Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants provide $2,000 to $40,000 to support youth-focused programs in the Big Rivers region of the Northern Territory, Australia. Administered by the Office of Youth Affairs, the program funds safe, inclusive, and engaging activities that improve the wellbeing, skills, participation, and community connections of young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants 2026
The Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants are part of the Regional Youth Activities Grants Program, which supports organizations delivering high-quality activities and programs for young people across the Big Rivers region of the Northern Territory.
The program encourages projects that provide safe recreational opportunities, develop practical life skills, strengthen community participation, and create pathways to education, employment, and support services. It also promotes youth leadership, cultural inclusion, and partnerships with families, Elders, volunteers, and community organizations.
By investing in youth development, the program aims to build stronger communities where young people are safe, healthy, engaged, and empowered to achieve their goals.
Program Overview
Program Name: Big Rivers 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: Big Rivers region, Northern Territory, Australia
Primary Focus: Youth wellbeing, recreation, skills development, community engagement, and youth participation
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Improve the personal wellbeing of young people.
- Promote positive youth achievements.
- Help young people achieve their personal goals.
- Increase participation in safe recreational activities.
- Build practical life and employability skills.
- Encourage youth leadership and decision-making.
- Strengthen community engagement.
- Support culturally inclusive programs.
- Improve access to education, employment, and support services.
- Foster stronger partnerships between young people, families, Elders, volunteers, and community organizations.
Why This Grant Matters
Young people thrive when they have access to safe spaces, positive role models, meaningful activities, and opportunities to build confidence and practical skills.
The Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants help community organizations create programs that improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections, encourage healthy lifestyles, and support young people as they transition into education, employment, and adulthood. The program also contributes to stronger and more resilient communities throughout the Northern Territory.
Funding Available
Applicants may request funding based on the size and scope of their project.
- Minimum Grant: $2,000
- Maximum Grant: $40,000
Funding should be proportional to the proposed activities and expected community impact.
Who Is Eligible?
The program supports organizations delivering activities that benefit young people aged 12 to 25 years in the Big Rivers region.
Projects should demonstrate the capacity to deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging youth programs that align with the objectives of the Regional Youth Activities Grants Program.
Applications that demonstrate support from families, Elders, volunteers, community leaders, or partner organizations are strongly encouraged.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for a wide range of youth-focused initiatives, including:
Youth Wellbeing Programs
- Health and wellbeing activities
- Personal development programs
- Confidence-building initiatives
- Social inclusion projects
Recreation and Entertainment
- Safe recreational activities
- Youth events
- Sports and cultural programs
- Creative arts activities
- Music and performance events
Skills Development
- Leadership training
- Employability skills
- Practical life skills
- Communication skills
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Self-esteem development
- Trust-building activities
Education and Employment Pathways
- Career readiness programs
- Skills workshops
- Education support initiatives
- Employment preparation
- Mentoring opportunities
Community Engagement
- Youth participation projects
- Community volunteering
- Youth advisory activities
- Community engagement events
- Civic participation initiatives
Support for Vulnerable Young People
Projects may include:
- Referral pathways to support services
- Programs for at-risk young people
- Community support initiatives
- Partnerships with youth service providers
Youth-Friendly Activities
Funding can support:
- Activities at youth-friendly venues
- Evening and weekend programs
- Safe transport home for participants
- Large-scale youth events with appropriate safety arrangements
- Universal activities involving younger children with suitable supervision
Cultural Inclusion
Projects that:
- Encourage cultural participation
- Strengthen community connections
- Respect cultural diversity
- Promote inclusion across different communities
Regional Promotion
Funding may also support:
- Publicity campaigns
- Community awareness activities
- Promotion of coordinated regional youth programs
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
- Visa application costs
- Travel insurance
- Sporting registration fees
- Long-term course registrations
- Activities without a clear youth focus
- Commercial or profit-making ventures
- Fundraising or charitable fundraising activities
- Political activities
- Discriminatory programs based on gender, culture, religion, or marital status
Expected Project Outcomes
Successful projects should:
- Improve youth wellbeing.
- Increase youth participation.
- Develop practical and life skills.
- Strengthen community engagement.
- Improve access to education and employment pathways.
- Build stronger partnerships with families and communities.
- Support vulnerable young people.
- Create safer recreational opportunities.
- Encourage positive youth leadership.
How the Program Works
Organizations design and deliver activities that respond to the needs of young people in the Big Rivers region.
Programs may include workshops, recreational events, mentoring, leadership activities, cultural programs, education initiatives, or community engagement projects. Throughout implementation, organizations are expected to provide safe, inclusive environments that encourage participation, strengthen local partnerships, and deliver measurable benefits for young people.
How to Apply
Eligible organizations should follow these steps:
- Review the Regional Youth Activities Grants guidelines.
- Confirm that your proposed project benefits young people aged 12–25 years in the Big Rivers region.
- Develop activities that align with the program objectives.
- Prepare a detailed project plan and implementation timeline.
- Develop a realistic project budget.
- Obtain letters or evidence of support from families, Elders, volunteers, or community partners where applicable.
- Demonstrate how your project will provide safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly activities.
- Include appropriate safety measures, supervision arrangements, and transport plans where required.
- Submit the completed application before the published deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Clearly demonstrate the benefits for young people.
- Include meaningful youth participation in project planning.
- Show strong community partnerships.
- Provide evidence of support from families, Elders, or community organizations.
- Include appropriate safeguarding and risk management measures.
- Explain how vulnerable young people will be supported.
- Present a realistic budget and achievable timeline.
- Describe how project outcomes will continue after funding ends.
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 support.
- Omitting safety or supervision arrangements.
- Including facilitators without valid Working with Children requirements.
- Preparing unrealistic budgets.
- Not explaining expected outcomes.
- Submitting projects that duplicate existing major funded activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants Program?
The program provides funding to organizations delivering activities that improve the wellbeing, skills, participation, and community engagement of young people aged 12–25 years in the Big Rivers region of the Northern Territory.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from $2,000 to $40,000, depending on the size and scope of the proposed project.
Who administers the program?
The program is administered by the Office of Youth Affairs, a business unit within the Department of People, Sport and Culture of the Northern Territory Government.
Who are the target beneficiaries?
The program supports activities for young people aged 12 to 25 years living in the Big Rivers region.
What types of activities can be funded?
Eligible activities include youth recreation, wellbeing programs, leadership development, employability training, cultural inclusion, education pathways, mentoring, community engagement, and safe youth events.
What expenses cannot be funded?
Funding cannot be used for membership fees, visa applications, sporting registrations, travel insurance, commercial activities, fundraising, political activities, discriminatory programs, Working with Children Check payments, or projects already receiving major funding elsewhere.
Are community partnerships encouraged?
Yes. Applications demonstrating support from families, Elders, volunteers, community organizations, and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged and should clearly describe these partnerships.
Conclusion
The Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants provide an important opportunity for organizations to deliver innovative, safe, and inclusive programs that empower young people across the Northern Territory’s Big Rivers region. With funding of $2,000 to $40,000, the program supports activities that strengthen wellbeing, develop practical life and employment skills, encourage cultural inclusion, and build lasting community connections. Organizations that demonstrate strong youth engagement, effective partnerships, and measurable community outcomes are well positioned to develop competitive applications that make a meaningful difference in the lives of young Territorians.
For more information, visit Northern Territory Government.
