Future Ready Grants: Supporting Victorian Youth Development
The Victorian Government has launched the Future Ready 2027-2028 Program, a significant funding initiative aimed at boosting opportunities for secondary school students across Victoria. This program offers substantial grants to help young people grow through education, leadership, mentoring, and personal development. The Future Ready initiative is designed to equip students with practical skills and experiences, preparing them for future success in education, employment, and community involvement. Applications are now open, providing a valuable chance for eligible organizations to secure funding for impactful youth programs.
Understanding the Future Ready Program
The Future Ready 2027-2028 Program is a two-year funding effort focused on improving outcomes for Victorian secondary school students. It supports projects that align with the state’s youth development goals, encouraging young people to become confident, engaged, and well-prepared individuals. The funded projects will run throughout the 2027 and 2028 school years, starting from Term 1 of 2027 and concluding by the end of Term 4 in 2028. This timeframe allows for the development and execution of meaningful, long-term initiatives.
Funding Details and Scope
Organizations can apply for grants ranging from AUD $24,000 to AUD $168,000. This funding is intended to support a variety of youth-focused programs that aim to create lasting positive effects for students. The grants are designed to help organizations expand their reach and deliver innovative solutions to youth development challenges. The substantial funding available underscores the government’s commitment to investing in the future of its young citizens.
Eligible Activities for Funding
The Future Ready Program supports a wide array of activities designed to foster youth development. These include structured mentoring programs that help students identify their strengths and build confidence. Programs focused on training and employment readiness are also encouraged, offering accredited courses, work placements, and career exploration opportunities.
Mentoring Programs
These projects aim to guide students in understanding their personal strengths, building resilience, and achieving their academic and personal goals. Mentors can provide invaluable support and perspective, helping young people navigate challenges and make informed decisions about their future.
Training and Employment Readiness
This category includes initiatives that provide recognized training, work experience through placements or internships, and opportunities for volunteering. Activities that prepare students for the job market, such as resume writing workshops and interview practice, are also supported.
Leadership Development
Activities that promote youth participation and build leadership skills are a key focus. This can involve encouraging young people to take on decision-making roles, engage in civic activities, and develop peer mentoring capabilities within their communities.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
The program also funds projects that offer experiential learning, creative development, and community-based initiatives. Skills-building workshops and practical programs that allow students to learn by doing are highly valued. The Victorian Government is particularly interested in innovative and inclusive projects that boost student engagement and overall well-being.
Key Priorities of the Program
The Future Ready initiative is built around three core youth development priorities: Education, Employment, and Training; Youth Participation and Inclusion; and Identity, Confidence, and Connection.
Education, Employment, and Training
This priority area focuses on supporting young people in achieving their goals through clear pathways in education, vocational training, and employment. It also includes opportunities for volunteering, which can provide valuable experience and networking.
Youth Participation and Inclusion
The program seeks to ensure young people feel respected, heard, and included in decision-making processes that affect them. This fosters a sense of agency and encourages active citizenship from an early age.
Identity, Confidence, and Connection
This priority supports programs that help young people develop a strong sense of personal identity, cultural connection, and community belonging. Building confidence and resilience is also a central aim, equipping them to face future challenges.
Who Can Apply for Future Ready Grants?
The Future Ready Program is open to specific types of organizations that work directly with secondary school students in Victoria. Eligible applicants include government secondary schools, not-for-profit community organizations, and social enterprises that partner with government secondary schools. Collaborative projects that bring together schools and community groups are particularly encouraged, as they can offer a more holistic approach to youth development.
Program Duration and Application Timeline
Funded activities will span two full school years, 2027 and 2028. This extended period allows for the development of sustainable programs with measurable long-term impact. Applications are currently open and will close on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Interested organizations are advised to prepare their applications well in advance of the deadline to ensure all requirements are met. An information session will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, to provide guidance on eligibility, application preparation, and assessment criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Future Ready 2027-2028 Program?
It’s a Victorian Government initiative offering grants to support secondary school students’ development through education, leadership, and personal growth programs over two years.
How much funding is available through the Future Ready grants?
Organizations can apply for grants ranging from AUD $24,000 to AUD $168,000 to support their youth programs.
What types of activities are eligible for funding?
Eligible activities include mentoring, training for employment, leadership development, and hands-on learning experiences designed to benefit secondary students.
Who can apply for these grants?
Applications are open to government secondary schools, not-for-profit community organizations, and social enterprises that partner with government secondary schools.
