Youth Week grants
Young Queenslanders aged 12–25 can apply for grant funding to design and deliver impactful community events during Queensland Youth Week 2026 (11–19 April 2026).
Funding of up to $10,000 (including GST) is available for each approved event.
These grants aim to empower young people to showcase their skills, achievements, and contributions to their communities.
The grants are being offered by the Department of Housing and Public Works’ Office for Youth in partnership with the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
Eligibility
- You must be aged 12–25. If you’re under 18, you must provide a signed parent or guardian consent form 84.6 KB) with your application.
- You must partner with a local community group or organisation (known as an auspice organisation) to deliver your event.
- Your event must align with at least 1 of the key focus areas listed below.
Read the application guidelines 111.8 KB) for more information, including eligibility requirements, funding details, application processes and key dates.
How to apply
Complete the online application form.
Applications close at 5pm (AEST) 22 February 2026.
Email qyw@hpw.qld.gov.au for help with your application.
Key focus areas
When making your application, you will need to demonstrate how your event aligns with at least 1 of the key focus areas under:
- the Young Queenslanders Strategy
- Achieving balance: The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2022-2027 (Achieving Balance).
Young Queenslanders Strategy key focus areas
The Young Queenslanders Strategy focuses on the importance of supporting and guiding young people along their pathways to:
- participate in the world around them through exploration and positive influence.
- cultivate their futures supported by access to tailored opportunities that nurture their unique needs and interests.
- live their best lives empowered and equipped with the information, resources and support they need to get there.
- thrive in our communities knowing they are connected, celebrated and resilient.
Enable young people to actively participate in and influence their communities in meaningful ways.
Events aligned with this focus area could involve community service projects, civic engagement activities, or initiatives that allow young people to express their voices and make a positive impact in their local area.
Support young people in cultivating their futures through tailored educational and career opportunities.
Events might include skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, career fairs, or entrepreneurial initiatives that equip young people with the tools, resources, and connections they need to pursue their aspirations.
Equip young people with the information, resources, and support needed to navigate their journeys and achieve their goals.
This focus area includes events that provide practical life skills, personal development opportunities, and access to supportive networks. Activities might involve skill-building workshops, educational sessions, or mentorship programs that empower young people to make informed choices, set goals, and confidently pursue their ambitions.
Foster a sense of belonging and celebration within communities, helping young people feel connected and valued.
Events in this focus area could focus on bringing young people together through shared cultural, creative, or social activities that celebrate diversity, build resilience, and strengthen community ties.
Achieving Balance key focus areas
Achieving Balance highlights young people as a priority population for alcohol and other drug (AOD) interventions. It outlines targeted actions to strengthen prevention, early intervention, diversion and harm reduction. The focus areas aim to support the delivery of youth-led, evidence-informed events designed to reduce AOD-related harm and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young people.
Strengthen protective factors and delay initiation of AOD use. Targeted at all young people.
Strengthen protective factors and delay initiation of AOD use. Targeted at higher-risk groups.
Reduce risks, promote informed decision-making, and access to services. Targeted at young people already using AOD.