Request for Applications: Youth Week Grant Program (Australia)

The Queensland Government Youth Week Grant Program 2026 provides up to $10,000 (inclusive of GST) per event to support young people aged 12–25 in designing and delivering community events during Queensland Youth Week (11–19 April 2026). The grants promote youth leadership, creativity, community participation, and wellbeing, aligned with key state strategies. Applications close at 5:00 pm AEST on 22 February 2026, with successful applicants notified by 13 March 2026.

The Queensland Government is offering grants to support youth-led community events during Queensland Youth Week 2026.

The program empowers young people aged 12–25 to lead, design, and deliver initiatives that strengthen community engagement, promote wellbeing, and create positive social impact across Queensland.

Queensland Youth Week 2026 will take place from 11 April to 19 April 2026.

Program Overview

The Youth Week Grant Program funds youth-driven events that:

Promote leadership and participation
Encourage creativity and innovation
Support youth wellbeing and resilience
Foster positive community engagement

Each funded event must include at least one activity delivered during Queensland Youth Week 2026.

Additional related activities must be completed by 30 June 2026.

Funding Details

Maximum Funding Per Event: $10,000 (inclusive of GST)

Funding Type: Event-based grant support

Total Number of Grants: Not specified (competitive selection process)

Grant funds may be used for:

Event planning and delivery
Venue hire
Equipment and materials
Promotion and marketing
Accessibility measures
Approved event-related costs

All applications must clearly align with at least one of the program’s focus areas to be eligible.

Strategic Focus Areas

Applicants must align their event with one of the following Queensland Government strategies.

1. Young Queenslanders Strategy

This strategy supports pathways for young people to:

Participate in their communities
Cultivate education and career futures
Live healthy and fulfilling lives
Build resilience and social connection

Events aligned with this strategy should strengthen youth leadership and community involvement.

2. Achieving Balance – Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2022–2027

This strategy prioritizes:

Prevention initiatives
Early intervention
Harm reduction approaches
Evidence-informed programming
Youth-led wellbeing initiatives

Events under this focus area should contribute to improving health and wellbeing outcomes, particularly for young people at higher risk.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Participants

Young people aged 12–25 years
Individuals or youth groups based in Queensland
Applicants under 18 must provide parent or guardian consent

Mandatory Requirement: Auspice Organisation

Applicants must partner with a registered Auspice Organisation.

The Auspice Organisation will:

Manage grant funding
Provide public liability insurance
Ensure financial accountability
Oversee compliance requirements

Event Coordinator Responsibilities

The Event Coordinator (youth applicant or representative) is responsible for:

Event planning and coordination
Delivery of activities
Financial reconciliation
Submission of final report

Key Dates

Applications Close: 5:00 pm AEST on 22 February 2026

Notification of Outcomes: By 13 March 2026

Queensland Youth Week: 11–19 April 2026

Final Event Completion Deadline (if applicable): 30 June 2026

Reporting timelines depend on when event delivery concludes.

Event Requirements

To qualify for funding, events must:

Include at least one activity during Youth Week (11–19 April 2026)
Align with at least one strategic focus area
Be youth-led and community-focused
Demonstrate positive social impact
Meet accountability and reporting requirements

Events may include:

Workshops
Community festivals
Cultural events
Youth forums
Wellbeing programs
Creative performances
Awareness campaigns

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Develop Your Event Concept

Define:

Target audience
Event objectives
Alignment with a strategic focus area
Expected community impact

Ensure the idea is youth-led and achievable within the funding limit.

Step 2: Secure an Auspice Organisation

Partner with a registered organisation that agrees to:

Manage funds
Provide insurance coverage
Support reporting compliance

Confirm roles and responsibilities in writing.

Step 3: Prepare Budget and Plan

Develop a clear budget (up to $10,000 inclusive of GST).

Include:

Itemized expenses
Delivery timeline
Risk management considerations
Accessibility and inclusion measures

Step 4: Complete Application Form

Submit your application before 5:00 pm AEST on 22 February 2026.

Applicants under 18 must attach parent or guardian consent.

Step 5: Await Outcome Notification

Successful applicants will be notified by 13 March 2026.

Begin preparation immediately upon approval to ensure timely delivery.

Why This Program Matters

The Youth Week Grant Program:

Encourages youth leadership and empowerment
Strengthens community connections
Supports mental health and wellbeing
Promotes prevention and early intervention strategies
Creates safe and inclusive spaces for young people

By funding youth-led initiatives, the Queensland Government invests in the long-term resilience and participation of young Queenslanders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to align clearly with one of the strategic focus areas
Not securing an Auspice Organisation before applying
Submitting incomplete budgets
Missing the application deadline
Overlooking parent/guardian consent for applicants under 18
Planning events outside the required timeframe

Strong applications demonstrate clear impact, structured planning, and strategic alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can I apply for?

Up to $10,000 per approved event (inclusive of GST).

2. Who can apply?

Young people aged 12–25 in Queensland. Applicants under 18 must provide parental or guardian consent.

3. What is an Auspice Organisation?

A registered organisation that manages grant funds, provides insurance coverage, and ensures accountability for the event.

4. When must events be delivered?

At least one activity must occur during Queensland Youth Week (11–19 April 2026). Additional activities must conclude by 30 June 2026.

5. What happens after my event?

You must complete financial reconciliation and submit a final report through your Auspice Organisation.

6. What are the focus areas?

Events must align with either the Young Queenslanders Strategy or the Achieving Balance – Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2022–2027.

7. When will I know if my application is successful?

Applicants will be notified by 13 March 2026.

Conclusion

The Queensland Youth Week Grant Program 2026 provides up to $10,000 to empower young people aged 12–25 to lead impactful community events during Youth Week.

By aligning with key state strategies and partnering with an Auspice Organisation, applicants can deliver meaningful, youth-led initiatives that strengthen resilience, creativity, and community connection.

Young leaders across Queensland are encouraged to apply before 22 February 2026 to turn their ideas into impactful events.