Youth program funding now open

The largest share of funding, more than $3 million, will be allocated through Connect IRL Phase 2.

Councils and not-for-profit organisations can apply for support to deliver initiatives that encourage social connection, independence and pathways into education and employment for young people aged 8 to 24.

The announcement follows the latest Holiday Break Spring and Summer 2026-27 round, which awarded more than $780,000 to 93 organisations and councils across the state.

Funded activities include sporting clinics, robotics programs and drumming workshops designed to keep young people engaged during the school holidays.

Applications for all three programs are noe open, and close on November 6. Successful applicants will be notified in December.

For more details and to apply, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding and filter by selecting the ‘youth’ category.