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FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 11-Mar-2026

The FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants support communities in remote, rural, and regional Australia to address issues identified by young people at the annual Heywire Youth Summit. Grants of up to $10,000 enable youth-led or youth-engaged projects that strengthen local connections and empower young Australians. National funding of $100,000 is available, with priority given to initiatives demonstrating meaningful youth consultation and participation.

The Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program empowers communities to respond to concerns raised by young Australians living in remote, rural, and regional areas. By supporting locally driven projects, the program ensures that young people are at the center of decision-making and contributes to making their communities better places to grow up.

Program Objectives

The program focuses on:

  • Addressing issues identified by youth at the annual Heywire Youth Summit

  • Enabling young people to influence decisions affecting their community

  • Strengthening youth connections to local communities

  • Supporting locally relevant, practical initiatives

Grant Funding

  • Maximum grant per project: $10,000

  • Total funding available nationally: $100,000

  • Funded by: David Mactaggart Foundation, Sally Foundation, Kellogg’s, and private donors

  • Funding supports locally led projects with strong youth involvement

Eligible Projects

Priority is given to projects that:

  • Demonstrate meaningful youth engagement, consultation, and participation

  • Are youth-led, with young people responsible for design and delivery

  • Foster partnerships between youth and community organisations

  • Strengthen young people’s connection to the community

  • Address issues identified at the Heywire Youth Summit

Examples of Project Focus Areas

  • Community wellbeing initiatives

  • Environmental or sustainability projects

  • Education and skill-building programs

  • Arts, culture, or creative programs

  • Health or social awareness campaigns

Youth Engagement and Participation

The program emphasizes putting young people at the center of project decision-making:

  • Youth-led projects: Young people design, plan, and implement the project, supported by organisations if necessary

  • Youth-participatory projects: Organisations manage delivery but demonstrate clear youth consultation and involvement

  • Partnerships: Collaborative initiatives between youth groups and community organisations

Eligibility Criteria

  • Projects must be led or supported by an organisation with an ABN or Incorporation Certificate

  • If the applying group does not hold an ABN, another organisation may act as the legal entity

  • The legal organisation must provide financial and legal information and a letter confirming willingness to undertake this role

  • Projects must benefit young people from remote, rural, or regional Australia

How the Grants Work

Step 1: Identify Community Issues

  • Refer to insights and priorities raised at the annual Heywire Youth Summit

  • Engage young people locally to validate and refine project ideas

Step 2: Design the Project

  • Ensure youth are actively involved in planning and decision-making

  • Establish clear objectives and outcomes aligned with community needs

  • Consider partnerships with local organisations if needed

Step 3: Submit Application

  • Include details of the delivery organisation and legal entity (if different)

  • Demonstrate youth consultation and participation plans

  • Provide a budget, timeline, and expected outcomes

Step 4: Grant Implementation

  • Receive funding up to $10,000 per project

  • Deliver locally relevant initiatives with strong youth engagement

  • Report on outcomes and participation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Submitting projects without clear youth involvement in design or delivery

  2. Failing to provide a legal organisation with ABN or Incorporation Certificate if required

  3. Overlooking evidence of youth consultation and engagement

  4. Designing projects unrelated to issues identified at the Heywire Youth Summit

  5. Not demonstrating measurable community impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for a grant?

Community organisations or groups working with youth in remote, rural, or regional Australia. A legal entity with ABN or Incorporation Certificate is required.

2. How much funding is available per project?

Up to $10,000 per community project.

3. Are youth-led projects preferred?

Yes. Projects with young people designing and delivering the initiative are strongly encouraged.

4. Can multiple organisations collaborate on a project?

Yes. Partnerships between youth and community organisations are encouraged to strengthen impact.

5. What is the total funding available nationally?

$100,000 is available for the 2026 program cycle.

6. What type of projects are eligible?

Projects must address issues identified at the Heywire Youth Summit and may focus on wellbeing, education, environment, arts, or social initiatives.

7. Can a group without an ABN apply?

Yes, if a registered legal entity acts as the official applicant and provides required legal and financial documentation.

Conclusion

The FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants 2026 provide a unique opportunity for communities to empower young Australians in remote, rural, and regional areas.

By supporting youth-led and youth-participatory projects with up to $10,000 in funding, the program ensures that young people play a central role in creating meaningful, locally relevant initiatives that strengthen community connections and address the issues that matter most to them.

For more information, visit FRRR.