• Minimum Grant: $2,000
• Maximum Grant: $40,000

Funding should reflect the size, duration, and expected impact of the proposed activities.

Who Is Eligible?

The program supports organizations delivering activities for young people aged 12 to 25 years in the Barkly region.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to provide safe, inclusive, and engaging youth activities that align with the objectives of the Regional Youth Activities Grants Program.

Projects showing collaboration with families, Elders, volunteers, schools, community organizations, or other stakeholders are encouraged.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of youth-focused initiatives, including:

After-Hours Youth Services

• Evening youth programs
• Weekend activities
• Drop-in youth services
• Safe recreational spaces

School Holiday Programs

• Holiday camps
• Sports and recreation
• Arts and cultural activities
• Educational workshops
• Community events

Youth Wellbeing

• Personal development programs
• Mental wellbeing activities
• Confidence-building initiatives
• Healthy lifestyle programs

Skills Development

• Leadership training
• Employability skills
• Practical life skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork activities
• Recreational skill development

Community Participation

• Youth engagement projects
• Volunteer activities
• Civic participation
• Community events
• Youth leadership opportunities

Support for Vulnerable Young People

Funding may support activities that connect young people with:

• Support services
• Referral pathways
• Educational opportunities
• Vocational training
• Case management services
• Community support programs

Cultural Inclusion

Projects that:

• Promote cultural diversity
• Strengthen connections with Elders
• Encourage participation across different cultural groups
• Foster inclusive community engagement

Partnership Projects

Projects involving collaboration with:

• Families
• Elders
• Volunteers
• Schools
• Community organizations
• Youth service providers

Who Is Not Eligible?

Funding cannot be used for:

• Activities already receiving major funding from another source
• Projects delivered outside the Northern Territory unless they directly benefit young Territorians
• Working with Children Check payments
• Activities involving facilitators without a valid Working with Children Card or Exemption Authority
• Membership fees
• Registration fees
• Participation fees
• Activities without a specific youth focus
• Commercial or profit-making activities

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects should:

• Improve youth wellbeing.
• Increase participation in positive activities.
• Build practical and employability skills.
• Strengthen youth confidence and resilience.
• Improve access to support services.
• Encourage community engagement.
• Build stronger partnerships with families and local communities.
• Support safe and inclusive recreational opportunities.
• Create positive pathways to education and employment.

How the Program Works

Organizations design and deliver activities that respond to the needs of young people in the Barkly region.

Programs may include after-hours services, school holiday activities, leadership development, recreational events, cultural activities, mentoring, and education initiatives. Organizations are encouraged to work collaboratively with local partners to provide coordinated support and ensure young people have access to a diverse range of safe and engaging opportunities.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should follow these steps:

1. Review the Regional Youth Activities Grants guidelines.
2. Confirm that your project benefits young people aged 12–25 years in the Barkly region.
3. Develop activities that align with the program objectives.
4. Prepare a detailed implementation plan.
5. Develop a realistic project budget.
6. Demonstrate partnerships with families, Elders, volunteers, or community organizations where appropriate.
7. Explain how the project will provide safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly activities.
8. Include safeguarding, supervision, and risk management arrangements.
9. Submit the completed application before the published deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain how young people will benefit.
• Include meaningful youth participation in project planning.
• Demonstrate strong community partnerships.
• Show collaboration with families, Elders, or local organizations.
• Include clear safeguarding and supervision measures.
• Explain referral pathways for vulnerable young people.
• Present a realistic budget and timeline.
• Describe how the project will create lasting community benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Proposing activities without a clear youth focus.
• Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
• Failing to demonstrate community partnerships.
• Omitting safeguarding or supervision arrangements.
• Including facilitators without valid Working with Children requirements.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets.
• Not explaining expected outcomes.
• Proposing projects that duplicate major existing funding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Barkly Youth Activities Grants Program?

The program provides funding for organizations delivering youth activities and services that improve wellbeing, participation, life skills, and community engagement for young people aged 12–25 years in the Barkly region.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $40,000, depending on the scale and scope of the proposed project.

Who administers the program?

The grants are administered by the Office of Youth Affairs, a business unit within the Department of People, Sport and Culture of the Northern Territory Government.

What types of activities can be funded?

Funding supports after-hours youth services, school holiday programs, leadership development, recreational activities, life skills training, cultural inclusion, education and employment pathways, and projects connecting young people with support services.

Who are the target beneficiaries?

The program supports young people aged 12 to 25 years living in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.

What expenses cannot be funded?

Funding cannot be used for Working with Children Check payments, membership or participation fees, commercial activities, projects already receiving major funding elsewhere, activities outside the Northern Territory that do not benefit young Territorians, or programs without a clear youth focus.

Are collaborative partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Projects demonstrating strong partnerships with families, Elders, volunteers, schools, youth service providers, and community organizations are encouraged and should clearly explain how these partnerships will contribute to project success.

Conclusion

The Barkly Youth Activities Grants provide an important funding opportunity for organizations delivering high-quality youth services across the Barkly region of the Northern Territory. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $40,000, the program supports after-hours services, school holiday activities, leadership development, life skills training, cultural inclusion, and community engagement. Organizations that develop safe, inclusive, and collaborative programs with measurable outcomes and strong community partnerships will be well positioned to submit competitive applications that help young Territorians thrive.