Youth Quick Response Grants 2026-27

The Youth Quick Response Grants are available each year to individual applicants and organisations, aiming to provide financial support to enable young Territorians to engage and participate in a variety of after-school/weekend drug and alcohol free recreational events, personal development and leadership programs. The Youth Quick Response 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 Individuals - Up to $500 per applicant per financial year to support participation in events, personal development opportunities and/or leadership programs. Individual applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 25, with applications required to be made through a parent/legal guardian for those under 18. Organisations - Up to $2,000 per organisation per financial year to support the participation or coordination of events and activities engaging young people. 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. Programs which encourage the development of skills and attributes such as self-esteem, cooperation and trust for young people. Up to $500 for registration or participation fees for NT‑based or virtual programs, summits, or short‑term learning opportunities. Travel costs to support the participation of young Territorians between 12 and 25 years of age in an event or activity. Up to $500 per person for travel and transport (intra‑Territory, interstate, or international) to support participation in national or international events that benefit young Territorians, with costs quoted and paid in AUD. Wages or salaries for course providers (e.g. instructors) up to $1,000, only if required for the facilitation of an event or activity. Siblings to attend the same event, activity, or competition (ensuring that a separate application is submitted for each individual). What can't be funded Organisations, community groups and individuals outside of the Northern Territory, unless the activity directly 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 for long-term learning opportunities (includes visa application fee, travel insurance, sporting registration and course registration). More than four individuals for the same event, activity or competition, to ensure that there is enough grant budget available for a range of activities across the year. Events or activities that do not have a specific youth focus. Commercial or business activities i.e. to make a profit, or fundraising activities or events. Purchase of any capital equipment or inclusion of contingency costs. Programs or activities which are political, discriminatory or exclusionary against another, based on their culture, religion or marital status. Programs not catered to young people aged 12 to 25 years. Projects or activities that OYA considers do not represent value for money, fall under the responsibility of other funding bodies or government agencies, or have already received Northern Territory Government funding and are not a priority for additional support. Other Northern Territory Government agencies or entities. Before you apply General eligibility criteria must be met to apply for the Youth Quick Response Grants. Before you submit your application, you should: ensure you are compliant with your regulatory authority (if applicable) and have no outstanding final acquittals or reports with the Northern Territory Government. define your activity (what is it, how do you want to do it, who is involved) and develop a coherent project plan. 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 Youth Engagement Grants Guidelines YEG - Project Plan template (docx) YEG - Project Plan template (pdf) YEG - Budget Expenditure Calculator Vendor Creation/Amendment Form (docx) Vendor Creation/Amendment Form (pdf) YEG - Individual Acquittal and Evaluation Report 2026-27 (docx) YEG - Individual Acquittal and Evaluation Report 2026-27 (pdf) YEG - Organisation Acquittal and Evaluation Report 2026-27 (docx) YEG - Organisation Acquittal and Evaluation Report 2026-27 (pdf) Contact Details Name: Office of Youth Affairs Role: Department Phone: 0889993862 Email: DPSC.OYA@nt.gov.au