Funding of up to $1 million to support young Australians aged 10–17 at risk or engaged in crime, reducing recidivism and fostering community engagement pathways.
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 Youth Empowerment Program?
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is a grant opportunity under the Attorney-General’s Department, designed to address the needs of young Australians aged 10 to 17 who are at-risk or engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour. The program seeks to provide alternative pathways to reduce recidivism and foster positive engagement within communities.
Youth Empowerment Program level of support
- Minimum Funding Amount: $300,000
- Maximum Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Co-Contribution Requirement: The grant provides up to 100% of eligible project expenditure. Applicants are responsible for covering ineligible and additional project costs beyond the grant scope.
Youth Empowerment Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Youth Empowerment Program objectives
Here are the following program objectives:
- Provide alternative pathways for at-risk youth to reduce engagement in criminal or anti-social behaviour.
- Break cycles of recidivism through life skills development, promoting community inclusion, and strengthening family support.
- Foster education, work readiness, and community participation among young people.
Projects, activities, and expenditure eligible for Youth Empowerment Program support
Eligible projects must focus on engaging at-risk youth through activities such as:
- Youth engagement services targeting crime prevention.
- Programs fostering resilience, cultural connections, and skill-building.
- Support for young people transitioning from detention or engaging in workforce preparation.
- Activities promoting positive community connections, such as sports, vocational training, and extracurricular engagement.
- Collaboration with families of young offenders to strengthen support systems.
Your project must:
- be located in Australia
- include one or more youth engagement activities which may occur at a single or multiple locations
- have at least $300,000 in eligible expenditure.
Ineligible Expenditures:
Grant funds cannot be used for activities such as major capital expenditures, routine operational costs, construction or renovation projects, and costs covered by other grants. For a detailed list, refer to the program guidelines’ Appendix B.
Other Youth Empowerment Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Youth Empowerment Program support
You can apply if you:
- have an Australian business number (ABN)
- have an account with an Australian financial institution
And are one of the following entities:
- an incorporated association
- an incorporated not-for-profit organisation.
You can’t apply if you are:
- an organisation, or your project partner is an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s list of Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme
- an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012)
- an organisation currently receiving funding under the Commonwealth’s U25-GO grant program
- an individual
- a partnership
- an unincorporated association
- a trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust)
- a Commonwealth, state, territory or local government body (including government business enterprises)
- a non-corporate Commonwealth entity
- an organisation undergoing debt recovery action or that has been defunded by state, territory or Australian Government agencies for performance and/or integrity reasons
- an organisation currently under voluntary or involuntary administration.
Additional eligibility requirement:
You will also be required to provide a letter from your board or governing committee (or CEO if there is no board or committee) that confirms that your organisation delivers or has delivered programs that engage young people at-risk of engaging in crime or anti-social behaviour.
Partner with other organisations:
Joint applications are acceptable, provided you have a lead organisation who is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply.
The lead organisation must fill out the application form.
If we give your group the grant, the lead organisation:
- signs the grant agreement
- is responsible for making sure your group follows the rules in the grant agreement.
Youth Empowerment Program assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following weighted criteria:
1. Contribution to Positive Outcomes for At-Risk Youth (45 points)
- Demonstrate how the project promotes inclusion, builds resilience, and provides pathways to prevent entrenchment in the criminal justice system.
- Provide evidence of referral mechanisms, estimated participant numbers, and plans for transitioning participants into adulthood.
2. Value for Money (30 points)
- Justify the project’s costs relative to its scale and benefits. Attach detailed budgets with evidence, including staffing costs.
- Highlight how grant funding will enhance the project’s impact in terms of scale, reach, or timing.
3. Capacity, Capability, and Resources (25 points)
- Submit a project plan outlining key personnel, risk management, and evaluation strategies.
- Demonstrate experience in delivering and evaluating similar initiatives.
A score of at least 50% in each criterion is mandatory for funding consideration.
How do I get the Youth Empowerment Program support?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Youth Empowerment Program application
Applicants must prepare:
- A detailed project plan and budget.
- Evidence supporting the project’s benefits for at-risk youth.
- Letters from referral partners and the organisation’s board.
- Documentation validating project costs.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Youth Empowerment Program
Complete and submit your application online via business.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Youth Empowerment Program resources
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