Applications are now open for the Holiday Break Grants Program, which supports free, safe and inclusive activities for young people during school holiday periods. The program aims to improve wellbeing, social connection and community participation by helping young people access positive experiences outside of school.

A total of up to $650,000 is available through the program, with eligible organisations able to apply for grants of $1,500 to $10,000 to deliver activities during the Autumn and Winter 2027 school holidays. Eligible projects in remote and very remote locations may also be able to access an additional project delivery subsidy of up to $2,000 per holiday period.

The program encourages activities that:

• Support meaningful and inclusive experiences for young people to connect with friends and their local communities

• Provide free access to activities during a cost-of-living crisis

• Are designed exclusively for young people aged 12-24 years

• Include initiatives such as skill-building classes, creative workshops, sporting activities and performing arts programs

Eligible organisations include:

• NSW local councils operating under the Local Government Act 1993

• Joint Organisations

• Regional Organisations of Councils

• The Lord Howe Island Board

• The Unincorporated Far West Group

• Section 355 Committees of Councils (with relevant council approval)

• Local Aboriginal Land Councils

• Not-for-profit Indigenous Corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006

• Not-for-profit organisations and community organisations registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)

• Incorporated organisations registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009