Apply Now for Connect IRL Grants Australia, The NSW Government’s Connect IRL Grants support projects that help young people build real-world connections through mentoring, safe community spaces, and positive social activities. The initiative aims to reduce isolation, strengthen communication and leadership skills, boost mentor capacity, and establish lasting support networks — with a special focus on youth who are marginalized or living in remote areas.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 20th January 2025
Program objective
(Apply Now for Connect IRL Grants Australia)
The Premier’s Department (the Department) will administer the Connect IRL Grants Program.
There are four program objectives:
Strengthened offline connections by delivering inclusive, pro-social activities and safe discussion spaces that support mental health, foster mutual understanding, reduce isolation, and build peer networks — particularly for those from marginalised, diverse, or geographically isolated communities.
Improved young people’s interpersonal, civic, and leadership skills through structured mentoring programs that promote healthy relationships, empathy, mutual respect, and active civic participation.
Enhanced mentor capabilities by increasing skills, including trauma-informed and lived experience approaches, to enable mentors to more effectively support vulnerable young people in building resilience and confidence within a safe and impactful environment.
Strengthened long-term support systems for young people achieved by the inclusion of families/trusted adults leading to a sustainable and holistic support network available to participants beyond the span of the program.
This program is administered by Premier’s Department.
Eligibility Criteria
(Apply Now for Connect IRL Grants Australia)
Who can apply?
Please refer to the Grant Guidelines for comprehensive information.
Grants will be assessed through a competitive application process and awarded to carefully selected organisations who clearly meet as many, if not all, of the grant program objectives and funding criteria.
This grant is only available for not-for-profit organisations that have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have demonstrated services operating in NSW.
Applicants should demonstrate their not-for-profit status by being one of the following:
- incorporated non-government organisations (not-for-profit)
- registered Associations under an Act of Parliament
- registered cooperatives under an Act of Parliament
- a company limited by Guarantee
- a company limited by shares (non-profit distributing)
- a community-based organisation registered or established under an Act that is not-for-profit
- an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).
Only eligible applications will proceed to assessment.
Funding Information
Connect IRL Grants provides funding for eligible non-for-profits to support young people, through offline connection, mentoring, safe spaces, and prosocial activities. Eligible organisations can apply for funding amounts between $10,000 and $250,000.
Who can’t apply
The following organisations are not eligible to apply for funding under this program:
- individuals and sole traders
- local councils
- state and federal government departments and associated entities
- for profit organisations and commercial enterprises
- organisations with National Redress Scheme sanctions
if your organisation:
- is subject to a winding up order or has an appointed administrator
- has a pending/ongoing legal case
- is bankrupt.
NSW Premier’s Department considers other factors to determine that an organisation is ineligible for funding. These factors could include issues that could cause reputational damage or other risks to the NSW Government.
How to apply?
Applications must be made through the SmartyGrants platform. The application form can be found here: https://premiers.smartygrants.com.au/ConnectIRL
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
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