Applications for Maitland City Council's 2021 Youth Week Grants have opened with local groups encouraged to apply to be involved in the celebrations of the largest annual youth participation event in Australia.

As part of Youth Week, Council, in collaboration with the Department of Family and Community Services, provides funding to groups which involve young people in planning, developing and managing activities.

Aims

Thousands of young people aged 12–25 from across Australia get involved in National Youth Week each year. National Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to:

• Share ideas
• Attend live events
• Have their voices heard on issues of concern to them
• Showcase their talents
• Celebrate their contribution to the community
• Take part in competitions and have fun!

Objectives

The objectives of National Youth Week 2021 are to:

• Support young people’s participation in the planning and delivery of all National Youth Week activities
• Promote positive images of young people by showcasing their talents, achievements and contributions to the community
• Assist young people to express their ideas and provide opportunities to have their voices heard within the community

Categories

Applicants can submit one application under one of the two categories;

• Category One: Independent Submission
  • Individual organisations or groups can apply for up to $1,000.
• Category Two: Collaborative Submission
  • Multiple organisations or groups collaborating to organize a large project or event can apply for up to $3,000.

Collaboration & Participation of Young People

• Young people must be actively involved in the planning, coordination and implementation of Youth Week activities.
• Applicants are required to provide information on how young people will be involved throughout each stage of planning and running Youth Week celebrations.
• Successful applicants will also be required to submit evidence of this within their evaluation and acquittal report following their event.
• A great way of engaging young people is by starting with your local youth service providers, schools and youth community groups, who can assist by connecting you with local young people in Maitland.
• National Youth Week events must be inclusive and accessible for all young people (12-25 years old), including those who have additional needs or face barriers in the community.
• Individuals and groups thinking about submitting an application to hold a Youth Week celebration are encouraged to consider collaborating with others. This is a great way to build partnerships and connections, share resources and workload and work together to create a successful event.

Eligibility Criteria

• 2021 Maitland Youth Week grants are available to any nonprofit, incorporated organisations that are working directly with young people to deliver a Youth Week event for other local young people.

Legal & Insurance Requirements

• Applicants are required to provide Council with evidence of their public liability insurance (certificate of currency) on submission of their grant application.
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they have all the necessary insurances to cover themselves for any claims that may arise from the proposed event/activity (e.g. Workers’ Compensation, Volunteers Insurance etc).
• Applicants are also responsible for ensuring that all workers and volunteers that are associated with the project have undergone a Working with Children Check.
• If the event/activity is to take place in a Council facility or park, then the applicant is required to book the event through Council, and possibly complete a special event form. This should be completed at the time of submitting your grant application.
• There is an expectation that all events will undergo a thorough risk assessment prior to and during the event.
• All Youth Week activities and events must have free entry and be alcohol, smoke and drug-free.

For more information, visit 2021 Youth Week Grants.