Deadline: 21-Sep-20
The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organizations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects that have a positive youth development focus.
The Youth Opportunities program aligns with the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2016-2019 which advocates that children and young people in NSW be safe, connected, respected, healthy and well, with opportunities to thrive and have their voice heard in their communities. The Youth Opportunities program contributes to this by investing in projects that strengthen young people’s connection to their community via the delivery of youth-led and youth-driven community initiatives.
Organizations applying for funding must have spoken with young people and involved them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting an application.
The Youth Opportunities program is informed by evidence which indicates that community connectedness promotes a positive sense of wellbeing in young people. Young people can however experience a range of barriers that hinder their participation in the community. The Youth Opportunities Program supports organizations to empower young people to design and deliver community projects, enabling them to:
- overcome barriers to participating in the community
- build community based partnerships and networks
- feel a greater sense of belonging within their community
- feel empowered, as their ideas and opinions are respected, considered and acted upon
- gain relevant training to support their participation
- feel more confident within themselves and their abilities, having expanded their knowledge and skills
- seek further opportunities to participate and stay engaged in their community.
The Youth Opportunities Program is managed by the Inclusion and Early Intervention Directorate in the Department of Family and Community Services.
Objectives
Projects funded under the Youth Opportunities program are to involve young people at every stage of the project. It is expected that young people will take an active role in identifying, designing and implementing these projects and that these projects offer creative solutions to issues that are important to them.
Organizations funded under the Youth Opportunities program will:
- partner with young people to deliver a youth-led and youth-driven community project
- improve young people’s access to and inclusion in community activities such as sport and recreation, cultural and other activities
- provide young people with knowledge and skills to strengthen their ability to participate in their local community such as developing teamwork, communication, decision-making and leadership skills
- Recognize the contribution young people make to their local community.
Project Themes
The following themes highlight key issues identified by young people:
- Community inclusion and participation
- COVID-19
- Cultural identity and connection
- Cyber safety and awareness
- Domestic and Family violence
- Financial literacy (budgeting, rent, phone, contracts, fines)
- Health and wellbeing
- Homelessness/housing
- Young people impacted by drought
Youth Opportunities projects may seek to address one or more of these issues, or they may address other issues raised by young people, which are important to them and their local communities.
Funding Information
- Non-government organisations and local Councils in NSW are invited to apply for a grant between $10,000 and $50,000 to deliver a Youth Opportunities project for up to 12 months.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible organizations must be:
- an incorporated non-government (not-for-profit) organization operating in NSW
- a NSW local government authority
For more information, visit https://www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/grant-applications-2020