Grants up to $300,000 to support innovative, short-term, community-led projects and initiatives aimed at reducing youth crime and boosting re-engagement in education, training, or employment.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Kickstarter Grants?
The Kickstarter Grant Program is an initiative of the Queensland Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support designed to fund innovative, short-term, community-led projects aimed at reducing youth crime and boosting re-engagement in education, training, or employment. Targeting young people aged 8 to 17 years, the program supports early intervention initiatives that tackle the causes of criminal and anti-social behaviour before they escalate.
This funding round prioritises locally relevant responses that are developed in partnership with the community and are culturally appropriate—particularly where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are concerned. Funding is intended to help young people better understand the consequences of their behaviour while building positive pathways for the future.
Kickstarter Grants level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: Not specified
- Maximum amount of funding: Up to $300,000 per application
Co-contribution required: While not mandatory, applicants must provide a detailed budget that includes in-kind contributions or external funding. No minimum co-contribution amount is prescribed, but a clear plan demonstrating value for money is expected.
Kickstarter Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Kickstarter Grants objectives
Kickstarter Grants aim to:
- Support early intervention programs that address the underlying causes of youth crime
- Promote re-engagement in education, training or employment
- Deliver holistic, culturally safe programs that build long-term resilience
- Reduce victimisation and increase community safety through tailored services for high-risk youth
Projects and expenditure eligible for Kickstarter Grants support
Eligible project types include:
- Programs: Structured, curriculum-based interventions delivered in cycles (e.g., 10-week skill-building courses)
- Events: One-off community presentations or workshops, aligned with broader crime prevention efforts
- Projects: Multi-faceted responses integrating both programs and events to tackle local youth crime
An ideal proposal will include:
- a pro-social, activity-based engagement or concept for individuals and groups aged 8 to 17 years old
targeted at prevention and early intervention responses aimed at reducing youth crime and boosting education, and providing training and/or employment pathways for young people - a response to local youth crime matters in your community, including how your idea/project aligns with community need and your local community connections.
- a demonstration of culturally safe and local partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or culturally and linguistically diverse people and communities
- a demonstration of how your idea/project addresses anti-social behaviour and improves community safety
- a performance and outcomes measure that reflects the needs and aspirations of young people in the community.
Ineligible Expenditures
Funding cannot be used for:
- Salaries or operational costs for existing staff
- Audits, reports, or evaluation costs
- Research projects or gifts
- Retroactive costs (i.e. for activities already delivered)
- Capital asset purchases or upgrades exceeding $5,000
- Auspicing fees unrelated to this specific project
- Debt repayments or giveaways (e.g., door prizes, raffle tickets)
Other Kickstarter Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Kickstarter Grants support
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profits
- Registered legal entities or businesses with an ABN or ACN
- Organisations experienced in delivering youth or community services in Queensland
- Those holding $10 million in public liability insurance, or intending to acquire it
Special notes:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, as well as SMEs, are strongly encouraged to apply
- State and Federal Government agencies are ineligible
- Separate applications must be submitted for each delivery location
Kickstarter Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed in three phases:
1. Eligibility Check
- Ensures applicants meet legal and documentation requirements
2. Regional Assessment
- Reviews alignment with local needs
- Evaluates the depth of community consultation and cultural safety
- Considers service feasibility and potential for meaningful engagement
3. Central Moderation
- Prioritises strong applications that demonstrate value for money
- Confirms equitable distribution within the available funding envelope
Note: While no percentage weightings are published, strength across local impact, cultural appropriateness, clarity of delivery, and outcome tracking will be key to success.
How do I get the Kickstarter Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Kickstarter Grants application
To apply successfully, have the following ready:
- Clear program description, including goals, activities, target cohort, and risks
- Evidence of community consultation and local need
- Letters of support from any delivery partners, First Nations leaders (if applicable), and educational institutions
- Full budget breakdown with expected expenses and contributions
- Organisation’s legal and registration details (ABN/ACN)
- Insurance certificate or confirmation of intent to obtain coverage
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Kickstarter Grants
Submit your application online via SmartyGrants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Kickstarter Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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