What is a grant?
A grant is a type of financial assistance awarded to a person or organisation to help them to study, conduct research or develop and implement a community program.
A grant might be a kind of scholarship to a student that doesn't have to be repaid or it might be money given to a community organisation or individual person to undertake charitable activities.
There are many potential sources of funding for community projects, such as:
- Government funding
- Through private sector or individual sponsorships and foundations
A number of these funding sources are targeted to young people.
Who can get a grant?
Grants are usually available to:
- Individuals
- Students
- Youth organisations
- Community groups
- Recreation clubs and organisations
- Local Government
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Schools
The Office for Youth provides a list of its Youth Grants and Programs (new window).
Where can I find out what grants are available?
The Department of Planning and Community Development website has a Grants Finder (new window) to help you search for available grants.
The Office for Youth provides an alphabetical list of grants available through their Grants Directory (new window).
See the other links below this article for more sources of grants in Victoria and Australia.
How do I apply for a grant?
Because every grant is different, there will be different requirements for each application. It's important to get a copy of the grant guidelines to make sure you're eligible and to know what criteria your application must address and when you have to submit it.
An important thing to keep in mind is that government grant selection committees will be looking for evidence that you or your organisation can do what it proposes.
The government prefers to give funds to organisations and groups that can show that they have the skills and resources to implement the project and are 'ready to go'.
This does not in any way exclude new groups or organisations wanting to innovate and explore new ground. It does mean that you need a clear and practical implementation plan to go with your good idea.
We've put together a page of tips for 'Writing grant applications' to help you write a successful grant submission.
Check out the 'Scholarships and philanthropic programs' page for other kinds of financial assistance available to you.
Grant links
Department of Planning and Community Development (DPDC) - Grants
The DPDC website provides some excellent background information on Victorian Government grants.
Office for Youth - Grants
An alphabetical list of available youth grants.
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria - Grants Guide
Covers major philanthropic (non-government) and government grants available.
The Foundation for Young Australians
Information about grants, scholarship and other funding opportunities available for young people.
ourcommunity.com.au - Community Funding Centre
Tools, tips, ideas and information about getting funding for your community project and read about the success stories of others.
Grants Links
Find grants available through the Australian Government.
Culture & Recreation - Grants
Find Australian cultural grant programs and services useful to the cultural sector.
Grantsearch
A comprehensive funding database, with more than 3000 sources of financial support for study, travel, research, business and professional development, the arts, sport and community projects.
