RFPs: DREAM Individual Support Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The DREAM Individual Support Grant Program provides financial assistance to young people aged 12 to 25 in Latrobe City to participate in recognised events and activities. The program supports academic, cultural, environmental, leadership, heritage, history, sport, and recreation opportunities that build skills, confidence, and community engagement. Funding is available across three categories, with grants of up to $100, $300, or $500 depending on the level of representation.

Overview

The DREAM Individual Support Grant Program is designed to support young individuals in Latrobe City who have been selected or invited to participate in recognised events and activities.

The program helps reduce participation costs so young people can develop their talents, build confidence, and engage more actively in community life.

It supports opportunities that contribute to personal growth, leadership, creativity, achievement, and broader community wellbeing.

Purpose of the Program

The purpose of the DREAM Individual Support Grant Program is to nurture young talent and increase access to meaningful participation opportunities.

The program supports young people who represent Latrobe City, Victoria, or Australia in recognised events or activities.

It aims to encourage achievement, skill development, community pride, and active participation across a range of fields.

Key Focus Areas

The program focuses on academic excellence, arts and culture, community leadership, ambassadors, environment, heritage and history, sport and recreation, youth development, confidence building, recognised events, community engagement, skills development, and public participation.

What the Grant Supports

The grant supports eligible young people with costs directly related to participation in recognised events and activities.

Eligible costs may include:

• Compulsory equipment
• Compulsory uniforms
• Travel costs
• Accommodation costs
• Attendance fees
• Participation fees
• Coaching fees

The funding is intended to help young people take part in confirmed opportunities that support their development and representation.

Funding Categories

The program provides funding across three categories based on the level of representation.

Category 1: Representation of Latrobe City

Applicants representing Latrobe City may receive up to $100.

Category 2: Representation of Victoria

Applicants representing Victoria may receive up to $300.

Category 3: Representation of Australia

Applicants representing Australia may receive up to $500.

Applicants must provide confirmation of selection or invitation that verifies the level of representation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be individuals aged between 12 and 25 years.

Applicants must:

• Reside within Latrobe City
• Have no outstanding debt with the council
• Have no unresolved grant acquittals with the council
• Provide valid confirmation of selection or invitation
• Participate in a recognised event or activity
• Show the level of representation being claimed

The confirmation must come from a recognised peak body, sporting organisation, or event organiser.

Required Confirmation

Applicants must provide evidence that confirms their selection or invitation.

The confirmation should verify:

• The applicant’s name
• The event or activity
• The organising body
• The level of representation
• The date or timing of participation
• The applicant’s role or involvement

This evidence is important because the grant amount depends on whether the applicant is representing Latrobe City, Victoria, or Australia.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not support:

• Organisations
• Applicants who live outside Latrobe City
• General volunteer activities
• Non-compulsory equipment
• Retrospective expenses
• Scholarships
• Prizes
• Trophies
• Subscriptions
• Politically motivated activities
• Religiously motivated activities
• Applicants with outstanding council debt
• Applicants with unresolved grant acquittals

Applicants should check all eligibility rules before applying.

Why It Matters

Young people often face financial barriers when participating in recognised events, competitions, leadership opportunities, cultural activities, or recreational programs.

These experiences can help young people build skills, confidence, discipline, creativity, leadership, and social connection.

The DREAM Individual Support Grant Program matters because it helps young people in Latrobe City access opportunities that support personal development while also contributing to community pride and wellbeing.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a clear application that confirms eligibility, participation details, representation level, and requested costs.

Step 1: Confirm Age and Residency

Applicants must be aged between 12 and 25 years and live within Latrobe City.

Step 2: Confirm the Event or Activity Is Recognised

The opportunity should be linked to a recognised event, activity, organisation, peak body, or event organiser.

The activity should align with one of the program focus areas, such as academic excellence, arts and culture, environment, heritage, history, leadership, sport, or recreation.

Step 3: Obtain Confirmation of Selection or Invitation

Applicants must provide valid written confirmation from a recognised body.

This document should clearly state the level of representation.

Step 4: Identify the Correct Funding Category

Applicants should select the category that matches their representation level:

• Up to $100 for representing Latrobe City
• Up to $300 for representing Victoria
• Up to $500 for representing Australia

Step 5: Prepare the Cost Details

Applicants should explain the costs they need support for.

Eligible costs may include compulsory uniforms, equipment, travel, accommodation, attendance, participation, or coaching fees.

Step 6: Check Exclusions

Applicants should make sure the request does not include ineligible costs such as non-compulsory equipment, retrospective expenses, prizes, trophies, subscriptions, scholarships, or politically or religiously motivated activities.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Applicants should submit the completed application with all required details and supporting documentation.

The application should clearly show the opportunity, representation level, eligible expenses, and how the grant will support participation.

Assessment Considerations

Applications are likely to be assessed based on eligibility, documentation, and alignment with the program purpose.

Key assessment areas may include:

• Applicant age and residency
• Confirmation of selection or invitation
• Verified level of representation
• Relevance of the event or activity
• Eligible participation-related expenses
• No outstanding council debt
• No unresolved acquittals
• Alignment with program focus areas
• Completeness of the application

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Provide clear proof of selection or invitation
• Confirm the representation level accurately
• Include only eligible costs
• Explain why the opportunity is important
• Show how participation will build skills or confidence
• Ensure all personal and event details are correct
• Avoid claiming retrospective expenses
• Check that there are no outstanding council debts or acquittals
• Submit all required documents with the application

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes include:

• Applying as an organisation instead of an individual
• Applying while living outside Latrobe City
• Missing confirmation of selection or invitation
• Not proving the level of representation
• Claiming non-compulsory equipment
• Requesting support for past expenses
• Including scholarships, prizes, trophies, or subscriptions
• Applying for general volunteer activities
• Submitting an application with unresolved council acquittals
• Applying for politically or religiously motivated activities

FAQ

1. What is the DREAM Individual Support Grant Program?

It is a financial assistance program for young people in Latrobe City who are participating in recognised events or activities that build skills, confidence, and community engagement.

2. Who can apply?

Individuals aged 12 to 25 who live in Latrobe City may apply.

3. How much funding is available?

Funding is available in three categories: up to $100 for representing Latrobe City, up to $300 for representing Victoria, and up to $500 for representing Australia.

4. What activities are supported?

The program supports recognised activities in academic excellence, arts and culture, community leadership, environment, heritage and history, sport, and recreation.

5. What expenses can be covered?

Eligible expenses include compulsory equipment and uniforms, travel, accommodation, attendance fees, participation fees, and coaching fees.

6. What documents are required?

Applicants must provide valid confirmation of selection or invitation from a recognised peak body, sporting organisation, or event organiser.

7. What is not supported?

The program does not support organisations, applicants outside Latrobe City, general volunteer activities, non-compulsory equipment, retrospective expenses, scholarships, prizes, trophies, subscriptions, or politically or religiously motivated activities.

Conclusion

The DREAM Individual Support Grant Program helps young people in Latrobe City access recognised opportunities that build talent, confidence, leadership, and community participation. With funding of up to $500 depending on the level of representation, the program supports eligible costs such as compulsory equipment, uniforms, travel, accommodation, and participation fees. Applicants should provide clear confirmation of selection, choose the correct funding category, and ensure all requested costs meet the program rules.

For more information, visit Latrobe City Council.