The WA Youth Engagements Grants Program provides grants for local governments, community service organisations, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to implement projects that support initiatives that empower young people by providing opportunities for them to be involved in community life and to have a say in decisions that affect them.
In 2026-27, a total of $220,000 is available for projects that:
- Establish and implement a Youth Advisory Council
- Develop and/or implement a local youth strategy and/or action plan
Details
- Status: Open
- Amount: Grants up to $10,000
- Open date: 2 October 2026
- Close date: 10 November 2026 at 3pm
- Contact email: grants@communities.wa.gov.au
Funding available
- Grants of up to $5,000 are available for short-term, one-off activities or initiatives (up to 6 months).
- Grants of up to $10,000 are available for longer term (6 to 12 months), community-wide, strategic initiatives.
How to Apply
- Register an account on the SmartyGrants registration page if you have not used it before.
- Complete the online application form on Communities SmartyGrants portal. A link to the Guidelines are embedded within the form. Please read them carefully before starting your application.
- Upload any supporting documents, if required.
- Ensure the application is reviewed and approved by the authorised delegate of the organisation.
- Submit the application on SmartyGrants before 3:00pm on Tuesday 10 November 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted, as the SmartyGrants portal automatically closes at the advertised closing time.
Key documents available on SmartyGrants
- Grant Guidelines
- Application Form
2026-27 Youth Engagement Grant Program promotional materials
Help us get the word out about the 2026-27 Youth Engagements Grants Program! You can use the promotional materials below to share this opportunity to your networks:
2025-26 Youth Engagement Grant Program recipients
To view a list of grants awarded to eligible organisations through the 2025-26 Youth Engagement Grants Program visit WA Youth Engagement Grants Program recipients.
What previous recipients have to say
Youth, Sound, Mind, Style, The Skill Engineer Ltd
Show more"The Youth Engagement Grant is instrumental in bringing the Youth, Sound, Mind, Style (YSMS) initiative to life. It will enable us to offer outreach to youth in remote locations, providing access to music, free haircuts, and counselling.
"The project is dedicated to addressing youth disengagement, encouraging positive life choices, enhancing self-esteem, building resilience, and facilitating education, training, employment, and civic connections within our community. Thanks to this support, we'll offer vulnerable young people a safe space for engagement and support, as well as opportunities to improve their hygiene and ‘look good.’"
Act Belong Commit YOH Fest (Youth on Health), The Makers Community Development Inc
Show more"For over a quarter of a century, YOH Fest has empowered young people of remote, rural, and metro WA with a voice in their health education, equipped them with improved well-being strategies, and built valuable leadership skills.
"Thanks to the Department of Communities, we are supported to travel our wellbeing festival to eight regions of WA, ensuring students aren’t disadvantaged by geographical location."
My Country, My Home, Studio Schools of Australia Ltd
Show more"With funding provided by the Department of Communities, through a Youth Engagement Grant, in 2023 seven students and two staff members from Yiramalay Studio School embarked on a three-day two-night camping, fishing and hunting expedition deep into Nyikina country.
"The purpose of the camping expedition was to provide an opportunity for local students to connect to their country (their home), develop their bush skills, and learn and share stories of the key sites in the area and connect with other local community members."
