Applications are now open for the Connect In Real Life (IRL) Phase 2 Program, designed to support projects that help young people build social connections, strengthen wellbeing, develop skills, and participate in their communities.
Grants of $50,000 to $150,000 are available for eligible organisations delivering initiatives for young people aged 8-24 years. In the Riverina, eligible organisations may include:
Not for profit companies limited by guarantee, registered with the ACNC and/or with DGR status
NSW associations or non-distributing co-operatives registered with NSW Fair Trading
Local Aboriginal Land Councils
Not-for-profit Indigenous corporations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
NSW local councils operating under the Local Government Act 1993
Not-for-profit entities incorporated under an Act of Parliament
Incorporated Association registered outside of NSW but with an Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN)
Projects must specifically support at least one priority cohort, including rural and regional young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse young people, young women and girls, LGBTIQA+ young people, young people experiencing poverty, and young people with adverse childhood experiences.
Examples of eligible projects include:
Life skills courses (e.g. Cooking programs, financial literacy, resume workshops)
Independent living programs
Drivers licensing support
Youth hubs fit out and programs
Volunteering programs
Mentoring programs
Social clubs, gaming clubs, creative clubs: establishment or upgrading
Entrepreneurship programs
Peer leadership activities and programs
Community events focussed on youth participation
Healthy-relationships courses
Recovery responses (resilience, wellbeing, community impact)
Applications close at 4:00 pm on 6 November 2026. Successful projects must commence by 1 February 2027 and be completed by 31 August 2028.