More than $4 million in youth grants has opened for applications across New South Wales, supporting community programs aimed at helping young people connect in person, build skills and participate in local activities.
The funding package combines three programs — Connect IRL Phase 2, Youth Week 2027 and Holiday Break Autumn and Winter 2027 — with applications open from 9 October to 6 November 2026.
More Than $3 Million for Connect IRL
The largest component is Connect IRL Phase 2, with more than $3 million available to councils, not-for-profit organisations and eligible community groups.
Individual grants range from $50,000 to $150,000.
Projects can include:
- Youth hubs and social clubs
- Mentoring programs
- Life skills and financial literacy programs
- Driver licensing support
- Resume and employment workshops
- Volunteering and leadership activities
- Entrepreneurship programs
- Creative, gaming and recreation clubs
- Healthy relationship and wellbeing programs.
The program is aimed at young people aged 8 to 24, with particular attention to groups that may face barriers to participation, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people with disability, regional and rural communities, culturally diverse young people and those experiencing poverty or housing instability.
Focus on Face-to-Face Connection
The program follows consultations in which young people identified a need for more accessible places and activities where they can meet others in person.
Connect IRL projects must involve young people throughout the process, including identifying local needs, designing activities, participating in delivery and reviewing outcomes.
The first Connect IRL round received 285 applications, with 11 projects ultimately funded in 2026.
The second round broadens the program and places greater emphasis on social connection, practical skills, mentoring and pathways into education and employment.
Holiday Break Funding Also Opens
The funding package also includes the next round of the Holiday Break program, covering the Autumn and Winter 2027 school holidays.
Holiday Break activities are aimed at young people aged 12 to 24 and provide free recreational, social and skills-based activities during school holidays.
The previous Spring and Summer 2026–27 round awarded more than $780,000 to 93 councils and community organisations.
That round received 215 applications, with funded activities including sporting clinics, robotics, outdoor recreation and creative workshops.
Youth Week 2027 Included in Package
Funding is also being made available for Youth Week 2027, which supports events and activities organised with and for young people aged 12 to 24.
The three programs together are intended to support projects across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.
Applications for the funding round close at 4pm on 6 November 2026, with successful projects expected to be announced from late 2026 into early 2027 depending on the individual program.
Connect IRL Phase 2 projects are expected to begin from February 2027 and must be completed by 31 August 2028.
The latest funding package expands NSW youth programs beyond short-term school holiday activities, with a stronger focus on ongoing community spaces, mentoring, practical skills and face-to-face social connection.
Be the first to comment