Youth Initiative grants
Funding is provided to community organisations for one-off project implementation and development that benefits and engages the Merri-bek community through youth led initiatives.
Grants are available for community strengthening projects and initiatives that address key issues facing young people.
Projects that increase participation, encourage volunteering, provide leadership opportunities and increase learning and skill development are encouraged.
Projects aimed to improve participation in sport and physical activity, youth education and employment training pathways, health and well-being and positive youth development are encouraged, leadership and development opportunities.
Submissions must provide evidence of community need and a clear benefit young people. Priority will be given to projects that address issues faced by diverse young people in disadvantaged communities.
Community Grants Program guidelines (DOC 498Kb) provides further information about this grant category.
Application dates
Applications are open during the financial year for this grant category until funds are expended. Applications must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the planned activity beginning.
Amounts available
Amounts up to $3000 are available.
Duration
Throughout the year. Groups can make one application every 12 months.
General eligibility criteria
To apply for funds through any one of the categories of the Merri-bek Community Grants Program, organisations must:
- be not-for-profit and managed by a volunteer board or committee of management
- be incorporated or auspiced by another incorporated organisation
- have adequate public liability insurance
- have no outstanding grant acquittals or outstanding debts owing to Council
- propose an initiative which will benefit the Merri-bek community and be located in Merri-bek
- be able to supply financial statements and information as requested
- be able to meet conditions associated with receiving the grant, and
- demonstrate the proposed activity is consistent with Local, State and Federal laws including Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995.
What can be funded?
- Fees for temporary staff to implement a project/ activity i.e. project work, tutor. Artist, instructor or speaker
- Advertising publicity and promotional costs
- Venue or meeting room hire specific to the project
- Materials or other items essential to the project/activity
- Equipment Hire Costs
- Transport costs for activity participants
- Volunteer support expenses
- Costs to support participation or people with a disability with the project or activity
- Communications, media and marketing
- Projects that are auspiced by schools and kindergartens
What won't be funded?
- Purchase of equipment, uniforms or capital expenditure
- Payment of wages or salaries associated with project management or administration
- Projects that are part of the organisation’s annual or regular program/activities or a duplication of an existing service or an on-going activity
- Activities where there is little or no community input demonstrated towards development of the project
- Projects or events that are ticketed whereby generating an income from ticket sales
- More than one application by a group, organisation or individual in a financial year (with the exception where the organisation is the Auspicor).
For further information on the grants program, what will and won't be funded view the Community Grants Program Guidelines (DOC 498Kb).
How to apply
All proposals must be discussed with Youth Services on 9389 8643. Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the planned activity.
To apply, submit an applicaiton via our grants website and complete the Minor Grants application form.
How to apply for a community grant provides further details about the application process.
See once you have received a grant for information about reporting and other requirements for grant recipients.