The Big Rivers Youth Activities Grants encompass delivery and access to both after-hours core youth services and programs including school holiday activities in the Big Rivers region. It supports collaborative partnerships, ensuring that young people have access to a diverse range of engaging and supportive activities. The Regional Youth Activities Grants are delivered by the Office of Youth Affairs, a business unit within the Department of People, Sport and Culture. OYA works with young people, communities and organisations across the Northern Territory to support wellbeing, participation in events and activities, and to ensure young people have a strong voice in decisions that affect their lives. We aim to foster a vibrant and diverse youth sector that contributes to a Northern Territory where young people are safe, healthy and happy, and given the opportunity to thrive. We coordinate youth programs and administer grants for young people aged between 12 and 25 years with the aim of: improving their personal wellbeing, promoting their positive achievements, and assisting them to reach their goals; providing them with positive recreational and developmental opportunities and helping them to keep informed and actively involved in their communities; and developing effective communication links between young people, the youth sector, the Northern Territory Government, and the wider community. Available funding Funding between $2,000 and $40,000 is available under this program, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed activity. Available to groups and organisations, including sole traders. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Regional Youth Activities Grants. Organisations must be a legal entity under the relevant legislation or governing body. What can be funded Exciting and creative ideas which provide safe and secure entertainment opportunities, provide youth-friendly engagement, and involve young people at all levels, needs, locations, and connection with culture. Programs which encourage the development of skills and attributes such as self-esteem, cooperation and trust, employability, practical life skills, or upskilling in a chosen recreational activity. Activities that offer links to support services for young people at risk or experiencing vulnerability, including partnerships with providers of services that work with young people at risk, referral pathways to services, educational or vocational opportunities, and case management. Projects that demonstrate support from other sources, including the involvement of families, Elders, volunteers and community, provided the nature of this support is detailed within the grant application. Universal activities for all ages that may include younger children if adequate supervision is provided. Programs and activities at existing or new youth-friendly venues and locations. Large scale events provided appropriate safety is established and maintained. Events offered in the evenings and over weekends, provided that safe transport home is offered. Publicity services to promote the region’s coordinated program that encourages engagement from the designated target group. Costs and fees Administration fees of up to 10% of the total funding requested. Administration fees must be itemised for transparency, clearly showing where funds are being spent i.e. bookkeeping, insurance or staffing etc. Case management service costs of up to 20% of the total funding requested. Transport service costs of up to 20% of the total funding requested unless the service is specifically a transport service. Food-related expenses of up to 20% of the total funding requested. Purchase of capital equipment of up to 20% of the total funding requested (e.g. cameras, electronic equipment and devices, sporting equipment, costumes and uniforms, prizes and gifts). Program delivery costs, including material, staffing, and wages or salaries for activity providers (e.g. instructors) only if required for the facilitation of an activity. What can't be funded A specific activity that has already received major funding from other sources. Organisations, community groups and individuals outside of the Northern Territory, unless the activity benefits young Territorians. Payment for working with children checks or any events where the facilitator does not possess a Working with Children Card or Exemption Authority. Payment of membership, registration or participation fees (includes visa application fee, travel insurance, sporting registration and course registration for long-term learning opportunities). Events or activities that do not have a specific youth focus. Commercial or business activities i.e. to make a profit. Grant funding contributions directly towards fundraising or charitable activities. Programs or activities which are political or discriminatory against another, based on their gender, culture, religion or marital status. Projects that OYA considers do not represent value for money or fall under the responsibility of other funding bodies or government agencies. Programs located outside the Northern Territory, unless the program directly benefits young Territorians. Before you apply General eligibility criteria must be met to apply for any grant under the Regional Youth Activities Grants Program. Before you submit your application, you should: ensure you are compliant with your regulatory authority (if applicable) and have no outstanding acquittals or reports with the Northern Territory. define your activity (what is it, how do you want to do it, who is involved) and develop a coherent project. prepare a realistic and balanced budget that demonstrates value for money. obtain a working with children permission and/or authorisation. ensure that your project or activity links to at least two outcomes of the Northern Territory Youth Strategy 2023-2033. ensure that your project or activity links to at least one of the Northern Territory Government priorities (reducing crime, rebuilding the economy, and restoring our Territory lifestyle). Supporting Documents Northern Territory Youth Strategy 2023-2033 Restoring the Territory Lifestyle Strategy 2025-2028 2026-27 Regional Youth Activities Grants Guidelines Project plan template (docx) Project plan template (pdf) RYAG - Budget Expenditure Calculator Vendor Creation/Amendment Form (docx) Vendor Creation/Amendment Form (pdf) RYAG - Progress Report Template 2026-27 (docx) RYAG - Progress Report Template 2026-27 (pdf) RYAG - Acquittal and Evaluation Report 2026-27 (docx) RYAG - Acquittal and Evaluation Report 2026-27 (pdf) Talent Release/Authorisation Form Contact Details Name: Office of Youth Affairs Role: Department Phone: 0889993862 Email: DPSC.OYA@nt.gov.au