Youth Fest grants

Local governments, community organisations and schools in Victoria may apply if:

• the applicant is a legal entity. This includes a not-for-profit incorporated body, co-operative or association
• the applicant has an Australian Business Number (ABN) or provides written advice from the Australian Tax Office that withholding tax is not required from the grant payment. Grants to organisations not registered for GST may be made on a GST-exclusive basis. All project budgets should be submitted exclusive of GST
• Victorian Youth Fest 2024 activities will be delivered within Victoria
• they partner with young people to design and deliver the proposed activities.

Commercial organisations or bodies formed for profit-making purposes are not eligible to receive a Victorian Youth Fest 2024 grant.

This funding will support the care, education, services or activities for children (under 18 years), and it is a whole-of-government requirement that the applicant is:

• a separate legal entity that can be sued in its own right in child abuse proceedings
• appropriately insured against child abuse.

These requirements will improve the ability of child abuse survivors to bring a legal claim for compensation and ensure that successful claims can be paid.

To check if your organisation is:

• an incorporated association, visit Consumer Affairs Victoria
• a company limited by guarantee, visit ASIC Connect.

To check your Australian Business Number (ABN), visit the Australian Business Register.

The department will assess applications against the requirements in the four criteria below. Each section is rated using a percentage amount.

Applicants must use the criteria to demonstrate how their proposed project will meet the objectives of Victorian Youth Fest 2024.

Project overview

The project overview is rated at 15 per cent. Applicants must:

• provide an overview of the project, including its objectives, intended outcomes and what you will do
• describe the local needs for the project in the community
• provide evidence of the need for the project, based on data, research and consultation with young people.

Project delivery

The project delivery is rated at 30 per cent. Applicants must describe how you will:

• support young people’s participation in the planning and delivery of the project
• showcase young people’s talents, achievements and contributions to the community
• plan for an accessible event.

Youth participation in the project

Youth participation in the project is rated at 45 per cent. Applicants must:

• list the roles and activities that young people will take on to deliver the project
• identify how the project will actively engage and encourage involving a diverse range of young people, including those who:
  • live in regional and rural Victoria
  • are newly arrived, refugees and asylum seekers
  • are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
  • are culturally diverse
  • have a disability
  • identify as LGBTIQA+
  • face social isolation or disadvantage.

Applications from groups based in regional and rural Victoria are strongly encouraged and will be prioritised.

Project partners

The project partners section is rated at 10 per cent. Applicants must:

• list key partners that will support this project, including schools, community organisations, councils and businesses
• describe the role that each partner will play.

Victorian Youth Fest 2024 will fund youth-led activities, events and projects that focus on issues of interest to young people. Eligible organisations can apply for grants of $2,000.

Examples of previously funded projects include:

• arts-focused events, photography exhibitions, mural creations and film competitions
• cultural days and community festivals with live bands, stalls and activities
• sporting events, such as soccer tournaments, skate, BMX and basketball competitions
• workshops and forums that focus on issues of concern to young people, including body image, diversity and inclusion, mental health, cultural respect, and the environment.

For a full list of Victorian Youth Week activities that were funded in 2023, visit the Youth Central website.

Victorian Youth Fest 2024 grants will not fund:

• projects that are not youth-focused or youth-led
• organisations that have failed to complete any previous projects funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, without sufficient cause
• activities that are the primary focus of other Victorian Government programs
• projects that are already fully funded
• funding for projects that have already started or been completed, including any activity undertaken before notification of an application outcome
• significant funding for equipment
• requests to purchase, maintain or upgrade facilities or equipment
• requests for salary subsidies
• projects, activities or travel outside Victoria
• funding for people or organisations from interstate or overseas to visit Victoria
• party political activities.

If you are not sure if your proposed event is eligible for funding, email the Office for Youth youthweek.fv@dffh.vic.gov.au.

Organisations applying for a $2,000 grant will need to outline other contributions for the proposed project, such as financial and in-kind support.

The following conditions will apply to all projects that receive a grant:

• The grant recipient must enter into a Common Funding Agreement with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, which sets out the conditions, reporting requirements and contractual targets.
• Any variation to the approved project must be submitted to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing for approval, before starting the project.
• All projects must:
  • be accessible to young people aged 12 to 25, in their local community
  • take place in Victoria during Victorian Youth Fest in September 2024
  • be alcohol, smoke and drug-free, and be fully supervised
  • provide safe and secure environments for young people
  • adhere to any COVID-19 restrictions current at the time of delivery
  • be covered by all appropriate insurance, including public liability insurance.
• All publicity, promotional material and signage relating to the project must prominently display the Victorian Youth Fest and Victorian Government logos.
• All promotional material and publicity generated by the funded organisation relating to the project must include the following acknowledgement:
  • ‘This event is supported by the Victorian Government’.
• Grant recipients must complete a Victorian Youth Fest 2024 report that includes photographs, films or mixed media artwork related to their project, event or activity.
• All staff and people aged 18 and over, who come into regular, direct and unsupervised contact with young people (for applicable projects), will need to hold current Working With Children Checks.
• Grant recipients must have appropriate policies and processes in place to comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, including changes that came into effect from 1 July 2022. For more information, see New Child Safe Standards start in Victoria on 1 July 2022 to better protect children.
• As this funding will support the care, education, services or activities for children (under 18 years), it is a whole-of-government requirement that the applicant is:
  • a separate legal entity that can be sued in its own right in child abuse proceedings
  • appropriately insured against child abuse.

These requirements will improve the ability of child abuse survivors to bring a legal claim for compensation and ensure payment of successful claims.

Submit all applications online using the Victorian Youth Fest 2024 application form unless the department has agreed to a prior arrangement. The application form is available on the grant application portal.

Submit applications by 11:59 pm, Friday 22 March 2024. The application portal will confirm receipt of applications. 

To ensure a fair process, the department will not accept any applications after the closing date.

Steps to apply

1. Read these guidelines to make sure your organisation and project are eligible.
2. Consider the assessment criteria for your project.
3. If you would like to discuss your project, email the Office for Youth youthweek.fv@dffh.vic.gov.au and request a call back.
4. Submit your application using the department's Grants Gateway.

Spread the word within your networks about this exciting opportunity for collaboration with local youth and the chance to host impactful events.

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Facebook, Instagram and/or LinkedIn

Youth Fest returns in September 2024.

To help you to host a youth-led event, the Victorian Government are providing grants up to $2,000.

Open to community organisations, local governments, and schools, these grants aim to provide young Victorians with opportunity to collaborate and lead on events across the state.

Applications close 11.59pm Friday 22 March 2024.

Apply now and support young people to showcase their skills, share ideas and build connections: Youth fest grants website

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Youth Fest returns in September 2024! @VicGov are offering grants up to $2,000 for youth-led events! Open to orgs, local gov, and schools, apply before 15 March 2024. For more: Youth fest grants website

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Youth Fest returns in September 2024.

This month-long celebration celebrates the contributions of Victorian young people, creating opportunities to collaborate on events across the state.

Applications for Victorian Government grants up to $2,000 are now available for community organisations, local governments, and schools to work with local young people to host a youth-led event.

Youth Fest grants provide a unique and important opportunity for young people to express their ideas, showcase their talents and achievements, and have their voices heard within their community.

Applications close 11.59pm, Friday 22 March 2024.

Apply now at Youth fest grants website.

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