Apply for Child and Youth Inclusion Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 14 May 2025

The Frankston City Council is seeking applications for its Child & Youth Inclusion Grant to provide one-off financial support for young residents to participate in education and recreational activities, who face financial barriers.

Categories

Education & Pathway Category
- For students transitioning to high school, currently in high school (or equivalent) or pursuing higher education (up to 24 years old) that require assistance with materials, equipment or course fees for their education or career aspirations.
Recreation Category
- For children aged between 5 and 18 seeking to participate in a recreational activity.

Funding information

Education & Pathway Category
- They offer funding of up to $600.
Recreation Category
- They can cover 75% of the associated fees or up to $200.00.

Eligible Costs

Education & Pathway Category
- This includes (but is not limited to):
  - School Books including textbooks, workbooks and other educational material required
  - School Uniform
  - Laptop and/or tablets
  - Educational software
  - Scientific Calculators
  - Extracurricular Activities Fees
  - Tuition fees or enrolment costs (excl. public school fees)
Recreation Category
- This includes:
  - Sports Programs: From basketball to soccer, rugby to tennis, boxing to martial arts and even chess.
  - Outdoor Exploration Groups: Outdoor recreational activities such as school camping trips or scouting programs.
  - Music and Performing Arts: Music lessons, dance classes, or drama workshops.
  - Wellness and Fitness Programs: Swimming lessons, yoga classes or mindfulness workshops (excl. general gym fees).
  - Technology and STEM Activities: Coding workshops, robotics clubs or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs.
  - Arts & Crafts Workshops: Art classes and craft workshops.

Ineligible Costs

Duplicate Funding: Applicants who have already received the grant for the same category within the same financial year (July 2024 – June 2025);
Retrospective funding: Retroactive funding for purchases or activities that have already been completed;
Leased or subscription items: Funding for leased or subscription items;
Overlap with Other Funding: Activities or items where the provider has received other Council funding in the same financial year (e.g. applicant applying for uniform from a club who received funding to purchase uniforms);
Covered by Other Funding Sources: Requested item or service that would otherwise be covered by another funding source, such as Federal or State Government;
Compliance with Grant Conditions: Funding to service provider or applicant who have not previously complied with grant conditions or in debt with Council;
Prohibited Purchases: Purchase of entry to tourist attractions, one-off leisure activities or other entertainment, alcohol, tobacco, fireworks, or gambling activities or items;
Daily costs: Food, beverages, personal products or accommodation on-costs;
Religious or political activities: Activities related to workshop, congregation, secular promotion, protest, or campaigns;
Legal Compliance: Activities that do not comply with legal and regulatory requirements;
Conflict of Interest: Applicant who is a staff member, immediate family member, Councill or contractor to Frankston City Council (any exemptions in unique circumstances would require approval from the Director Communities, and necessitate all Disclosure of Interest requirements are met).

Eligibility Criteria

Young individuals themselves (if under 18, parent or guardian information will be required);
Professionals such as support workers, healthcare providers or approved equivalent can apply on behalf of young individuals facing financial hardship.
To qualify, the applicant (child or young person) must:
- Be a resident or student in Frankston City, and show evidence of at least one;
- Hold, and show evidence, of at least one of the following:
  - Health Care Card
  - Pension Concession Card
- Recommendation letter which demonstrates the need for financial assistance and support for grant from:
  - Government agency
  - School, TAFE, University or Training provider
  - Professional Support Service
  - Be able to provide evidence of costs of requested item or service;
  - Clearly express the benefits of the item/service in their application.