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NSW Connect In Real Life Phase 2 Grant Program 2026-27

NSW Connect In Real Life Phase 2 Grant Program 2026-27

  • Eligible organisations may apply for between $50,000 and $150,000 excluding GST.
  • Projects should commence by 1 February 2027.
  • All project activities must be completed by 31 August 2028.
  • Applications close at 4.00 pm on November 6 2026.
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The NSW Connect In Real Life Phase 2 Grant Program supports practical, place-based initiatives that strengthen social connection, participation, wellbeing, skills development and pathways to adulthood for young people aged 8 to 24. Projects must serve at least one identified priority youth cohort and provide safe, inclusive and youth-centred opportunities for young people to connect with peers, mentors and their communities. The program prioritises meaningful offline participation, stronger support networks, healthy relationships, confidence, resilience and community engagement.

Young people must be involved throughout the project lifecycle, including identifying needs, planning and designing activities, supporting delivery, and reviewing outcomes. Eligible organisations may apply for funding to deliver initiatives such as mentoring, life skills development, volunteering, youth hubs, social and creative clubs, leadership activities, community events and independent living programs. Activities must be delivered primarily in NSW for young people living in NSW.

Key Requirements

Major requirements and objectives

  • Address the needs of priority youth cohorts: Projects must specifically serve at least one identified priority cohort. These include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people with disability, rural and regional young people, young people experiencing poverty, culturally and linguistically diverse young people, LGBTIQA+ young people, young women and girls, and young people with adverse childhood experiences.
  • Strengthen offline social connection: Projects must create safe, welcoming and inclusive opportunities for young people to connect in person with peers, mentors and their communities. Activities should reduce isolation, build strong relationships and support community participation.
  • Demonstrate youth-centred design: Young people must meaningfully contribute to identifying the need, planning and designing the project, delivering activities, and reviewing the project and its outcomes.
  • Build skills and pathways: Projects should help young people develop confidence, practical capabilities and skills that support transitions to adulthood, education, employment, leadership and civic participation.
  • Demonstrate community need and impact: Applicants must show a clear understanding of the needs and barriers affecting their target cohort, supported by local needs, youth consultation, community engagement, research or relevant data.
  • Demonstrate delivery capability: Applicants must show relevant experience, suitable staffing and volunteer arrangements, appropriate partnerships, sound governance, safeguarding and child-safe practices, risk management, and the ability to manage public funding and reporting.
  • Provide value for money: The proposed budget must be clear, reasonable and aligned with project activities. Costs should be proportionate to the intended outcomes and expected number of participants.
  • Meet mandatory organisational requirements: Applicants must have at least $10 million in public liability insurance, comply with applicable National Redress Scheme requirements, and have no outstanding acquittals with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.

What is eligible for funding?

  • Life skills courses, including cooking, financial literacy and resume workshops.
  • Independent living programs.
  • Driver licensing support.
  • Youth hub fit-outs and associated programs.
  • Volunteering programs.
  • Mentoring programs.
  • Establishment or upgrading of social, gaming or creative clubs.
  • Entrepreneurship programs.
  • Peer leadership activities and programs.
  • Community events focused on youth participation.
  • Healthy relationship courses.
  • Recovery responses supporting resilience, wellbeing and community impact.
  • Temporary tutors, instructors or project officers directly involved in the funded project.
  • Furniture or fittings directly supporting project delivery, where the required evidence is provided.
  • Innovative activities co-designed with young people that align with program objectives and intended outcomes.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and/or hold deductible gift recipient 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 associations registered outside NSW that hold an Australian Registered Body Number.

Applicants must also:

  • Operate in NSW.
  • Deliver proposed activities in NSW for young people living in NSW, subject to the limited border-location exception.
  • Design the project to serve at least one priority youth cohort.
  • Hold at least $10 million in public liability insurance.
  • Have no outstanding acquittals with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
  • Address applicable National Redress Scheme requirements.
  • Complete project delivery by 31 August 2028.
  • Provide a detailed project budget.
  • Provide evidence of public liability insurance and organisational bank account details.
  • Use a single lead organisation where organisations intend to collaborate through subcontracting arrangements.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.