The Annual Grant Program supports projects and activities that will assist in building healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities across the municipality.

The Youth Participation Grant provides small grants up to $500 to help fund and support eligible projects, activities and events planned, driven and delivered by young people, for young people. (Youth led)

Types of projects that might be funded:

• Youth led events, activities or festivals 
• Youth awards ceremonies 
• Fund raising events (conditions apply- please refer to page 3 of the guidelines) 
• Purchase of minor equipment to support a youth event or activity 
• Other innovative youth-led ideas

The priorities for this funding are to provide opportunities for young people to:

• Create and implement youth led projects and activities that aim to be sustainable 
• Projects that link to the Benalla Rural City’s Youth Strategy 
• Develop and build the skills and knowledge of young people 
• Increase young people’s active participation in Benalla by connecting them to their peers and the broader community

Some examples include:

Leadership Programs: 

• skill building and training opportunities 
• encouraging young people to volunteer 
• civic engagement activities

Creative Arts and Drama Initiatives:

• film festivals, musical or dramatic performances, street art

Intergenerational Projects: 

• young people assisting older people with technology

Fundraising Projects: 

• raising money for a local cause – (conditions apply please refer to page 3 of the grant guidelines)

Youth Awards Ceremonies: 

• recognising the contributions of young people

Healthy Living Initiatives: 

• projects about local food 
• projects encouraging young people to become active

Innovative Use of Technology:

• using technology creatively to help young people

Projects about the Environment: 

• promoting opportunities for young people to get involved at Winton Wetlands 
• hosting a workshop for young people about local effects of climate change

Community Awareness Raising Activities: 

• Initiatives that highlight issues relating to mental health, diversity or social justice

Eligibility

All projects must be carried out in Benalla Rural City and be of benefit to young people living in the municipality.

To be eligible: 

• Applicants must be aged between 12 to 25 
• Applicants must live, work, study or be involved with a community group in Benalla 
• Individuals applying must be auspiced (supported) by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation (see FAQ section of the grant guidelines) 
• The project idea must be developed and delivered by young people 
• The project must have clear goals and outcomes 
• The project must build on young people's skills 
• The project must be drug and alcohol free 
• The project must have a detailed budget 
• You must be able to provide a referee 
• The project must be completed within twelve months

The Youth Participation Grants are unable to fund the following: 

• Staff wages and salaries 
• Projects that do not benefit young people and their communities beyond the benefits to an individual applicant 
• Applications for grant funding will not be considered if the project or activity has already begun or been completed. 
• Projects which do not involve the Benalla Rural City community 
• Projects, events or organisations which are unable to secure insurance coverage

Please note businesses are ineligible to auspice an application under this grant.

Ineligible Applicants or Auspice Organisations 

• Individuals 
• Individual businesses, government agencies, political groups, religious groups and organisations and national and international service clubs 
• Applicants who have not satisfactorily acquitted previous Council grants or who have outstanding debts to Benalla Rural City Council.

• Address: Youth Participation Grants Program Benalla Rural City Council PO Box 227 Benalla 3671 VIC
• Phone: 5760 2600
• Email: council@benalla.vic.gov.au