Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The Children’s Week Grants Program 2026 provides funding to support community activities that celebrate children’s rights, wellbeing, participation, culture, and family engagement during Children’s Week. The Victorian Department of Education is offering grants of up to $1,000 to eligible organisations to deliver inclusive events aligned with the 2026 Children’s Week theme: “Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.”
Children’s Week 2026 will be celebrated from 24 October to 1 November 2026, recognising the talents, achievements, and rights of children while promoting their active participation in community life.
About the Program
The Children’s Week Grants Program supports community-based activities that promote awareness of children’s rights and create meaningful opportunities for children and families to participate, connect, and celebrate together.
The programme focuses on:
- Children’s rights and participation
- Child wellbeing and inclusion
- Cultural identity and diversity
- Language preservation and expression
- Religious freedom and practice
- Family engagement
- Community participation
- Celebration of children’s achievements
- Child-led participation in event planning
- Inclusive activities for children and families
The programme encourages organisations to create events that recognise children as capable contributors and active members of their communities.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Promote awareness of children’s rights
- Celebrate the talents and achievements of children
- Encourage family and community participation
- Support children’s wellbeing and inclusion
- Recognise and celebrate cultural diversity
- Promote children’s rights to language, culture, and religion
- Encourage children’s involvement in decision-making
- Strengthen community connections through shared experiences
- Deliver engaging and accessible activities for families
- Align local celebrations with the national Children’s Week theme
Activities should provide positive experiences that recognise and uphold the rights of children.
Funding Information
Under the Children’s Week Grants Program 2026:
- Grants of up to $1,000 are available.
- Funding supports the delivery of Children’s Week activities and events.
- Activities must align with the 2026 Children’s Week theme.
- Events should take place during Children’s Week 2026, from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
Funding is intended to assist organisations in creating high-quality community events that celebrate children’s rights and participation.
2026 Children’s Week Theme
The 2026 theme is:
“Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.”
The theme highlights children’s rights to:
- Express and preserve their cultural identity
- Use and value their own language
- Practise their religion and beliefs
- Participate fully in their communities
- Feel respected, included, and valued
Organisations are encouraged to incorporate these principles into the design and delivery of funded activities.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Local councils
- Government organisations
- Eligible not-for-profit organisations
Applicants must be planning activities that:
- Celebrate Children’s Week
- Promote awareness of children’s rights
- Benefit children and families within their communities
- Align with the Children’s Week objectives and theme
Organisations should demonstrate their capacity to deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging events.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be requested for:
- Children’s Week celebrations and events
- Cultural activities and performances
- Family engagement initiatives
- Community festivals and gatherings
- Interactive learning experiences
- Creative arts and storytelling activities
- Language and cultural heritage activities
- Activities promoting children’s rights awareness
- Inclusive events encouraging participation from diverse communities
- Child-led projects and activities involving children in planning processes
Activities should provide opportunities for children and families to participate together.
Child Participation and Inclusion
Organisations are encouraged to actively involve children in the planning and design of activities.
This approach supports the principles of the National Quality Standard by recognising children as:
- Capable decision-makers
- Active participants in their communities
- Contributors to program design
- Individuals with valuable ideas and perspectives
Supporting children’s agency helps create more meaningful, engaging, and inclusive events.
Expected Outcomes
Funded activities should contribute to:
- Greater awareness of children’s rights
- Increased family and community engagement
- Stronger recognition of cultural diversity
- Enhanced opportunities for child participation
- Improved inclusion and belonging
- Positive experiences for children and families
- Celebration of children’s talents and achievements
- Increased understanding of the Children’s Week theme
- Community connections that support child wellbeing
The programme encourages activities that create lasting positive experiences for participants.
Assessment Considerations
Applications may be considered based on:
- Alignment with Children’s Week objectives
- Relevance to the 2026 theme
- Benefits to children and families
- Promotion of children’s rights and participation
- Inclusion of diverse communities
- Opportunities for child involvement in planning
- Quality and suitability of proposed activities
- Organisational capacity to deliver the event
Projects that demonstrate meaningful child participation and inclusive practices are strongly encouraged.
Why This Program Matters
Children’s Week provides an opportunity to recognise children as valued members of society whose rights, voices, and identities deserve respect and protection. Celebrating children’s cultures, languages, and beliefs helps foster inclusion, belonging, and understanding within communities.
The Children’s Week Grants Program enables organisations to create engaging experiences that strengthen family connections, promote diversity, and empower children to actively participate in shaping the events designed for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Children’s Week Grants Program 2026?
- The programme supports community activities that celebrate children’s rights, wellbeing, participation, and cultural diversity during Children’s Week.
How much funding is available?
- Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $1,000.
Who can apply for funding?
- Local councils, government organisations, and eligible not-for-profit organisations.
When will Children’s Week 2026 take place?
- Children’s Week 2026 will be held from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
What is the 2026 Children’s Week theme?
- “Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.”
Are organisations encouraged to involve children in planning activities?
- Yes. Child participation in event planning and design is strongly encouraged.
What types of activities can be funded?
- Community events, cultural activities, family engagement initiatives, creative programs, and activities that promote children’s rights and participation.
Conclusion
The Children’s Week Grants Program 2026 supports organisations in delivering inclusive and engaging activities that celebrate children’s rights, culture, participation, and wellbeing. By encouraging child-led involvement and strengthening family and community connections, the programme helps create meaningful experiences that recognise and uphold the rights and contributions of children across Victoria.
For more information, visit Victorian Government.