Youth-focused grants

Pathways for young people

(up to $250)

The Pathways for Young People Grant will:

• support young people to engage in opportunities that realise their potential or;

• develop skills aligned with their educational and career aspirations. 

Selection Criteria: 

For your application to be considered, you will need to meet the following criteria: 

• Be aged 25 years or under and provide proof of age in the application e.g., driver’s licence with current address or student card.

• Live in the Yarra Ranges and provide evidence of your address in the application e.g., driver’s licence with current address; utilities bill; rates notice. Ask us about other options if you are dependant (living with a parent/guardian) and don’t have a driver’s licence!

• Tell us how this grant will support you to realise your potential or learn new skills that align with your educational and career aspirations.

• Include evidence of your commitment to the opportunity e.g., a reference letter from a mentor or organisation, proof of enrolment in a course of study

• Important note: If the idea you are requesting funding for takes place in the same month you apply, it will not be eligible. We strongly encourage you to apply at least 3 months in advance of the opportunity you want funded!

Examples of Pathways for Young People

Grant applications that can be considered or have previously been approved:

• Organising an inclusive event for young people, activated by local young creative. 
• Registration Fee to a training opportunity that supports a young person’s interest in a trade career.
• Buying tickets to a fashion exhibition to support a textile student’s education.
• Purchasing a needle sterilisation kit for a young tattoo artist starting their career.
• Buying battery-powered speakers for a young musician learning to busk independently.
• Funding frames for a young creative’s art gallery debut.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies to host a workshop with other young people or community members.

If you’ve got an idea but you’re unsure whether it aligns with the Pathways for Young People Grant, don’t hesitate to send us an email. We’re happy to help clarify and guide you through the process!

Sports Participation for Young People - Achievement

(Up to $250 – Individuals, Up to $500 – Teams)

The Sports Participation for Young People - Achievement category assists individuals ($250) and teams ($500) aged 25 years or under, with the costs of high-level sports participation.

Selection Criteria: 

To be considered for funding in this category, you will need to meet the following criteria: 

• Be aged 25 years or under and provide proof of age in the application e.g., driver’s licence with current address or student card.

• Live in the Yarra Ranges and provide evidence of your address in the application e.g., driver’s licence with current address; utilities bill; rates notice. Ask us about other options if you are dependant (living with a parent/guardian) and don’t have a driver’s licence!

• Be endorsed by the accredited governing sporting association as follows:

  • A letter verifying your selection must be provided with applications.

  • For those at a development level, a letter from the local club is required. 

• Events are officially recognised by the relevant sporting code.

• Representation of the individual or teams can be at a local, regional, state, national or international level.

Council will not fund:

• Persons who are part of a team sport will not be funded at the individual rate, and Council will not fund multiple members of the same team as individuals. Teams can only apply for $500 total funding. 

• University/tertiary institution games. 

• School based tours or coaches (where all members are from the same school). 

• Camps for children and young people. 

Sports Participation for Young People – Inclusion

(Up to $250)

The Sports Participation for Young People - Inclusion category is designed to increase access to, and participation in, sport for young people who are experiencing a financial barrier to participation e.g., club registration fees, uniform, equipment. 

Selection Criteria: 

To be considered for funding in this category, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 25 years or under and provide proof of age in the application e.g., driver’s licence with current address or student card.

• Live in the Yarra Ranges and provide evidence of your address in the application e.g., driver’s licence with current address; utilities bill; rates notice. Ask us about other options if you are dependant (living with a parent/guardian) and don’t have a driver’s licence!

• Include evidence of what the funding will be spent on e.g., club registration fees, uniform etc.

• Demonstrate financial need e.g., Australian Government Health Care Card. Ask us about your options if you are unsure!

• If applying as an incorporated Sports Club on behalf of individuals, all the above information needs to be provided with permission of the young person.

Connected and Vibrant Communities Grant

(Up to $1500)

The Connected and Vibrant Communities Grant funds projects and activities that strengthen communities and build social connection and inclusion. This includes support for artists and cultural projects.

Selection Criteria:

To be considered for funding in this category, your project will meet a minimum of two of the following criteria:

• Providing opportunities for community to connect and participate in local, community led activities.

• Creating volunteer opportunities.

• Building on existing community strengths and opportunities.

• Strengthening social connection; building a sense of belonging and inclusion.

• Community planning projects and activities that build a shared vision and goals for a local community.

• Support for communities impacted by a current emergency/natural disaster in the Yarra Ranges area.

Please Note:

• Young people and groups run by young people can apply; however, they will need an auspice. An auspice is an organisation who can officially supports you to help with funding, legal, or administrative matters. Please reach out to Yarra Ranges Youth to discuss options and support: youth@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or 03 9294 6716 during office hours (9am to 5pm).

• Funding for equipment is capped at $750 per financial year.