Annual Open Grant Program for Young People’s Positive Futures (Australia)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Annual Open Grant Program supports Australian organisations working with young adults aged 16–24 who are experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage as they transition towards independence. The program is an initiative of the Gandel Foundation and focuses on supporting vulnerable and marginalised young people facing interconnected challenges such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, trauma, and health issues. Eligible organisations can receive grants of up to $50,000 for projects or programs lasting up to one year.

About the Annual Open Grant Program

The Annual Open Grant Program is designed to address the complex challenges faced by young adults as they move from adolescence towards independent lives. While many young people successfully navigate this transition, those experiencing multiple and interconnected disadvantages may face significant barriers to: - Wellbeing. - Social participation. - Economic engagement. - Independence. - Access to opportunities. The program supports organisations providing targeted assistance to young adults who need additional support during important transition periods. Who Does the Program Support? The grant round focuses on young people aged 16–24 who are experiencing significant disadvantage. Priority is given to organisations working with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised young people, including those: - Leaving out-of-home care. - Exiting the justice system. - Finishing formal education. - Transitioning into employment. - Experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage. - Moving towards greater independence. The program aims to help these young adults overcome barriers and realise their potential. Types of Disadvantage Addressed The program recognises that young people may experience several interconnected challenges at the same time.

Examples include:

- Poverty. - Homelessness. - Substance use. - Trauma. - Health challenges. - Other forms of significant disadvantage. Projects should directly address the needs of young adults experiencing these challenges. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $50,000.

Key funding details include:

- Maximum grant: $50,000.

- Maximum project period: 1 year.

- Target beneficiaries: Young adults aged 16–24.

- Purpose: Projects or programs that directly assist young people experiencing significant disadvantage.

Funding is intended to support activities that provide direct assistance to the target group. Who Can Apply? The program is open to eligible Australian organisations that meet the required registration and tax-deductibility conditions.

Applicants must:

- Be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). - Hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 status at the time of application. - Be applying for a project or program that directly assists young adults aged 16–24 experiencing significant disadvantage. Organisations should ensure that they meet these requirements when submitting an application. One Application Per Organisation Only one application per organisation will be accepted. Organisations should therefore identify and submit their strongest eligible project or program rather than submitting multiple applications. What Projects Can the Grant Support? Funding is intended for projects or programs that directly assist young adults aged 16–24 experiencing significant disadvantage. Proposed activities should demonstrate how they will help young people navigate important transition points and address barriers to wellbeing, social participation, economic engagement, or independence.

Organisations should clearly explain:

- The young people they intend to support. - The disadvantages they are experiencing. - The proposed project or program. - How the activities will directly assist participants. - How the project will help young adults during their transition towards independence. - The expected benefits for the target group. Focus on Critical Transition Points The Annual Open Grant Program places particular emphasis on young people going through important changes in their lives.

These may include:

- Leaving out-of-home care. - Moving out of the justice system. - Completing formal education. - Entering employment. - Transitioning towards independent living. Support at these stages can help young adults navigate challenges and access opportunities as they move towards greater independence. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly demonstrate the need for their proposed project or program and explain how it will directly benefit disadvantaged young adults. A strong application should clearly describe: - The target group. - The forms of disadvantage affecting the young people. - The transition challenges they face. - The proposed activities. - How the project provides direct support. - How the project addresses barriers to wellbeing, social participation, or economic engagement. - The expected outcomes for participating young adults. The proposal should maintain a clear connection between the identified needs and the assistance being requested. Key Facts About the Annual Open Grant Program

- Program: Annual Open Grant Program

- Foundation: Gandel Foundation

- Country: Australia

- Target group: Young adults aged 16–24

- Focus: Multiple and significant disadvantage

- Maximum funding: $50,000

- Maximum duration: 1 year

- Priority groups: Young people leaving out-of-home care, exiting the justice system, finishing formal education, or transitioning to employment

- Eligible organisations: Australian organisations registered with ACNC and holding DGR Item 1 status

- ACNC registration: Required

- DGR status: DGR Item 1 required at application

- Applications per organisation: One

- Funding purpose: Projects or programs directly assisting disadvantaged young adults

Frequently Asked Questions About the Annual Open Grant Program What is the Annual Open Grant Program? The Annual Open Grant Progra